Certificate III in Design Fundamentals

Overview

This course provides learners with essential foundation skills in design, including creative thinking, technical capability and visual communication. The qualification is designed to support progression into further study and offers a strong pathway into a range of qualifications.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who are developing a broad range of technical and conceptual design skills and who take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning. Practice at this level is underpinned by the design process and introductory theory and history for a range of design contexts.

The outcomes of this qualification apply to those working in design roles across different work environments.

Duration

Mid-year 2026 intake: 6 months, 3 days per week

2027 intake: 12 months, 2 days per week

Skills Developed

• Develop a strong understanding of universal design principles including composition,colour, form, and visual hierarchy

• Build a cross-disciplinary portfolio that demonstrates creative thinking, technical skills, and process across multiple design contexts

• Gain practical experience in 2D and 3D design, photography, and digital design, supporting informed pathway choices

• Apply a structured design process from concept development through to resolved outcomes

• Strengthen visual communication skills through drawing, digital tools, and presentation techniques

• Explore creative problem-solving approaches used in professional design practice

• Develop confidence working with industry-relevant tools, materials, and workflows

• Increase awareness of design career pathways and further study options across creative industries

Certification

By successfully completing this course you will receive a nationally recognised AQF Qualification.

Compulsory Units

Pathways

This course may lead you into further study at Certificate IV level.

Careers

• Design Assistant
• Junior Graphic Design Assistant
• Junior Interior Design or Decorator Assistant

How To Apply

Applying for a course at Wodonga TAFE is a simple 4-5 step process. You can learn more here: Understanding the application process