Course description
Are you in secondary school and eager to develop your creative design skills? Dive into a world where your imagination meets technical expertise with our Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Design Basics). This qualification is perfect for those who want to explore a broad spectrum of technical and conceptual design skills, taking charge of their own creative projects and learning journey.
In this course, you'll immerse yourself in the essentials of design, grounded in introductory design theory and history. You'll master the foundational skills of design, with hands-on practice in planning, layout, creative design, and 3D modelling. With a focus on digital and technical design skills, you'll learn to interpret, respond to, create, and present a variety of design briefs, preparing you for a dynamic career in creative design.
This course lays the groundwork for an exciting career in the design field, such as interior design, fashion, landscape design, floristry, jewellery, building design (drafting) and architecture. Embark on a creative adventure and turn your passion into a profession!
Upon completing the course, you can pathway into the Diploma of Graphic Design, or the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural), giving you a head start in your educational journey.
Gordon VCE / VCE VM Students
If you are studying your full VCE or VCE-VM program at The Gordon you can include a VETDSS course as part of your VCE program. Apply for a VETDSS course.
Important Information:
- Your entry requirements and assessments will differ as you will be studying your VCE with The Gordon.
- Fees APPLY for this course – see the Fees section below.
- This course may be delivered under VETDSS as a partial qualification.
Possible career outcomes
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Fashion Design
- Architecture/Building Design
- Digital Media/Advertising
- Creative Arts & Media
- Furniture making
Applications & attendance
Applications for this course are not currently open.
Please contact customer service on 1300 769 279 during business hours to discuss upcoming intake dates.
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Selection mode
- Secondary school referral
- Via the VETDSS department
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply work health and safety practices | CUAWHS312 | 30 |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms | CUADES302 | 60 |
| Explore the use of colour | CUADES301 | 50 |
| Follow a design process | CUADES201 | 50 |
| Produce creative work | CUAPPR311 | 45 |
| Produce drawings to communicate ideas | CUAACD311 | 90 |
| Source and apply design industry knowledge | CUADES304 | 20 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Evaluate the nature of design in a specific industry context | CUADES202 | 30 |
| Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | CUADES303 | 60 |
| Make scale models | CUAACD314 | 50 |
| Produce computer-aided drawings | CUAACD312 | 60 |
| Source and apply information on the history and theory of design | CUADES305 | 65 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Portfolio (work samples)
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.68 | per hour | 610 | AUD $415.00 | AUD $4,920.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $3.40 | per hour | 610 | AUD $2,074.00 | AUD $4,920.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $12.50 | per hour | 610 | AUD $7,625.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Levy | AUD $91.50 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design
- 22627VIC Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.