Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 2:00pm on Sunday 15 December to 6:00pm on Sunday 15 December.

    National code: CUA40720

    Certificate IV in Design

    Ask a question

    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.

    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.

    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

    • Interpret and respond to a design briefCUADES412

    • Generate design solutionsCUADES411

    • Source and apply information on the history and theory of designCUADES305

    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 15 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 Trade and Logistics

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol