Course: Certificate in Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing (PC)

This Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) course provides foundation knowledge about the principles and practice of graphic design. It builds practical skills in using Adobe InDesign software, and may also provide a pathway to employment as a designer.

You will be guided through the basics of desktop publishing, learning â€“ among other skills â€“ how to use fonts, design a corporate logo, produce a newsletter and use images creatively. If you are planning a freelance career in the industry, there are also modules on the business of graphic design such as portfolio creation, client service and printer liaison.

Included materials

3 CD-ROM tutorial kit
CD installation booklet
InDesign® CS software

Valued at more than $1,500!

Course Number	90420
Course Fees From	$55.00 per week View our payment options

Delivery mode:	Print or online
Course duration:	Max 12 months
Assessments:	10 written assessments
Qualification:	Open Colleges Certificate
Nationally Recognised	No
Government Funding	No

Career One jobs for:

ID	Subject expand all

	Principles of good design Avoiding the pitfalls of bad design Principles of good design Communicating with words and images Back to the future: a short history of design
	Getting started in Adobe® InDesign® Features of InDesign® The design process Design tools Importance of layout grids The visual impact of space Elements of design Creating a business card
	Desktop publishing essentials: typography Getting the feel of fonts Designing with type Typesetting with InDesign® Editing text for print Creating a single-colour letterhead
	Promotional design and corporate logos Brochures Working with colours Getting creative with type Creating a corporate logo Promotional design and document layout
	Stop Press! Newsletter production Layout grids The newsletter content Design tools for emphasis
	Getting noticed: creative layouts Designing a full-colour brochure Psychology of colour Creative tools Exporting to PDF proof
	Multi-page documents Creating master pages Creating styles Visualising and designing multi-page documents: maintaining style and consistency
	Pictures, prepress and print Sources of images Commissioning photography How can you use these images? Using pictures creatively Preparing images for print
	Professional design practice Preparing and receiving quotes Dealing with printers Meeting clients and negotiating deadlines Designers' responsibilities
	The business of graphic design and desktop publishing InDesign® integration with other programs Your portfolio Graphic design as a business Career options

Entry requirements

Minimum education

Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.

Minimum age

Minimum age of 16 years. If you are under 18 your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Computer requirements

Students will need access to a computer and the internet. For students who do not have access to either a computer or the internet please contact a student support officer to discuss alternative methods of communication.

Minimum specifications for the computer are:

Microsoft Office 2003 or equivalent, and
Microsoft Windows 98, or
Mac OS X, and
CD-ROM drive.

Students will also need access to a printer and the following applications:

Adobe Acrobat Reader and
Macromedia Flash player.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you did not complete the last two years of secondary education in English, you are required to provide evidence of English language competency before enrolling into the course. Examples of appropriate evidence are listed below:

Evidence	Example
IELTS	Overall score of 5.5
TOEFL	530 (paper), 197 (computer) or 71 (internet)
12 months in English-speaking employment	Testimonial, statutory declaration

Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Upon completion of this course, you will have developed a better understanding of the subject area and be able to put your new skills into practice.

Tracey Warren

Tracey has been a trainer with Open Colleges for the past four years, and is the author of our Certificate in Illustration & Drawing Made Easy.

Always enthusiastic about her craft as an artist, Tracey passes on this passion in her feedback to students, encouraging their creativity to bring out the 'inner artist' in everyone.

In 2008, Tracey's commitment to her work was rewarded when she was named Open Colleges' Most Outstanding Tutor.

No Jobs found for this Course.

Available payment options

Pay Just $55.00 per week with a $100.00 deposit

Pay in full $1,664.00 and save $416.00

Fortnightly and monthly payment plans are also available through EduPay. Click Enrol Now and choose a payment plan or call a Course and Careers advisor on 1300 853 033 for more details. (Prices shown are for the online study option only. A surcharge is applicable for the print study option).

Start today - enrol now