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CUA31120

Certificate III in Visual Arts

Focus on Graphic Design

Begin your career in visual arts with this entry-level course that will provide you with the fundamentals of Graphic Design to work as a Junior Graphic Design Assistant. It will also give you the skills you need to undertake further studies.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Sunshine Coast
WAYS TO STUDY Online TAFE at School
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 06 Feb 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

$0
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$1,405
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$2,485
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,740
TAFE at School Full Fee

This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

$4,080
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Kick start your career in design with this entry-level course. This qualification will prepare you to work as a Junior Graphic Design Assistant and provide you the fundamental skills you need to undertake further studies in the field.

Research shows that creativity, communication and problem-solving will be the most desired skills in the future job market.

This qualification will give you the core skills needed to work in both the creative industries and in corporate settings. You will develop practical skills and knowledge to explore the use of colour, produce drawings and generate design solutions.

Our highly experienced and passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to prepare you for a career in media.

What can I do?

  • Design Assistant

Course outcome:

CUA31120 Certificate III in Visual Arts

Innovative teaching staff

Our courses are delivered by passionate industry experts with years of experience in the graphic design industry. Our teachers understand the technical aspects of the job and are ahead of the game in innovation and development, preparing you for the next big thing in the industry.

Pathways to university

With our diploma-to-degree pathways you can jump straight into the second year of a related bachelors degree at some of Australia's top universities. This diploma will also give you one year of credit and a provisional place in the Bachelor of Digital Design (Visual Communication Design) delivered in Brisbane in partnership with the University of Canberra.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBWHS211
    Contribute to the health and safety of self and others
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBWHS211
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work in a manner that is healthy and safe in relation to self and others, and to assist in responding to incidents.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAACD311
    Produce drawings to communicate ideas
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAACD311
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings that represent and communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form. It involves planning drawing work, experimenting with ideas and producing drawings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce drawings to communicate ideas

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPPR311
    Produce creative work
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPPR311
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce creative work in any media. Work is typically produced through exploration of ideas, techniques, tools, equipment and materials.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Produce creative work

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUARES301
    Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CUARES301
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the relevance of historical and theoretical information for application to own arts practice.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice

  • You will study online however your classes will be delivered in real time via a scheduled timetable. You will interact with your teachers and other students using programs like Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online virtual classroom
14 Jul 2025
6 months
Full time 2.5 day per week (compulsory) via Zoom
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,405

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,485

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,740

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

6 months
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2.5 day per week (compulsory) via Zoom
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0

    Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more

  • Concession: $1,405

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $2,485

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,740

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour
On Campus
06 Feb 2025
1 year
Part time 1 day per week
Thursday
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,080

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

demo

Nambour

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

06 Feb 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week
Thursday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,080

    This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Visual Arts (CUA31120)

Ask a question

Certificate III in Visual Arts

COURSE CODE: CUA31120
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

You must have completed year 10 or equivalent. Enrolment Conditions apply for students under 17 years of age

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software. This equipment and software are available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some design resources and a portable external hard drive (500GB minimum). Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation.
Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of approximately $260.

It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software. This software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more