CUA30720
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

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Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

The fee you pay at TasTAFE will depend on the course you choose and may vary depending on the level of government subsidy available, the cost of delivery, any previous study you have undertaken and/or your personal circumstances.

Our fee estimator will give you an indication of the type of fee you might expect to pay, but is intended as a guide only and doesn’t include other costs associated with your course. Please contact us on 1300 655 307 to confirm your fee.

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Back to Arts & Design

Course overview

Back to Arts & Design

Locations

Online
Online

Attendance options

Full-time

Study type

Online

2025 Tuition fees

Subsidised $ 1,380.00
Concession* $ 400.00
Commercial $ 7,925.00

Additional fees may apply. For more information, see Fees, payments and other costs.

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Please note: The course overview is intended as a guide only. Not all courses are available at all locations or through all study types and attendance options. Please check Locations, Dates and Times below or enquire for further information.

Gain a broad introduction to the fundamentals of design and visual literacy, and set yourself on a pathway to further study or a career in a range of design and creative industries disciplines.

This course is the perfect starting point for you to learn basic design and digital literacy skills, and gain the practical skills and knowledge you need to communicate creative ideas.

This course is designed specifically as a pathway to higher level Creative Industries qualifications, and will provide you with an opportunity to create a portfolio to use for career advancement and/or entry into tertiary education studies.

In this course, you will learn how to produce drawings to communicate ideas, as well as explore colour, and apply the creative design process to create storyboards, posters, digital presentations and promotional material.

You’ll also learn how to source and apply design industry knowledge and use a range of digital media skills and platforms – including social media – to present your ideas. These digital skills will enhance your employability in entry level roles across a broad range of the creative industries and corporate sectors.

This course is delivered via a blended learning model, where you will participate in webinars, real-time discussions, and self-directed study (such as blogging, private research, library, email, practical and assessment preparation). You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in two regional face-to-face workshops if you want to get together in person with your fellow students. These workshops are optional.

On successful completion of this course, you will have the skills you need to either seek employment in entry level roles such as a Junior Designer, or continue on to further study in creative industry courses such as Graphic Design, Interior Decoration, Web Technologies, Visual Arts, and Applied Fashion.

This course is the perfect starting point for you to learn basic design and digital literacy skills, and gain the practical skills and knowledge you need to communicate creative ideas.

Locations, dates & times

Campus	Date	Attendance/Duration	Study type	Apply/Enquire
Online
Online	3 Feb 2025 - 19 Jul 2025	Full-time Full Time. 23 weeks of study fully online, 15-20 hours per week. Weekly webinars recorded for flexible access.	Online	Apply now

Entry

There are no entry requirements for this Qualification

As part of the application process, and before being offered a place in the course, a member of our Team will contact you to discuss if this course aligns with your goals and aspirations, and to ensure that you are fully informed and understand the course requirements.

Fees, payments and other costs

Your tuition fees cover the basic materials needed for your course, but may not cover items such as text books, workbooks, uniform, online learning resources or personal protective clothing. Depending on your course, there may also be other expenses that you need to budget for.

For courses undertaken in 12 months or less, you will be invoiced the full course fee (including any other essential fees associated with your course).

*For courses studied over multiple years, your course and other fees will be split over the years of study, with the concession fee being charged on a yearly basis. At the time of enrolment you will be invoiced for the first year’s fees. An invoice will be raised in each subsequent year around the same time as your ‘enrolment anniversary’.

Further information on fees, payments and other costs.

Recognition of prior learning and skills

It makes sense that you should be recognised for the things you already know how to do.

TasTAFE can assess your skills and knowledge based on your previous education, work history or life experience – which may help you to gain your qualification a whole lot faster!

More information on the recognition process is available on our recognition of prior learning and skills page.

Assessment methods

Assessments are designed to help you demonstrate the skills and knowledge you learn in your course and are an essential part of your training. Assessments allow us to confirm that you can perform tasks to the standard required in the workplace, and that you can meet all of the requirements of your course.

While studying at TasTAFE, you may be assessed in a number of different ways. Some common assessment methods include:

completing workplace documents
observations on the job and/or in a simulated assessment environment
quizzes/multiple choice tests
research projects
tests – written or practical
verbal questioning
work samples
written assignments or short answers.

Desirable skills & attributes What you will need

There are different requirements depending on the course you are enrolled in.

Generally, it is recommended that you have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. TasTAFE has computers available for student use during normal business hours, at all major campuses.

For classes, please be prepared with standard items such as: pens, notebook or paper, USB.

You may also need to bring specific equipment, tools or personal protective equipment, your teacher will let you know.

For this course, you will need:

Access to the Internet
USB
Smartphone
Digital Camera
Laptop, desktop or tablet device
Journal/visual diary
Art Stationery - lead pencils, coloured pencils, black marker pens, paints, sticky tape, scissors, craft knife, pencil sharpener, eraser, kitchen paper, drawing paper, watercolour paper, jam jar, Glue, ruler, stapler, A4 plastic pockets and ring binder/folder
Textbook: Conscious Creativity, The Workbook, by Philippa Stanton
Textbook: The Sketchbook Idea Generator, by Jennifer Orkin Lewis
Textbook: You are an Artist, Assignments to spark creation, by Sarah Urist Green
Textbooks are optional.

Outcome and units

On successful completion of this course you will receive a CUA30720 - Certificate III in Design Fundamentals.

Below is a list of all core and elective units that TasTAFE offers in this course. The selection of units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend and the qualification packaging rules. For further information refer to training.gov.au.

Core units
CUAACD311	Produce drawings to communicate ideas
CUADES201	Follow a design process
CUADES301	Explore the use of colour
CUADES302	Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
CUADES304	Source and apply design industry knowledge
CUAPPR311	Produce creative work
CUAWHS312	Apply work health and safety practices

Elective units
BSBTEC303	Create electronic presentations
CUAPHI312	Capture photographic images
CUAPPR312	Document the creative work progress
CUAWRT301	Write content for a range of media
ICPPRP2210	Select and apply type

Information Session

Career opportunities

Junior Designer (fashion, graphic, UX/UI, web, visual, interior)
Exhibition Assistant
Gallery Assistant
Art/craft Retail Assistant

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Information Session

Career opportunities

Junior Designer (fashion, graphic, UX/UI, web, visual, interior)
Exhibition Assistant
Gallery Assistant
Art/craft Retail Assistant

Save course

Share course

We’re here to help…

At TasTAFE, we understand that everyone's journey is different and sometimes you might need some extra support to achieve your study or career goals.

Whether you are at the very start of your training, returning to study after a long break, or looking to upskill in a specific area, we're here to help you to be successful in your chosen field of study, apprenticeship or traineeship.

Our student support services are available for all students, and aim to provide the support you need to make your learning experience just that little bit easier.

Find out more about what support is available

RTO 60142. CRICOS 03041M.

CUA30720 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Course overview

Locations

Attendance options

Study type

2025 Tuition fees

Locations, dates & times

Information Session

Career opportunities

Information Session

Career opportunities

We’re here to help…

CUA30720
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals