Are you either considering a career in design or, wanting to do a short design course to compliment or enhance your current role or, simply wanting to study a short design course as a side passion?

Studying a short course can be a fantastic way to get a feel for a broad range of different areas within design. The beauty is, many of them are nationally recognised, government-accredited courses so either way, whether you're looking to acquire the fundamenetals of design to compliment your current role, wanting to study an exciting design course or, you're doing short course as a light-hearted means to becoming a graphic designer or interior designer (depending on which course you choose), you'll come out with a nationally recognised design qualification and a portfolio which you may be able to use to gain employment or for entry to further study.

If you're looking for a short interior design or interior decorator course, the Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration) or, the Certificate IV in Design (Interior Design specialisation) are two short & nationally recognised interior design courses. These two courses slightly differ in focus and you should look at the subject outline which are listed below to determine which course is more suitable. Both are Centrelink approved design courses which means you should be able to claim education benefits to support you while you're studying, such as 'Austudy' or the 'Pension Education Supplement' (more are listed in more detail below).

If you're looking for a short Graphic Design course, consider the Certificate IV in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising) which a nationally recognised Graphic Design course that is designed to provide you with all the essentials you need as a Graphic Designer. Not only will you become well equipped with Adobe Suite programs such as Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator & Adobe Photoshop, but you'll create an exciting portfolio of your very own designs. This course also provides a direct pathway to further study of the Diploma of Commercial Arts (Graphic Design) in case you decide to continue your Graphic Design studies which will see you build a stronger portfolio and qualify you for better design roles.

Cert IV in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising) is also a Centrelink Approved course and as a result, you may be eligible for several types of study support benefits (see below for further details).

Best of all, you can study all these nationally recognised design qualifications from home with distance education, enabling you to study online or by correspondence (or mail). You have private access to tutors when you need help and you can work at your own pace while continuing to earn an income if you have a job.

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Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration)

Course Code: 30699

Qualification: Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration)

Accreditation: This is a nationally recognised, government-accredited course

Study time: Approximately 30 weeks

Study method: Online / Correspondence

Prerequisites / Requirements: There are no strict requirements to study this course

Enrolment dates: By studying online, you can enrol and start now!

Study Support: When you study online, you have private phone and email tutoring support whenever you need help

Financial Support: This Course is Centrelink approved and you may be eligible to receive ongoing study support benefits while you study this course from home. If you are a single parent, on a carers pension, disability pension and several others, you should be eligible for the pension education supplement. You should also ask Centrelink about the Education Entry Payment and the Temporary Supplement to Education Entry Payment ($1158 combined, as an upfront payment). If you're on NewStart Allowance, you should be able to claim the Education Entry Payment and the Temporary Supplement. To find out if you're eligible for Centrelink payments, call 13 24 90 and ask about the above payments.

Course outline: Approximately 19 subjects, written and practical assessments

Pathways to further study: After completing the Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration), you will be eligible for recognition or prior learning (or advanced standing) towards the Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration & Design)

Cricos Approved: Yes, international students may study this course

Austudy Approved: Yes, Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration) is Centrelink 'Austudy' approved

Who will benefit from this course:

- Those already working in the design industry and are wanting a formal qualification or formal recognition for what they're doing
- Those who want a light-hearted approach to getting into the design field and working as an interior decorator or interior designer (being an interior designer will require further study)
- Those who plan on going on to study a diploma of interior design and possibly an degree in interior design, but want to start with the Cert III (perhaps those who haven't studied for a while and are a bit sceptical to start with the Diploma)
- Those who either run a business or work in a field where helps to have basic knowledge in design. For example, if you're opening or running a cafe, the layout of the cafe and the continuous changes you make to its interior to maintain a fresh, comfortable feeling for your customers, is crucial to your cafe's success. Studying the theories and application of colour to create the mood and feel you want can be extremely useful.
- Those looking for a solid, short interior design course that will also come out with an entry-level, nationally recognised design qualification

Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration) Subjects:

Colour 1 & 2
Interiors 1 & 2
Drafting
Design Core
Product Knowledge 1, 2 & 3
History of Decorative Styles
Graphic Communication 1
Building Studies 1
Furniture Construction and Design
Business Practice - Marketing
Lighting 1 & 2
Make a Presentation
Operate a Personal Computer
Visual Merchandising
Vocational Placement
Typography and Layout
Merchandising 1 & 2
Make a Presentation
Operating a Personal Computer

Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration) Subjects: FAQ's:

-I didn't finish high school and have no qualifications, can I study this course?

Yes, there are no pre-requisites / requirements to study this course. By studying online, you can enrol and begin this course today.

-If I study this course online, do I receive the exact same qualification that I would receive if I studied on campus?

Yes, you will receive the exact same qualification regardless of how you study it.

-How long do I have to finish this course when I study online or via correspondence?

Usually 6-12 months, depending on which course provider you study with. You are usually able to apply for extension if you have a valid reason why you weren't able to finish it within the specified time-frame.

-Are there exams?

No, when you study via distance there are written and practical assessments which you need to submit for your Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration).

Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising):

Course Code: 30674

Qualification: Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising)

Accreditation: This is a nationally recognised, government-accredited course

Study time: 18 months via distance education (online or by correspondence)

Study method: Online or by Correspondence (Post)

Prerequisites / Requirements: There are no requirements to study this course

Enrolment dates: By studying online, you can enrol and start now!

Study Support: When you study online, you have private phone and email tutoring support whenever you need help

Financial Support: This Course is Centrelink approved and you may be eligible to receive ongoing study support benefits while you study this course from home. If you are a single parent, on a carers pension, disability pension and several others, you should be eligible for the pension education supplement. You should also ask Centrelink about the Education Entry Payment and the Temporary Supplement to Education Entry Payment ($1158 combined, as an upfront payment). If you're on NewStart Allowance, you should be able to claim the Education Entry Payment and the Temporary Supplement. To find out if you're eligible for Centrelink payments, call 13 24 90 and ask about the above payments.

Course outline:

Pathways to further study: After completing the Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising), you may be eligible for credits towards the Diploma of Commercial Arts (Graphic Design) or other Graphic Design Diplomas with a slightly different specialisation (such as Digital Media).

Cricos Approved: Yes, international students may study this course

Austudy Approved: Yes, Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising) is Centrelink 'Austudy' approved

Who will benefit from this course:

- Anyone seeking the following careers: Graphic Designer, Concept Development, Finished Art, Magazine Design, Packaging Design, Identity Systems Design, Environmental Design, Typography & Illustration

- Anyone who owns or manages their own business and wants to be able to creative and design their own advertisements, branding materials etc. This can save a significant amount of money as you won't have to constantly rely on a graphic designer which is a great expense

- Those working in a marketing or advertising department and would like to brush up on their design skills to either maximise their current role or shift into a more design-oriented role

Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising) Subjects:

Analyse Colour for Design
Use Business Technology
Access and Use the Internet
Produce Electronic Design (Fundamentals)
Apply Typography and Layout for Design
Produce Commercial Sketches for Graphic Design
Produce Electronic Imaging (Basic)
Create 2D Design (Basic)
Produce Finished Art (Basic)
Research Printing Processes (Theory)
Produce Finished art (Intermediate)
Prepare a Portfolio
Apply Professional Practice
Illustrate for Design (Black and White)
Produce Electronic Imaging (Intermediate)
Apply Fundamental Advertising Principles
Produce Commercial Illustrations
Create 2D Design (intermediate)
Illustrate for Design (Colour)
Produce Finished Art (Advanced)
Research Copyright Theory
Produce Electronic Design (Advanced)

Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising) FAQ's:

-I didn't finish high school and have no qualifications, can I study this course?

Yes, there are no strict pre-requisites / requirements to study this course. By studying online or by correspondence, some course providers may enable you to enrol and start your course immediately.

-If I study this course online, do I receive the exact same qualification that I would receive if I studied on campus?

Yes, you will receive the exact same qualification regardless of how you study it.

-How long do I have to finish this course when I study online or via correspondence?

24 months , depending on which course provider you study with. You are usually able to apply for extension if you have a valid reason why you weren't able to finish it within the specified time-frame. Considering this course takes many people less than 12 months, 24 months is an extreme amount of time and you shouldn't require much longer.

-Are there exams?

No, when you study via distance there are written assessments which you need to submit with your Certificate IV Commercial Arts (Graphic Design & Advertising).