91456NSW Certificate IV Graphic Design Foundation

Qualification: Certificate IV
TAFE NSW Course Number: 19210

This course is for people who want to acquire the knowledge and practical skills required to work creatively as a junior or assistant graphic designer in the design department of a large company or professional design studio. It is for people with a strong creative flair for visual communications who want to produce graphic design in a commercial context.You will learn how to creatively resolve 2D and 3D design problems, manipulate and extend design concepts and contextualise them within design processes, individually and in collaboration with others.

You will conduct research, source and manage information and its effective communication. You will learn how to produce creative design solutions taking into account the historical, social, environmental and ethical issues affecting design. You will explore a range of manual and digital technologies, media, typography and techniques.

Career Opportunities: Very limited for graduates at this level. Graduates can seek employment as junior assistant designers or finished artists in the graphic arts, graphic design or related industries; or in the graphics departments of government departments or large corporations.

Learners who have completed all or part of any of the following courses will receive credit for any equivalent units/modules they have successfully completed.
- CUV30303 Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
- CUV40303 Certificate IV in Design
- 91007NSW Certificate IV in Graphic Design Foundation

Further career development in graphic design and related areas can be achieved through subsequent study at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level courses in a range of areas. Graduates of this course may be eligible to apply for entry into the following TAFE NSW courses:
- 91457NSW Diploma of Graphic Design and Communication
- CUF50207 Diploma of Interactive Digital Media
- 91430NSW Advanced Diploma of Design and Illustration Skills.

Entry Requirements: The entry requirement for this course is completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate or a relevant Certificate III qualification, or equivalent.

Student selection : Your selection into this course will be based on the information provided on the TAFE NSW Application Form, the results from an aptitude test and the submission of a portfolio.

Portfolio: In the case of the portfolio, the number of samples submitted should be a minimum of ten (10) pieces. The samples submitted must demonstrate knowledge, skills and ability relevant to graphic design. A panel of at least three teachers will assess your test and portfolio. All work submitted for the aptitude test and portfolio must be your own and must be original - that is, the work should not contain the work of others. If the work is too large to submit or is an installation piece, a copy may be submitted as long as the work is authenticated. You should seek advice from the campus you are applying to regarding more detailed information on the aptitude test and portfolio requirements.

Selection Criteria: Your application will be assessed using the following selection criteria:
1. Strong drawing or image-making skills
2. An imaginative use of media (at least two different media should be demonstrated)
3. Individuality of expression
4. A creative approach to problem solving
5. The ability to develop design solutions
6. A well developed sense of colour appreciation
7. Clean and accurate skills in the presentation of work
8. Ability to comply with the requirements of the selection process
9. A successful result in the selection test or submission of portfolio

Units
Core Units:
BSBDES202A	Evaluate the nature of design in a specific industry context
BSBDES301A	Explore the use of colour
BSBDES302A	Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
BSBDES304A	Source and apply design industry knowledge
CUFDIG304A	Create visual design components
CUFRES401A	Conduct research
CUVCOR03B	Develop, refine and communicate concept for own work
CUVCOR04B	Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCRS03B	Produce computer-aided drawings
CUVCRS05B	Use typography techniques for design work
CUVDSP07B	Research and apply techniques for graphic design
ICAU3126B	Use advanced features of computer applications
NSWTFAC101A	Apply basic studio practices
Electives: Contact the campus for details

Applying and enrolling:

Semester 2, 2009: Places may be available in some units. Contact the campus for details.

Campuses:

Kingscliff - 02) 6674 7200.
Port Macquarie - (02) 6560 2900.

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Applying and Enrolling:

Semester 1, 2010: TAFE NSW Statewide Application form. Apply now! Applications received after 30 October 2009 will be considered if places are available.

Port Macquarie - Full-time, 18 hours per week for 36 weeks, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9.00 am - 3.30 pm.
Information Session: Thursday 26 November 2009, 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm in E Block.
For more information contact the campus on (02) 6560 2900.
Information sheet, Port Macquarie Campus, Semester 1 2010 (PDF1220KB)

Kingscliff - 3 days per week for 36 weeks, Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9.00 am - 4.00 pm.
For more information contact the campus on (02) 6674 7200.
Information sheet, Kingscliff Campus, Semester 1 2010 (PDF 269KB)

This course is for people who want to acquire the knowledge and practical skills required to work creatively as a junior or assistant graphic designer in the design department of a large company or professional design studio.