Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is The Course?

All information on course payments can be found on the Enrolments page of this site.

What Is The Criteria For Enrolling?

There are a few requirements for enrolment. You must:

• Possess the drive and motivation needed to undertake e-learning.
• Be 18 or over.
• Have a love of design… Of course.
• Sufficient English language skills see Support page

Do I Need Any Previous Experience For The IFC Or CUA40720 Certificate IV In Design?

There’s no need to have any prior knowledge of graphic design. You’ll gain all the knowledge and skills you need to become a qualified graphic designer, as well as learning the major design software packages Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. You’ll complete your course with all the skills you need so you’re ready to launch your new design career.

What Kind Of Software Will I Need To Own To Study?

The courses are taught in the Adobe Creative Cloud. Head to the Equipment page for a full breakdown of what you will need as well as system requirements.

Can I Subscribe To The Adobe Creative Cloud At Student Rates?

See the Equipment page for a full Adobe breakdown.

How Do I Enrol?

You may enrol directly through this website on the Enrolment page. Prior to enrolling we do ask that you take the time to read through our Student Handbook (you are on the FAQ part of the Student Handbook) and our Terms and Conditions.

When Can I Start My Study?

On-line 24/7. As soon as you receive your log-in details you have the flexibility to study when, where and how often it suits you.

What Happens Once I Enrol?

Once you have paid your initial fees, we will send your login details including your unique password. You will have direct access to your very own student site, called The Schoolyard. In The Schoolyard, you will have access to:

• Your Course Content
• Your Training & Instructional Videos
• The Schoolyard Library
• The Schoolyard Inspiration

You may begin learning straight away!

What Aspects Of Design Do Your Courses Cover?

Please refer to the following links on our website here.

• CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design
• Intensive Foundation Course
• Design For Social Media
• Web Design Course
• Design@Work

How Long Is My Enrolment?

• CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design: 15 months duration
• Upgrade to CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design: 3 months duration (after successful completion of IFC)

How Do I Get My Assignments Marked?

All grading is done online through the student secure site; you will never have to send assignments via the post.

There is an easy-to-use upload facility for your assignments once you have completed them within The Schoolyard. The assignments are sent directly to your graphic design tutor. They will promptly mark your assignment and give you valuable and concise feedback along with your grades.

What Happens If I Fail An Assignment?

Each student has the opportunity to refine and re-submit up to 3 times during the course. You will be notified via email if this is something you need to do.

I Have Work And Family Commitments, Are There Strict Deadlines And Due Dates For Assignments?

In a word, no. Our online graphic design courses are self paced. You do however have limits to the time the course is open to you.

These are as follows;

• Intensive Foundation and Design@Work: 12 months duration
• CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design: 15 months duration
• Web Design Course: 6 months duration
• Upgrade to CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design: 3 months duration (after successful completion of IFC)

With this in mind, however, we ask students to be responsible for their own learning and development. By participating actively and positively and by ensuring that they maintain progress with learning modules.

It is our aim that students complete the course in the given time frames. We offer learning support when needed and also have paid extensions of 3 months and 6 months available should life get in the way and hinder your study efforts. We do not defer courses. See our Terms and Conditions for more details on our paid extensions.

Will I Graduate With A Portfolio In Hand?

The CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design course has been designed so that each assignment will have a final role in establishing a professional and dynamic portfolio. Your tutor will help you shape your portfolio, resume and cover letters.

The Intensive Foundation Course has been designed so that each assignment will have a final role in establishing a professional and dynamic portfolio. Your tutor will help you shape your portfolio.

Will I Be Able To Use My Certificate IV Qualification To Help Gain Entry Into Further Study?

The qualifications are part of the Australian national system. This means that when you gain a CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design, it can be used towards a Diploma, then advanced Diploma or a Bachelors degree.

If your career goals include a pathway to further study at a university, the CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design is a great start. You can use it at a University or College with higher levels of study and it will help with admission and possibly credits. Plus your portfolio of course.

I Already Work In The Design Industry; I Am Self Taught. Does Your Course Apply To Me?

Many of our students are practicing designers from different disciplines of design. These days it is very easy to teach yourself over the net by persisting with free software training videos on YouTube or the like.

The fact of the matter is that software training is the least important element when it comes to learning about graphic design. There are many people who are very proficient in the Adobe suite, yet do not have the design foundations to make the ‘right’ design decisions during the design process.

Software execution and design concepts are worlds apart; ask any designer. Depending on how proficient you are in the Adobe software, you may find the first few modules of Adobe teaching a little too basic. No need to worry. The course focuses on tying software skills together with solid design foundations.

We focus on creating designers that can react creatively and thoroughly to a design brief; who employ knowledge and notion of great design. Please read the course outlines thoroughly to get a better understanding of whether what we are teaching is right for you and your career path.

What Are Our Data Protection And Privacy Standards?

The Graphic Design School believes that your personal information and data is of the highest importance and as such we have always been and will continue to be compliant with the current standard for data privacy, the GDPR. The GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation in European Union Law is a new framework put in place to ensure and oversee the use of personal data in all citizens of the EU.

The personal data we collect will only ever be used for the following purposes:

• Maintaining your student records
• Legal requirements for Registered Training Organisations; Certificate IV student’s information is sent to AVETMISS (The Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard) as per the certificates requirement.

Read more about our privacy policy

What Will I Need In Order To Complete This Course?

See the Equipment page for a breakdown of what you need!

What Kinds Of Interaction Can I Expect From My Instructor And My Fellow Students In The Graphic Design School?

Our tutors grade and give valuable feedback on all of your assignments.

You can also ask questions or exchange inspirational ideas or links to share on The Graphic Design School Forum. Communication with fellow students and tutors is a great way for you to collaborate and seek feedback on design solutions that you might be having throughout the course.

Throughout the graphic design courses, you will be introduced to the idea of keeping a visual journal.

We will guide you step by step throughout each module, so you can build your own visual library of ideas in this journal. This journal is also a great way for you to communicate ideas to your fellow students and staff.

Learning can be a challenge, and we find that there is always somebody out there that will be experiencing the same kind of challenge as you. Our strong student and tutor community is of the utmost importance to us, and we believe a key part of our success.