Certificate IV in Design
Overview
Refine and strengthen your skills in graphic, interior and product design to land your dream job. The Certificate IV in Design teaches you emerging design techniques using industry-standard software and technology such Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and more. The course acts as a foundation year for exploring design diversity from both 2D and 3D, and digital perspectives. As you respond to industry-style briefs, you will build a portfolio to showcase your design work for employment or further study in your chosen design field.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Apply ATAR-free and secure your future
The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.
Skills you’ll learn
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Communication and critical thinking
- Print and digital production
- Practical skills in 2D and 3D design
- Planning and responding to a brief
Your career opportunities
- Design studio assistant
- Social media content creator
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study
87.1% of students are satisfied with their training
80.9% of students are likely to recommend Swinburne
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Student Work | Certificate IV in Design | James -
Student Work | Certificate IV in Design | Lewis (left) and Daryl (right) -
Student Work | Certificate IV in Design | Yossi -
Student Work | Certificate IV in Design | Sonny -
Student Work | Certificate IV in Design | Jincheng
Admissions
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history with a minimum Year 11 completion (or equivalent). Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course pre-requisites
Applicants are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills assessment as part of the application process. This will assist in determining course suitability and identifying whether additional support may be required.
The approved online skills assessment tool used to determine language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB).
The levels required for this course are:
- 3 for language and literacy
- 3 for numeracy.
Foundation Digital Literacy
Applicants should have Foundation Digital Literacy and be able to:
- use basic digital devices, applications and online services with guidance
- follow clear instructions to complete routine digital tasks
- access, view and save information using simple tools
- communicate using basic digital platforms (e.g. email and messaging)
- apply basic online safety practices, including password use and privacy awareness
- seek help or support when encountering common technical issues.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Other requirements
This course requires the use of Microsoft 365 and Adobe software applications, which are accessible through Swinburne at no cost.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is a formal recognition process that allows students to receive credit for units of competency achieved through previous accredited study at another registered training organisation (RTO).
The number of credits granted will vary and is based on the:
- unit/s that have been successfully completed
- unit currency and status
- qualification requirements
- relevance to the qualification
- Swinburne policy
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
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Certificate IV in Screen and Media
Course structure
The Certificate IV in Design is a one-year program delivered over two semesters. Classes are scheduled 2.5 days per week (up to 20 hours per week including online units) from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Additional study hours may also be required to prepare and complete tasks.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Apply critical thinking to work practices
Core unit |
BSBCRT411 |
|
Integrate colour theory and design processes
Core unit |
CUAACD411 |
|
Source and apply information on the history and theory of design
Core unit |
CUADES305 |
|
Generate design solutions
Core unit |
CUADES411 |
|
Interpret and respond to a design brief
Core unit |
CUADES412 |
|
Realise a creative project
Core unit |
CUAPPR411 |
|
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit |
CUAWHS312 |
| Elective units | |
|
Produce drawings to communicate ideas
Elective unit |
CUAACD311 |
|
Work with photomedia in creative practice
Elective unit |
CUAACD522 |
|
Create 2D digital animations
Elective unit |
CUAANM301 |
|
Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms
Elective unit |
CUADES302 |
|
Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms
Elective unit |
CUADES303 |
|
Research and apply techniques in product design
Elective unit |
CUADES422 |
|
Author interactive media
Elective unit |
CUADIG401 |
|
Use typography techniques
Elective unit |
CUAGRD312 |
2026 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,430
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$4,740
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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"By integrating Tezuka's timeless manga style with the dynamic energy of retro posters, I was able to craft a stylised, nostalgic rendition of the film."
Vivian , Certificate IV in Design
