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# The Graphic Design School | Online Graphic Design Courses

The Graphic Design School™
Cheneeta Boothe - Graphic Designer
TGDS Graduate 2020
Online Courses
Whether you’re new to design, or a looking to boost your design credentials, there’s a course to suit your level, needs and career aspirations. Unleash your creativity and study at your own pace with the support of our highly qualified tutors.
Beginer Course
Intensive Foundation Course
Need some hefty design skills without the qual? Save a bit of dough with the IFC, cover the first 11 modules of the 12 module qual course here.
Australian Accredited Course
CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design
The government accredited CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design qualification is recognised by employers and industry groups Australia wide.
The Course Ethos
Online But Intensive
Yes intensive. We know what you need to know in order to be a designer, a smart one. So we don’t take any short cuts. Others may teach from a text book, or from a stream of videos. We don’t.
Design training designed by industry experts
We have designed our CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design course to be a comprehensive qualification in graphic design. You will cover 12 modules during the course and be issued a CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design qualification after successfully completing the course.
More Than Just Software Learning
We teach a mixture of what we call ‘OLD SCHOOL’ meets ‘NEW SCHOOL’ techniques that get to the core of what it means to be a real designer: an understanding of the culture of design combined with the techniques of a solid design process, from design brief to idea generation, sketching, layout, comp and finishing in the Adobe Suite.
Qualification
CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design
Duration
Up to 15 months
Hours
750 assessable
Pace
Self-paced
Accreditation
Nationally recognised · ASQA RTO #91706
What you walk away with
Portfolio + qualification + alumni network
Portfolio
Twelve assessed modules, every one producing deliverable work. Your final module is a portfolio build. By completion you have a body of work to show employers, freelance clients, or a university admissions panel.
Nationally-recognised qualification
CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design — issued by TGDS as an RTO registered with ASQA, listed on training.gov.au, and recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Alumni network
Every graduate joins an active alumni forum. Alumni hire alumni — several current students found their first freelance gigs through other students.
Recognised by employers and further study pathways
Our Certificate IV is accepted as a pre-requisite for specialised design study (Diploma, Bachelor in some pathways). Some government and Austudy-eligible roles require the qualification — a skills-only course wouldn't cover you.
We don't make employment guarantees. Career outcomes depend on your work, market conditions, and your willingness to put yourself out there. What we do guarantee: if you complete the course, you finish with a portfolio and a nationally-recognised qualification.
Portfolio & Qualification
The Certificate IV Qualification
This course is ideal for someone who wishes to obtain a qualification for their skills. Being a portfolio based industry; we feel your skills are the most important aspect to your design training. Whether you need the qualification or not is entirely a personal choice. That’s why we run the qualification and the non-qualification courses!
Further Study
Some students have no immediate plans to undertake further study, yet think it wise for them to keep their options open. Courses teaching specialisations within the design sector may require a qualification in design as a pre-requisite of entry.
Professional Development
A qualification is required by their employer. As we are Austudy approved, students wishing to obtain Austudy, may only do so if enrolled in the qualification. We are happy to have a chat to you about the differences in the courses in more detail too.
Employment Opportunities
Some design employment opportunities lie within a branch of the government sector, where qualifications may be a necessity for employment.
Self Paced Course
Setting a schedule. Students have up to 15 months to complete the 12 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 750 hours to complete the 12 Modules.
Course Outline
The 12 modules within the course have been holistically designed around the 15 Units of Competency comprised in the CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design training package.
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.
A definition of graphic design. An introduction to pivotal historic and contemporary designers. An introduction to the various specialities included in the graphic design profession. Introduction to online design resources that will inspire and enrich student’s education throughout the module.
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™.
A working knowledge of design elements and how to use them. A working knowledge of design principles and how to use them. An introduction to design vocabulary needed to evaluate solutions and communicate as a designer. Ability to manipulate space to communicate specific objectives.
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.
A knowledge of the evolution of the alphabet & letter-forms. A knowledge of the history of typographic design. An introduction to typographic vocabulary needed to communicate as a typographic designer. Ability to classify the different classifications of typography.
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.
A knowledge of different types of colour perception. An understanding of the colour vocabulary needed to communicate as a designer. An introduction to the colour theories needed to work with colour. Ability to manipulate colour using basic colour tools.
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™.
An expanded knowledge of type anatomy, tools and vocabulary. An introduction to the elements, principles and theories of design as they apply to typography. The ability to create letterforms, lines of type and body copy, using Adobe Illustrator™ software.
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.
An understanding of the basic tools for photography. An understanding of vocabulary, resolution and file formats. The ability to create an impacting photographic compositions. The ability to crop and manipulate photographs to enhance meaning. An introduction to layout and advert design.
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.
An understanding of the creative process. The ability to generate, analyse, edit and refine concepts. The development of a dynamic unified mark. The development of a typographic logotype.
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.
The ability to create, identify and refine advanced design systems. The ability to evaluate design decisions to enhance communication and simplify graphic systems. The development of a dynamic, unified organic form. The development of a unified series of icons. Working with the Adobe Illustrator™ tools in a more advanced way.
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™.
Advanced understanding of proportion and its application in layout design. The ability to create unified systems out of dissimilar elements. The ability to manipulate typographic tools to create dynamic layout. The development of a type and image project. An introduction to multi-page layout planning, design and software. The development of advanced typographic layout. The development of a multi-page magazine layout.
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.
The ability to define project goals. The ability to create a complex working design brief. The ability to critique, analyse and develop professional quality design. The development of corporate identity systems, packaging and design campaign.
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.
An introduction to career opportunities in graphic design. The ability to create and design a personal identity system. The ability to develop a healthy professional practice. The ability to create a design system and impactful portfolio.
Refining you Portfolio
This module appears in the CUA40725 Certificate IV upgrade and full course only.
Projects: A fantastic opportunity to take you tutors feedback from the module 11 portfolio and rework and refine in the portfolio refinement project. Students will produce a resume and cover letter using a personal design system based on their identity. Students will undergo an industry consultation of a chosen work in a guided fashion. Students will also undergo Copyright in design and WHS assessments. Software: Students will identify which programmes are right for the each design task by using both Adobe Photoshop™, InDesign™ and/or Illustrator™ for their projects.
The ability to critique, edit and refine work at a professional level. Further self analysis as a designer and how to implement this into a personal design system. The ability to take critique from design peers and implement changes to design according to critique. Making contact with prospective design employers. Understanding of WHS and Copyright within the context of the design field.
Units Of Competency
A breakdown of these modules can be found on the Course Curriculum page of this site. The 12 modules within the course have been holistically designed around the 15 Units of Competency comprised in the CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design training package.
BSBCRT411
Apply critical thinking to work practices
CUADES305
Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
CUADES411
Generate design solutions
CUADES412
Interpret and respond to a design brief
CUAWHS312
Apply work health and safety practices
CUAACD411
Integrate colour theory and design processes
CUAPPR411
Realise a creative project
CUADES301
Explore the use of colour
CUADES302
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
CUADES303
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
CUADES304
Source and apply design industry knowledge
CUAGRD312
Use typography techniques
CUAGRD411
Research and apply graphic design techniques
CUAPHI411
Capture images in response to a brief
CUAPHI403
Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
From zero experience to portfolio
“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.”
Tutor forum access
“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. The support team was also great.”
Flexible around life
“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 in a way that made sense.”
How much are the courses?
Here's a nicely laid out page with our payments and payment plans prices 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.
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 CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design 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 I need?
The complete list of the equipment requirements for the CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design is available on the FAQs page.
What will this course be assessing?
You can read about what will we will be looking for in your assignments in our Student Handbook.
What are my responsibilities?
The responsibilities outline for students of The Graphic Design School is outlined on our Checklist page.
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.
Practical Social Media
Design For Social Media
Social Media Design done the epic way, The Graphic Design School way. We focus on Design and Content with a peppering of practical marketing and strategy!
Workplace Design for Non Designers
Design@Work
Struggling to design at work with the wrong tools? The design course you do when you don't want to do a design course. Short & sweet!
Students
The TGDS Ethos
When we first started out there was hardly such a thing as online training. Over the past 13 years we have put our hearts & souls into teaching visual people how to learn design in a caring, supportive and inspiring environment. We’re kinda obsessed!
With a passion for art & design driving her, Phimong has now studied both Interior Design & Graphic Design!
Cherise now runs her own design company Joelle Studio, while enjoying beach days, chai tea, travelling & a good margi!
Meet Zoe! A new mum who loves her flexible lifestyle designing, surfing and growing her own veggies!
Introducing Pamela! A daydreamer who’s had a passion for all things creative since a young age.
When artist Alina moved from Germany to Australia, she decided to dive head first into the world of Graphic Design.
Check out how TGDS Graduate Pia applied her graphic design skills to founding her own company, Raw Design!
Check out the wonderful work TGDS Graduate Holly put together while she was studying with us!
Meet Aimee, lover of weird food combo’s and packaging design and amazing TGDS Graduate!
Nevin is a visual artist with a passion for developing amazing visual identities all rooted in cultural significance!
Meet Daniel a multi-disciplinary creative and self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie who mixes his love of all things outdoors into amazing design!
Caro is currently running her own design studio and encourages all her fellow designers listen to their passions and follow their calling!
Freelance Designer Fer is putting her skills to use crafting designs for local brands as well as her own clothing company!
Meet Lizzy, a Brand Designer, Lizzie loves to think of the strategy behind the brand. “The better the strategy and the more I know about the brand, the better the design!”
Australian graphic designer Laura loves the way she learnt to user her design eye to see the world differently.
Freelance brand designer Emmanuelle is living her dream with her own design business!
Graphic designer Eleni is a self-proclaimed knitting enthusiast, outdoorswoman and all round creative.
Raluca is a multi-disciplinary creative who joined TGDS to master the wide world of graphic design!
Designer and visual artist Cheneeta set our heads spinning with her amazing design campaigns and identities!
Tania is a Graphic and Fashion Designer absolutely killing it in both industries in the Montreal scene.
Erin loves developing dreamy identities for creative clients.
Designer and visual artist Anastasia did some absolutely incredible work while studying at TGDS!
Tamryn took her years of experience in the fashion industry into the digital sphere when she started studying with us.
Designer and artist Claire is doing amazing work in the design sphere.
After years of working in fashion, Monique is back in Sydney and working in her dream role as a graphic designer.
Check out some of Digital Learning and Visual Designer Elie's fantastic work he put together whilst studying with us!
Psychologist Armanda, along with a passion for human beings is in love with art in all it's forms, now a creative at an Ad agency.
Mum and TGDS graduate Jeraldene loved seeing all her hard work come together as she did some truly amazing design work.
Logan spends her days painting, calculating Pi, contemplating the mysteries of the universe and doing amazing design work!
TGDS graduate Jacqui is all about that moment when the design starts to come together.
Hailing all the way from the UK, Melbourne based Graphic Designer Gregory is the breath of fresh air that embraces everything that is modern design.
Caio loves layout design. exploring colour and claims Futura as being the typeface choice of the moment.
Designer and visual artist Becks has made her dream job a reality as a full time graphic designer.
Artist, musician and professional designer Gabor Mikus is creating amazing, new work every single day!
With an eye for design and a love for all things energetic, Ashley hit the Queensland design scene with a bang after graduating.
Graphic designer Amy is passionate about travel, dogs, reading and design! We know her for her eye of all things beautiful.
Angel studied from the foothills of the Great Smokeys where she was infused with inspiration, her TGDS work shows it, we have a crush!
Flexible Courses
Created for you. Our courses work around your life, study on your own terms at your own pace.
Government Accredited
Design is all about skills, but sometimes you need a qual. Check out our CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design course.
Continuous Support
Our students are our bread & butter, and support is our jam. Our Tutors and Support Angels are there to guide you.
Meet the TGDS Tutors
Paloma is a Senior Designer and Art Director who started her career in London working with international and European brands. Her experience spans branding, corporate identities, advertising campaigns, packaging, illustration and B2B marketing materials.
Paloma is an experienced designer. She would describe herself as busy exploring, collaborating and experimenting in the Creative Industries. As a Senior Designer and Art Director with a BVA in Graphic Design, a large amount of her experience was gained in London. She worked with international and European brands on a daily basis and has a passion for conceptual design that she shares with students. Her design experience includes branding and corporate identities, developing advertising campaigns, packaging, viral communications, illustration and B2B marketing materials.
Danny has over 15 years’ experience in advertising, visual communication and filmmaking. He has been Art Director of Surfing World Magazine and is the Creative Director of Three Crowns Media, Australia’s largest sports media company.
Danny has worked through the ranks as Art Director of Surfing World Magazine to end up in his current role as Creative Director of Three Crowns Media, Australia’s largest sports media company. If you ask Danny about being a designer he will tell you — working as a graphic designer doesn’t feel like work, it’s a big part of every aspect of my life and I have fun doing it. Danny’s portfolio boasts identity design for M/SF/T, Waves Magazine and Goodcheer, illustration and design for some of the most iconic surfing magazine covers, as well as photography and film direction. I am fortunate to be in a field where I can evolve with the changing philosophies and new technologies, and look ahead excitedly for what the field and its many opportunities will bring. Danny is an inspiring tutor with a relatable voice and a wealth of experience.
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. Her portfolio includes campaign work for Dove, Maybelline, Siemens, Sky UK and GlaxoSmithKline.
Lee-Anne studied Art and Graphic Design at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town, South Africa. She worked for some of the top advertising agencies, including TBWA, before being headhunted by Virgin to work in London as an in-house designer. She spent 7 years in London working for Virgin and as a successful freelance designer. Her portfolio includes campaign work for Dove, Maybelline, Siemens, Sky UK and GlaxoSmithKline, covering print, web and packaging design, as well as experiential marketing. Now located in Sydney, Australia, she continues working as a freelance graphic designer for her international clients, as well as in-house designer for The Graphic Design School. With her industry experience and keen eye for design, she strives to use her knowledge to inspire students to reach their full potential. When not in front of her Mac, you’ll find her on the yoga mat, seeking divine inspiration!
Toni has three decades of experience in design and communications. She has run her own practice, worked in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare sector, and taught typography and graphic design at several Australian universities.
Toni is returning to TGDS after designing in the health sector. She finds inspiration everywhere, from leaf shapes to nudibranch colours to gum tree textures. What keeps her passionate about teaching is working with students and their original ideas and enthusiasm. With three decades of experience in the design and communications industry, Toni has run her own practice, worked as a graphic designer in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare sector and taught typography, advertising, visual communication and graphic design at several universities throughout Australia. Toni studied Typography in London and Graphic Design in Victoria. Toni’s passion for teaching and learning, as well as inspiring her students, is what drives her motivation.
Our Community
The Best Peeps!
We’ve been blessed with the best student body in the world, we ask ourselves how did we get so lucky? We love our community and our community loves us, it’s a TGDS lovefest!
Here’s a bunch of frequently asked questions.
Help & Support
How much are the courses?
Here's a nicely laid out page with our payments and payment plans prices 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 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.
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 to pay the CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design course upfront you may only do so through a registered business (individuals must use the payment plan on the enrolments page). Please contact our accounts team with your full name and business details and we will issue you an invoice. 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 and the CUA40725 Certificate IV in Design course you will focus on creating your portfolio. Want to see what other students have produced in Module 11? Check out our student work.