OverviewAbout this course
Explore a creative career and learn the essentials of design principles in this exciting course. Depending on your campus location, specialise in general design, graphic design, fashion design, jewellery design and more.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Generate design solutions to meet client needs
Research and apply information using the history and theory of design
Work with colour processes and colour theory
Realise a creative project from start to finish
Be aware of the health and safety of yourself and others in the workplace
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Manage design projects to complete client briefs, utilising industry-specific programs, equipment and materials
Meet creative and commercial design needs
Collaborate with creative peers and establish a network of professional contacts
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
- There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Have Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
Have a strong interest in areas of creative design
The ability to draw and create graphics
A passion for creating visual designs, either hand-drawn on paper or through digital programs
Have good collaborative skills and are able to work on creative design in a team environment
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success
and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals
Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals create visual two- and three-dimensional concepts and forms through painting, drawing, carving, sculpting, modelling, printmaking, video, multimedia, found objects, ephemera, soundscapes and other media to communicate concepts and ideas.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
52%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
2,700 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
49 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$920
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
46 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
High to very high
Gender share
55% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Stable
Other jobs include: junior graphic design assistant, interior design assistant, jewellery design assistant, textile studio assistant, fashion studio assistant and gallery volunteer.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate IV in Design does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study5 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate IV in Design does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Design qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 7 core and 8 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Apply critical thinking to work practicesBSBCRT411
Integrate colour theory and design processesCUAACD411
Source and apply information on the history and theory of designCUADES305
Generate design solutionsCUADES411
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 28 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Screen, Media and Games