Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 12 to 24 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level. Refer to the relevant course information flyer for further information.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have a broad range of technical and conceptual design skills.
The outcomes of this qualification apply to work in design roles across different work environments.
Practice at this level is underpinned by the application of integrated technical and theoretical knowledge and the ability to develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief. Individuals at this level usually operate autonomously, however they may provide some leadership and guidance to others with limited responsibility for the output of others.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Visual Arts and Craft, Design include:
>Junior Graphic Design Assistant
>Fashion Design Assistant
>Interior Design Assistant
>Furniture Design Assistant
>Interior Decoration Assistant
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.
This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.
Completed Award Course Level | HE | VET | to a HE Award | Credit granted for a completed award in the same field |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Fees
2022 indicative course fees for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place range from $2,957.50 - $3,097.50, and for students who are not eligible range from $12,675.00 - $13,275.00 dependent on the units chosen.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of a Veteran's Affairs payment
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
What will I study?
To achieve CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design, a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising seven (7) Core and eight (8) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 835-885.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
Core units of competency | ||
BSBCRT411 | Apply critical thinking to work practices | 50 |
CUAACD411 | Integrate colour theory and design processes | 40 |
CUADES305 | Source and apply information on the history and theory of design | 65 |
CUADES411 | Generate design solutions | 70 |
CUADES412 | Interpret and respond to a design brief | 30 |
CUAPPR411 | Realise a creative project | 90 |
CUAWHS312 | Apply work health and safety practices | 30 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 375 | |
Elective units of competency (Select 8) | ||
CUAGRD311 | Prepare files for print | 60 |
CUAGRD411 | Research and apply graphic design techniques | 50 |
CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas | 90 |
CUAPHI403 | Enhance, manipulate, and output photo images | 80 |
CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work | 50 |
CUADES303 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | 60 |
CUAACD313 | Produce technical drawings | 50 |
CUAPAI411 | Experiment with techniques to produce paintings (unnamed) | 50 |
CUAPPR415 | Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work (unnamed) | 70 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 460-510 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 835-885 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To gain entry into CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design, candidates are required to undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to determine applicable support requirements.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
Having lecturers who were practising artists themselves gave me a greater understanding of the art world and their guidance was invaluable.
Jonathon
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
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How to apply for international students
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Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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