Australian Accredited · CUA40720 · 15 months · Self-paced
The CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design is an Australian government-accredited qualification, delivered fully online by The Graphic Design School (RTO #91706). You complete 12 modules over up to 15 months at your own pace. Every assignment is graded by a working designer. On completion, you hold a nationally-recognised qualification listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Australian Accredited · CUA40720 · 15 months · Self-paced
CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design
The CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design is an Australian government-accredited qualification, delivered fully online by The Graphic Design School (RTO #91706). You complete 12 modules over up to 15 months at your own pace. Every assignment is graded by a working designer. On completion, you hold a nationally-recognised qualification listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Yes intensive. We know what you need to know in order to be a designer, a smart one. So we don’t take any short cuts. Others may teach from a text book, or from a stream of videos. We don’t.
We have designed our CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design course to be a comprehensive qualification in graphic design. You will cover 12 modules during the course and be issued a CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design qualification after successfully completing the course.
We teach a mixture of what we call ‘OLD SCHOOL’ meets ‘NEW SCHOOL’ techniques that get to the core of what it means to be a real designer: an understanding of the culture of design combined with the techniques of a solid design process, from design brief to idea generation, sketching, layout, comp and finishing in the Adobe Suite.
Portfolio + qualification + alumni network
Twelve assessed modules, every one producing deliverable work. Your final module is a portfolio build. By completion you have a body of work to show employers, freelance clients, or a university admissions panel.
CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design — issued by TGDS as an RTO registered with ASQA, listed on training.gov.au, and recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Every graduate joins an active alumni forum. Alumni hire alumni — several current students found their first freelance gigs through other students.
Our Certificate IV is accepted as a pre-requisite for specialised design study (Diploma, Bachelor in some pathways). Some government and Austudy-eligible roles require the qualification — a skills-only course wouldn't cover you.
We don't make employment guarantees. Career outcomes depend on your work, market conditions, and your willingness to put yourself out there. What we do guarantee: if you complete the course, you finish with a portfolio and a nationally-recognised qualification.
This course is ideal for someone who wishes to obtain a qualification for their skills. Being a portfolio based industry; we feel your skills are the most important aspect to your design training. Whether you need the qualification or not is entirely a personal choice. That’s why we run the qualification and the non-qualification courses!
Some students have no immediate plans to undertake further study, yet think it wise for them to keep their options open. Courses teaching specialisations within the design sector may require a qualification in design as a pre-requisite of entry.
A qualification is required by their employer. As we are Austudy approved, students wishing to obtain Austudy, may only do so if enrolled in the qualification. We are happy to have a chat to you about the differences in the courses in more detail too.
Some design employment opportunities lie within a branch of the government sector, where qualifications may be a necessity for employment.
Setting a schedule. Students have up to 15 months to complete the 12 modules. As the course is self-paced, you can decide how many hours a week you wish to concentrate on your study. An approximate guide is 750 hours to complete the 12 Modules.
The 12 modules within the course have been holistically designed around the 15 Units of Competency comprised in the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design training package.
Module 1 - Introduction to Graphic Design
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Module 1 offers an overview of what graphic design is and the immense professional opportunities it provides. Students will be inspired and enlightened whilst being taken on a journey to the great works of past and present iconic graphic designers. You will be introduced to the most popular designer sites encompassing work within the various industries that designers work in.
Definition: A definition of graphic design and its specialised industries.
History: The history of written communication from ancient to present times with visual examples of pivotal movements and designer work.
Specialities: Explanation of the various specialities within the industry of graphic design. An understanding of graphic design’s role in future industries.
Social Networks: Introduction to professional organisations and affiliations that will enrich the student’s understanding of the profession.
Module 2 - Design Basics
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In this module, students will begin putting design elements and principles into practice. Students will begin to make decisions using the visual language of a designer. By doing simple studies, this module will introduce students to Adobe Illustrator™ software.
Vocabulary: Design elements and principles.
Studies: Illustrated studies reinforcing the concepts and vocabulary of design. Refinement of final studies using Adobe Illustrator™ software.
Software: Introduction to vector-based computer software Adobe Illustrator™.
Module 3 - Introduction to Typography
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Typography is a critical skill to the graphic designer. In Module 3, students will get an overview of what typography is, and the integral role it plays in graphic design. They will learn the history and evolution of the alphabet and typographic design and will advance into basic theory and practice.
History: Students will be introduced to the evolution of the alphabet and letter-form design.
Vocabulary: Students will learn type families, type anatomy and type principles.
Studies: Students will learn how to illustrate the basic type families and apply tools to them.
Software: Students will learn typographic tools available in Adobe Illustrator™ software.
Module 4 - Colour
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In Module 4, students will learn the critical elements and principles of colour that create meaningful design. Students will be introduced to the relative theory of colour and will learn the vocabulary and tools needed to create and talk about colour design.
Vocabulary: Students will learn the vocabulary associated with colour theory.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based colour studies using templates provided.
Software: Students will learn the colour tools available in Adobe Illustrator™ software.
Module 5 - Advanced Typography
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In Module 5 students will advance their knowledge of typography by learning how to apply graphic design elements and principles to typographic design. All studies in this Module will be computer based.
Vocabulary: Students will learn advanced typographic theory and vocabulary.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic studies using templates provided.
Software: Students will learn advanced typographic tools available in Adobe Illustrator™.
Module 6 - Photography
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In Module 6 students will get an overview of photography. They will learn the basic tools they need to shoot photography as a graphic designer, will learn how graphic designer’s work with professional photographers and will learn how to source online stock photography. They will be introduced to pixel-based graphic design software Adobe Photoshop™.
Vocabulary: Students will learn the tools and vocabulary associated with printing and photography.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing a studio style photoshoot. They will also create their first advert design.
Software: Students will learn basic photo manipulation tools Adobe Photoshop™ software.
Module 7 - Logotype Design
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In Module 7, students will use the tools they have learnt to create typographic systems. This is how dynamic logotypes are made. Students will be introduced to the creative process and will learn how to use it to create, analyse and manage concepts. They will also learn how to manipulate letterforms to create legible, well crafted, dynamic and meaningful word-marks.
Process: Students will learn the processes and tools associated needed to create meaningful design concepts.
Studies: Students will display a working knowledge of the concepts in this Module by completing several computer based typographic projects using templates provided.
Software: Students will use illustration and Adobe Illustrator™ software to illustrate, design and refine projects.
Module 8 - Design Systems I
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Module 8 is all about systems. Students will begin to show a command for design principles by creating a graphic interpretation of an organic subject. This project reinforces the creative process and the integral part that research plays in concept and design. Students will use illustration and Adobe Illustrator™ software to develop their marks.
Process: Students will follow the creative process to define their own goals for the projects in the Module.
Studies: Students will conceptualise, develop and refine design systems based upon an organic form of their choosing. They will further this knowledge by creating an iconic system.
Software: Students will use advanced Adobe Illustrator™ software knowledge to illustrate, design & refine projects.
Module 9 - Layout Design
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In Module 9, students will learn the essential elements of composition and layout design. Students will create dynamic typographic compositions in multi-page layout programme, Adobe InDesign™.
Vocabulary: Students will reinforce vocabulary from earlier modules that applies to typographic layout.
Studies: Students will learn how to manipulate typographic principles to create dynamic layout design.
Software: Students will be introduced to Adobe InDesign™.
Module 10 - Design Systems II
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In Module 10, students will begin to make their own decisions to create professional quality, self-guided work.
Students will now have a good knowledge Adobe Illustrator™, Photoshop™ and InDesign™. They will know the strengths and weaknesses of each graphic design programme. They will also have the ability to brainstorm and create their own design and communication goals for their projects. This Module will allow students to analyse previous work and rework it into real-world projects for their first graphic design portfolio.
Projects: An instrumental module in the course. Students will deepen their knowledge of working with the design brief and idea generation. Design a complex corporate identity system, package design project and design campaign.
Software: Students will identify which programmes are right for each design task from the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
Module 11 - Preparing your Portfolio
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Module 11 will teach students the importance of marketing themselves and their work. Students will begin to refine their professional portfolio; design a personal identity system, learn basic professional practices and how to further their design education.
Resources: Students will be introduced to various graphic design job resources.
Studies: Students will learn how to design a personal identity system, and create a professional graphic design portfolio with a design system in place.
Software: Students will use the appropriate software for the projects.
Module 12 - Refining you Portfolio
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This module appears in the CUA40720 Certificate IV upgrade and full course only.
Projects: A fantastic opportunity to take you tutors feedback from the module 11 portfolio and rework and refine in the portfolio refinement project. Students will produce a resume and cover letter using a personal design system based on their identity. Students will undergo an industry consultation of a chosen work in a guided fashion. Students will also undergo Copyright in design and WHS assessments.
Software: Students will identify which programmes are right for the each design task by using both Adobe Photoshop™, InDesign™ and/or Illustrator™ for their projects.
A breakdown of these modules can be found on the Course Curriculum page of this site. The 12 modules within the course have been holistically designed around the 15 Units of Competency comprised in the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design training package.
core Units of Competency
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Apply critical thinking to work practices
Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
Generate design solutions
Interpret and respond to a design brief
Apply work health and safety practices
Integrate colour theory and design processes
Realise a creative project
elective Units of Competency
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Explore the use of colour
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
Source and apply design industry knowledge
Use typography techniques
Research and apply graphic design techniques
Capture images in response to a brief
Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
“The course is engaging, fun, and informative. The level of support from tutors and even other students is amazing. I had zero experience going into this and now I am producing work I’m genuinely proud of.”
“I came away with a well-rounded understanding of graphic design. The best part of studying here was having access to tutors via the forum, who always gave helpful advice and feedback on my work. The support team was also great.”
“I finished the course with a cheeky three-month break in between so it’s totally doable, even if life gets in the way. The tutors were amazing — always active on the forum, super helpful, and great at breaking things down in a way that made sense.”
How much are the courses?
Here's a nicely laid out page with our payments and payment plans prices page. For full payment terms and refund conditions, see our Fees & Payments handbook page.
What is the criteria for enrolling?
You must be 18 and over.
We like to talk to all students before they enrol, choosing the right course requires a tailored approach. Reach out to us via email or if you're a Chatty Cathy (take's one to know one) request a callback in the form found in our footer.
If you've read this website backwards and forwards and would like the more nitty-gritty stuff, our support page is where the nits and grits live.
Web design students must be qualified graphic designers or experience developers to enrol, if you are unsure about your eligibility please contact us.
Do I need previous experience?
There’s no need to have any prior knowledge for our graphic design courses. We'll teach you from the ground up you’ll gain all the knowledge and skills you need to become a graphic designer, as well as learning the major design software packages Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
Please note the Design@Work course teaches only InDesign.
Web design students must be qualified graphic designers or experience developers to enrol, if you are unsure about your eligibility please contact us. If you're unsure whether online study suits you, work through our Am I Ready to Study Online? self-assessment first.
How do I enrol?
Enrolment is easy, you may enrol any day of the year. Be online and studying within a matter of seconds after enrolling through our enrolments page.
If you need an invoice or a quote before you enrol, please contact our accounts team.
When can I start my studies?
You may enrol any day of the year. Be online and studying within a matter of seconds after enrolling through our enrolments page.
Will I graduate with a portfolio?
In Module 11 of the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design course you will focus on creating your portfolio.
Want to see what other students have produced in their portfolio? Check out our student work.
What will this course be assessing?
You can read about what will we will be looking for in your assignments in our Student Handbook. For the full assessment process — competency-based grading, tutor feedback, resubmissions — see how assessments work.
What are my responsibilities?
The responsibilities outline for students of The Graphic Design School is outlined on our Checklist page. See Student Responsibilities for the full list — honest work, respectful conduct, and how we handle it when things go wrong.
How will I interact with my tutor?
Our tutors grade and give valuable feedback on all of your assignments. Tutors are accessible via our incredible forum, should you need a point of contact (or a few) prior to submitting your assessments.
Tutor
Danny has over 15 years’ experience in advertising, visual communication and filmmaking.
“I grade assignments at night, from the same studio I'm running sports media campaigns in by day. If something you're working on wouldn't survive a client meeting, I'll tell you — because that's the conversation you'll be having six months from now.”
Tutor
Lee-Anne worked for top advertising agencies including TBWA before being headhunted by Virgin in London, where she spent 7 years as an in-house designer.
“I still freelance for international clients while tutoring at TGDS. Everything I'm seeing in the market — the shift to design systems, the motion requirements, the AI tools designers now deal with — it feeds back into how I grade and what I tell students to focus on.”
Tutor
Paloma is a Senior Designer and Art Director who started her career in London working with international and European brands.
“Feedback is where the learning actually happens. I'll take the time to tell you what's working and what isn't — properly, not just 'looks good'. It takes longer to write but you leave the module knowing why, not just what.”
Tutor
Toni has three decades of experience in design and communications.
“I've taught at four universities, run my own practice, and worked in healthcare design. What I've learned is that good teaching isn't about being the cleverest person in the room. It's about noticing where a student is stuck and asking the one question that unlocks the next step.”
“Keep on practising, you won’t be a professional in a day.”
“I find design really fulfilling because it bridges my creative side and passion to work in a field that can create a positive impact.”
“Graphic Design doesn’t feel like work, it is challenging your creative brain constantly, and the best thing is you can never use up creativity, the more you use it, the more creative you will become.”
Weighing this against other design courses? See how TGDS compares on value, outcomes and accreditation.
You can enrol any day of the year. As we are online and training is self paced, there is no pressure. Enrol when you are ready to start, from anywhere in the world.
Click the link below to check out our flexible payment plans!
