Certificate IV in Design

Certificate IV in Design - CUA40720

VOCATIONAL

Start on your pathway to a career in design

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$19,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Brunswick

Overview

Build foundational skills and knowledge in design and find your own path to further design studies.

Immerse yourself in design and develop skills and creative pieces that you can use to apply for other design-focused study or use as an entry point into the workforce.

Get ready to develop a creative folio of individual work that you can use to apply for other design-focused study or use as an entry point into the workforce.

Over the six months, you will focus on exploring design thinking and developing design projects in a studio-based environment.

Why study design at RMIT?

State-of-the-art facilities

Learn design skills on the latest equipment and industry-standard software.

Industry feedback

Participate in industry-related projects reviewed by active professionals.

Development pathways

On completion, build on your studies with a more specialised design focus.

What you will learn?

Studying individually and in groups, you will use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest design software.

You will be involved in design competitions and projects that reflect industry practice and connect with people and ideas related to the design industries.

This qualification can add value to your existing career or provide you with a pathway into further study at diploma, associate degree and degree level.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Through your studies you will develop a strong foundation in a variety of design skills and gain insights into different careers in the design industry.

What you will study

Your studies will be practical and hands-on, allowing you to develop a strong foundation in various design skills, including drawing, typography, graphic design, 2D and 3D processes, video art, concept development, illustration, digital imaging, colour theory, design history and industry knowledge.

Studying individually and in groups, you’ll learn on state-of-the-art equipment using the latest computer design programs including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. 

Learn from design professionals in a studio environment

You will connect with people and ideas related to the design industries and work on a range of projects. You’ll study with teachers who have a current knowledge of the latest trends and innovations.

The teaching approach is practical and hands-on. You will learn in contemporary studio environments as well as through lectures, workshops, presentations and group discussions. 

You will be assessed on material produced such as essays, reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research work, practical tasks and design projects.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will participate in industry-related projects such as external design competitions which are reviewed by design industry professionals. Recently, two students had their T-shirt designs printed and sold in Jeanswest stores.

Previously, students have worked with local government and traders to devise design solutions for Moreland City Council's ‘Adopt-a-tree’ program, and worked on creating a 70-metre mural featuring 40 artworks, displayed at the Heidelberg Graphic Equipment headquarters in Notting Hill. Both were very successful work-integrated learning projects.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This certificate will help you develop knowledge and skills in:

  • visual communication
  • creative thinking
  • 2D and 3D design

You will focus on investigating and developing design projects in a studio environment. The focus of this qualification is to develop foundational skills and knowledge in design and creative pieces that you can use when applying for further study or employment.

Full-time students are expected to attend 20 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 10 hours of extra study and research per week.

There are often concentrated periods of out-of-class work when assessments are due for submission.

Over six months you will study:

  • media and drawing techniques
  • typography
  • 2D design and 3D techniques
  • digital cameras, moving image and other technologies
  • contemporary design practice and industry awareness

This certificate will prepare you for further study in:

  • graphic art and design
  • communication design
  • multimedia
  • product design and visual merchandising
  • interior design and decoration
  • building and furniture design
  • advertising

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Design
Program code: C4414
National curriculum code: CUA40720
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Design
Brunswick Campus
0.5 years full-time
C4414
105791B
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
C4414
CRICOS
105791B
View plan
Certificate IV in Design
Brunswick Campus
0.5 years full-time
C4414
105791B
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
C4414
CRICOS
105791B
View plan

Career

This certificate pathways into a number of design diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees.

You can continue your studies in areas such as graphic design, communication design, product design, furniture design, building design, interior design or visual merchandising.

An example of this would be further study in the Diploma of Graphic Design, where you can progress into a role as a junior graphic designer in:

  • print media, where you will create logos and artwork for products such as packaging or cafe menus
  • digital media, where you will focus on graphics used for websites, commercials, TV and film
  • advertising industry, where you will create graphics for clients to sell a product or service through either print publications or digital content

If you are currently working, the Certificate IV in Design will add value to your current and future career prospects in an associated field.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the following programs when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Design:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,150* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$5,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$12,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information