Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Program Overview

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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720)

Course Overview

Kick start your career in design with this entry-level course. This qualification will prepare you to work as a Junior Graphic Design Assistant and provide you the fundamental skills you need to undertake further studies in the field.

What can I do?

• Junior Graphic Design Assistant
• Design Assistant
• Junior Interior Design
• Decorator Assistant

Course outcome:

CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Innovative teaching staff

Our courses are delivered by passionate industry experts with years of experience in the graphic design industry. Our teachers understand the technical aspects of the job and are ahead of the game in innovation and development, preparing you for the next big thing in the industry.

TAFE at School

Get a head start on your career while you're still at high school. Studying a certificate II or certificate III at school gets you a guaranteed spot in any diploma course at TAFE Queensland. It also counts toward your QCE, opens up pathways to university, and makes you job ready sooner.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.

Core units

• UNIT CODE: CUAACD311
  • UNIT NAME: Produce drawings to communicate ideas
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings that represent and communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form. It involves planning drawing work, experimenting with ideas and producing drawings.
• UNIT CODE: CUADES201
  • UNIT NAME: Follow a design process
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow a design process at a basic level, incorporating an element of problem solving to identify and resolve challenges that may hinder the process. It involves establishing the challenges faced in the design process, exploring different ideas for solutions and solving the associated challenges through implementation of solutions.
• UNIT CODE: CUADES301
  • UNIT NAME: Explore the use of colour
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory. It involves researching colour and colour theory, experimenting with different colours and colour-combinations and communicating different ideas using colour.
• UNIT CODE: CUADES304
  • UNIT NAME: Source and apply design industry knowledge
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to source, apply and update general knowledge of the design industry based on problem solving, aesthetics, materials and processes appropriately used within the design industry. It involves researching information on different features of the industry, applying it to one's own work practice, and remaining up-to-date on industry practices.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPPR311
  • UNIT NAME: Produce creative work
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce creative work in any media. Work is typically produced through exploration of ideas, techniques, tools, equipment and materials.
• UNIT CODE: CUAWHS312
  • UNIT NAME: Apply work health and safety practices
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including implementing safe work practices, participating in risk assessment and control, and following emergency procedures in the creative industries.
• UNIT CODE: CUADES302
  • UNIT NAME: Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and creatively apply the design process to the development of two-dimensional (2D) forms. It involves exploring ideas and the creative design process, and communicating different ideas through application of design processes to 2D forms.

Elective units

• UNIT CODE: CUADES411
  • UNIT NAME: Generate design solutions
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate design solutions in response to a particular design need.
• UNIT CODE: CUADIG304
  • UNIT NAME: Create visual design components
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create visual designs for interactive media components that can be integrated into a range of media products.
• UNIT CODE: CUAGRD312
  • UNIT NAME: Use typography techniques
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use typography techniques in design work.
• UNIT CODE: ICPPRP2210
  • UNIT NAME: Select and apply type
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake basic typesetting tasks, including selecting required fonts, fitting, and proofing final type.
• UNIT CODE: ICPPRP224
  • UNIT NAME: Produce pages using a page layout application
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to compose pages based on a client brief using a high-end application, and covers how to arrange basic elements on a page, finalise artwork and check quality.

Ways to study

• On campus
• TAFE at School

Choose your study location

• Greater Brisbane
• Gold Coast

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

View comparison chart

Campus

• South Bank
• Coomera

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

View comparison chart

CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY

• South Bank | On Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | 6 months | Full time 3 days per week |
  • Subsidised: $830
  • Full fee: $7,260
• Coomera | On Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | 6 months | Full time 2 days per week |
  • Subsidised: $830
  • Full fee: $7,260

TAFE at School

• South Bank | On Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | 4 terms | Part time 1 day per week |
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,650
• Coomera | On Campus | 02 Feb 2026 | 4 terms | Part time 1 day per week |
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,650

Studying on campus

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

Choosing to study a TAFE at School course

Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university. TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more

You must be a Year 11 or 12 student

You must be a Year 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school, in some instances Year 10 students may be considered. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.

Course placements are subject to availability

Course placements are subject to availability.

QCE points: up to 8

Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor, or visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.

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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720)

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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

COURSE CODE: CUA30720

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

You must have completed year 10 or equivalent. Enrolment Conditions apply for students under 17 years of age.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software. This equipment and software are available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some design resources and a portable external hard drive (500MG minimum). Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation. Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $260.

It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software. This software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Diploma of Graphic Design

Embrace your creative flair with this hands-on qualification. This comprehensive course is ideal for people wanting to work in the fast-paced world of graphic design, digital design and visual communications.

Careers

• Typesetter
• Creative Entrepreneur
• Illustrator
• Digital Artist
• Graphic Designer

Full Time : 1 year

Next Start : 14 Jul 2025