Beginner-friendly · 12 months · Self-paced · Certificate of Completion
Beginner-friendly · 12 months · Self-paced · Certificate of Completion
Intensive Foundation Course
Regardless of your skill set we will start you from scratch and give you the mad skillz you need in order to practice design at a professional level.
You will complete the course with a well-rounded portfolio showcasing your skills.
This course is for people who want to become graphic designers yet do not feel they need a government accredited qualification to do so.
The graphic design industry is reputed to be an industry based on portfolio. This considered, The Graphic Design School believes that offering an alternate to the government accredited qualification pathway offers students the flexibility to undertake study without the price tag attached to a qualification. If you need the qualification for your skills see the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design Course.
Portfolio-focused, skills-first
Eleven assessed modules producing real deliverables. Same assessment rigour as the Cert IV — minus the ASQA-compliance paperwork. By completion you have a body of work to show employers, freelance clients, or a Cert IV assessor.
TGDS-issued, dated, with your tutor's name and modules covered. Not government-accredited — but industry recognises what TGDS training represents, and the portfolio speaks for itself.
If you later decide you need the formal CUA40720 qualification, the Upgrade module takes care of the remaining ASQA requirements. You don't re-do the course. Your IFC work counts.
Same alumni forum as Cert IV students. IFC and Cert IV graduates work alongside each other across studios, freelance, and in-house design roles.
Certificate of Completion is a TGDS-issued document. It is not a nationally-recognised qualification. If you need an AQF-recognised credential (for Austudy, certain government roles, or university admissions), choose the Cert IV.
Setting a schedule? Students have up to 12 months to complete the 11 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 700 hours to complete the 11 modules.
One of the biggest reasons to undertake design study is to enable you to visually communicate in the most clear, concise (and of course most beautiful) way. Whether you are looking to undertake design for a career change or to better communicate in your current career. The Intensive Foundation Course offers students an affordable and thorough ‘toe in’ to the incredible world that is graphic design.
We have stripped the ‘fussy’ stuff involved in achieving a qualification (WHS for example) from the Intensive Foundation Course, the 11 Modules you will undertake are all about design, design, design, design. No need to learn how to report a broken nail to a Safety Marshal in this course!
If you don’t think you will need a qualification for your current or future roles then this is the course for you. If you change your mind at the end of the Intensive Foundation Course you have up to 6 months to decide to upgrade the qualification. Making this an excellent option. Oh and BTW, whether you are undertaking the full qualification or the Intensive Foundation Course, we love on you just the same, the same support, the same quality feedback, the same quality course content and access to everything.
The 11 modules within the course have been designed to nurture a full understanding of the philosophies and ideologies that underpin good graphic design, from the ground up!
Module 1 - Introduction to Graphic Design
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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
+
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.
“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.”
“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.”
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 Intensive Foundation 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.
Will I be able to upgrade to the qual?
Upon successful completion of the Intensive Foundation Course you may upgrade to the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design Course. The upgrade cost is the price difference between the two courses, as at today is $790AUD
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.”
“Always stay curious. Learn something new everyday and don’t be afraid to start doing something you never thought you could!”
“Never stop learning. Never. Having a curious, open mind for the rest of your life is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.”
“Introducing Raluca.”
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!
