Education

To enter this qualification, you need to be able to demonstrate graphic design skills to support learning at the Diploma level. In particular, you need to be able to:

• Produce multiple examples of graphic design work that respond effectively to different design challenges

• Produce typography that supports the overall design solution

• Use graphic design software

To ensure you meet these requirements, you will be asked to complete two graphic design tasks using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and/or Photoshop:

Task 1: Produce an A3 (297mm x 420mm) typographic poster that gives reasons why you want to be a graphic designer. The poster must:

• Use only 3 colours

• Use only one serif font and 1 sans-serif font

• As part of the design process, undertake some research into current design trends and incorporate this into your design

Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.

Task 2: Produce a 105mm x 148mm postcard to match your typographic poster. The postcard must:

• The postcard should share the same style and theme and typography, however, it can only be black and white.

• The postcard should only have 1 reason why you want to be a graphic designer on it. Select the reason that is most important to you.

Important note: While working on your poster and postcard you must take 2 screenshots while the piece of work is in development. This allows us to see the software and tools that you are using.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading and undertaking a range of written assessments, as well as engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 10 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 10 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

• Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate II level or higher; or
• 2 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to you by Open Colleges.

Computing

All users:

• Microsoft Office 2013 or above
• Broadband Internet connection. Please note, ADSL2+ minimum, is recommended due to the volume of downloading and uploading large files required by the course
• 8GB of RAM minumum, 16GB recommended
• 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16 – bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
• Adobe Acrobat
• Access to a printer and associated software
• Scanner and associated software
• File compression software
• Hard disc storage 1T. or above.
• Back-up: External Hard drive 1T or above

Mac OS users:

• Mac OSX El Capitan v 10.11.4

Windows users:

• Microsoft Windows 8.1 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
• 1 .3GHZ minimum or faster processor (2GHz recommended

You will also require a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.

Equipment and tools

You will need access to a digital camera or mobile phone with camera and related software for taking photos for design tasks and projects and documenting design processes.

Skills

To successfully complete this course, learners will require the following basic computing skills on enrolment. This includes:

• Basic skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
• Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents
• Accessing and searching the internet
• Downloading and saving documents from websites
• Uploading documents through websites/Cloud computing
• Understanding of participating in online discussions
• Attach and use peripheral devices such as scanners, digital cameras, media storage (e.g., flash drive for design storage).
• Saving a compressed file (.zip)
• Saving a PDF File and multipage PDF’s
• Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images
• Connecting digital video devices and downloading and storing videos
• Compressing image audio and video files

It is also highly desirable that entrants have:

• Familiarity with Internet searches
• Experience with social media platforms
• Basic experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software

Additional

This course requires the use of design industry software. You will need access to the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be purchased on subscription through the Adobe Creative Cloud (ACC). The ACC subscription is not included in the course fee. Student subscriptions are available at a reduced price. Refer to the Adobe website www.adobe.com.au.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.