CERTIFICATE III IN DESIGN
FUNDAMENTALS (CUA30720)

The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) is offered at Whitehouse for VET for Secondary Students. The course enables you to prepare a professionally presented creative portfolio containing responses to a comprehensive range of design briefs.

Join us in Years 10, 11 or 12 to complete your Certificate III, offered in three focus areas of design:

FASHION,
INTERIORS OR
CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING

Speak to your High School Careers Advisor/VET Pathways Coordinator and ask about how this program can work for you!

Completing this course entitles you to direct entry into our globally recognised and competitive Bachelor of Design program. You won't need to apply and wait in line, you can jump the queue with guaranteed entry no matter what your ATAR score is!

In the recently conducted national VET Student Experience Survey (VETSES), Wave 1 report, Whitehouse Certificate III in Design Fundamentals VET in Senior Secondary Schools, Sydney and Melbourne campus, 96.0% of Whitehouse students said they were satisfied (and 0.0% dissatisfied) with their training overall, compared to 81.4% satisfied and 7.3% of students dissatisfied, nationally.

The Fashion Visualisation focuses on illustration, conceptual design, garment construction and digital design. Students develop the visual and creative skills they need to translate fashion concepts into garments and an industry relevant portfolio.

CORE UNITS

CUADES201 - Follow a design process

CUADES301 - Explore the use of colour

CUADES302 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms

CUAPPR311 - Produce creative work

CUADES304 - Source and apply design industry knowledge

CUAWHS312 - Apply work health and safety practices

CUAACD311 - Produce drawings to communicate ideas

ELECTIVE UNITS (Common)

CUADES305 - Source and apply information on the history and theory of design

CUADIG304 - Create visual design components

ELECTIVE UNITS (Specialist Fashion Visualisation)

CUADES303 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms

CUAPPR314 - Participate in collaborative creative projects

MSTAT2006 - Assemble simple textile products

TIMETABLE

All three streams are delivered over a period of 9 months in a combination of term time and holiday block attendance. Students are required to attend all sessions and complete all assessment tasks. All classes are scheduled 9am-5pm unless advised otherwise.

COURSE OUTCOMES VCE, VCAL AND HSC CREDIT

Students who successfully complete all units will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720).

You will also have a creative portfolio which can be used in a variety of ways including to pursue design studies.

In addition, the Certification III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide 2 units of HSC credit towards Year 11 and 2 units towards Year 12 studies. For students in Victoria, the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide credit towards the VCE and VCAL. For VCE students, these programs will provide credit towards the VCE at Units 3 and 4 levels. Schools are asked to verify the amount of credit available for students once VASS enrolments are completed. Where a Units 3 and 4 sequence is available contribution towards the ATAR is subject to VTAC policy.

The Interior Visualisation combines the areas of illustration, model making and 3D computer aided design. Students develop the basic visual and creative skills needed, to translate interior concepts and spatial design into a professional design portfolio.

CORE UNITS

CUADES201 - Follow a design process

CUADES301 - Explore the use of colour

CUADES302 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms

CUADES303 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms

CUADES304 - Source and apply design industry knowledge

CUAWHS312 - Apply work health and safety practices

CUAACD311 - Produce drawings to communicate ideas

ELECTIVE UNITS (Common)

CUADES305 - Source and apply information on the history and theory of design

CUADIG304 - Create visual design components OR

ICPPRP3250 - Create graphics using a graphics application

ELECTIVE UNITS (Specialist Interior Visualisation)

CUAANM313 - Create 3D digital models

CUAACD313 - Produce technical drawings

CUAPPR417 - Select and prepare and creative work for exhibition

TIMETABLE

All three streams are delivered over a period of 9 months in a combination of term time and holiday block attendance. Students are required to attend all sessions and complete all assessment tasks. All classes are scheduled 9am-5pm unless advised otherwise.

COURSE OUTCOMES VCE, VCAL AND HSC CREDIT

Students who successfully complete all units will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720).

You will also have a creative portfolio which can be used in a variety of ways including to pursue design studies.

In addition, the Certification III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide 2 units of HSC credit towards Year 11 and 2 units towards Year 12 studies. For students in Victoria, the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide credit towards the VCE and VCAL. For VCE students, these programs will provide credit towards the VCE at Units 3 and 4 levels. Schools are asked to verify the amount of credit available for students once VASS enrolments are completed. Where a Units 3 and 4 sequence is available contribution towards the ATAR is subject to VTAC policy.

The Interior Visualisation combines the areas of illustration, model making and 3D computer aided design. Students develop the basic visual and creative skills needed, to translate interior concepts and spatial design into a professional design portfolio.

CORE UNITS

CUADES201 - Follow a design process

CUADES301 - Explore the use of colour

CUADES302 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms

CUADES303 - Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms

CUADES304 - Source and apply design industry knowledge

CUAWHS312 - Apply work health and safety practices

CUAACD311 - Produce drawings to communicate ideas

ELECTIVE UNITS (Common)

CUADES305 - Source and apply information on the history and theory of design

CUADIG304 - Create visual design components OR

ICPPRP3250 - Create graphics using a graphics application

ELECTIVE UNITS (Creative Direction Visualisation)

CUADES202 - Evaluate the nature of design in a specific industry context

CUAACD312 - Produce computer-aided drawings

CUAPHI302 - Capture photographic images

TIMETABLE

All three streams are delivered over a period of 9 months in a combination of term time and holiday block attendance. Students are required to attend all sessions and complete all assessment tasks. All classes are scheduled 9am-5pm unless advised otherwise.

COURSE OUTCOMES VCE, VCAL AND HSC CREDIT

Students who successfully complete all units will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720).

You will also have a creative portfolio which can be used in a variety of ways including to pursue design studies.

In addition, the Certification III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide 2 units of HSC credit towards Year 11 and 2 units towards Year 12 studies. For students in Victoria, the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide credit towards the VCE and VCAL. For VCE students, these programs will provide credit towards the VCE at Units 3 and 4 levels. Schools are asked to verify the amount of credit available for students once VASS enrolments are completed. Where a Units 3 and 4 sequence is available contribution towards the ATAR is subject to VTAC policy.

Students who successfully complete all Units of Competency will receive the nationally recognised qualification Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720). You will also have a creative portfolio which can be used in a variety of ways including to pursue design studies.

For students in New South Wales, the Certification III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide 2 units of HSC credit towards Year 11 and 2 units towards Year 12 studies.

For students in Victoria, the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (CUA30720) will provide credit towards the VCE and VCAL. For VCE students, these programs will provide credit towards the VCE at Units 3 and 4 level. Schools are asked to verify the amount of credit available for students once VASS enrolments are completed. Where a Units 3 and 4 sequences is available contribution towards the ATAR is subject to VTAC policy.

Enrolment Process

• Download and read the Student Handbook - VET for Secondary Students.
• Download 2025-2026 Calendar Schedule.
• Download and complete the NSW Students - Enrolment Form.
• Discuss your potential enrolment with your parent/guardian and school careers advisor, this form is required to be completed and signed by both parties.
• Once you have completed your enrolment form please scan and send this to:
  study@whitehouse-design.edu.au
• Confirmation of Enrolment will be made to both yourself and the school - with study dates and any further requirements.

Note: There is a range of options for the payment of VET for Secondary Students program fees and these differ from state to state and between school systems. We suggest you speak with the VET Coordinator or careers advisor at your schools to see if you are eligible for funding - in some cases this may be full funding or partial funding.

Note: This course is only available to Secondary Students in Years 10, 11 or 12 who are still attending High School.

Enrolment Process

• Download and read the Student Handbook - VET for Secondary Students.
• Download 2025 Calendar Schedule.
• Download and complete the VIC Students - Enrolment Form.
• Discuss your potential enrolment with your parent/guardian and school careers advisor, this form is required to be completed and signed by both parties.
• Once you have completed your enrolment form please scan and send this to:
  study@whitehouse-design.edu.au
• Confirmation of Enrolment will be made to both yourself and the school - with study dates and any further requirements.

Note: There is a range of options for the payment of VET for Secondary Students program fees and these differ from state to state and between school systems. We suggest you speak with the VET Coordinator or careers advisor at your schools to see if you are eligible for funding - in some cases this may be full funding or partial funding.

Note: This course is only available to Secondary Students in Years 10, 11 or 12 who are still attending High School.

Enrolment Process

• Download and read the Student Handbook - VET for Secondary Students.
• Download 2025 Calendar Schedule.
• Download and complete the QLD Students - Enrolment Form.
• Discuss your potential enrolment with your parent/guardian and school careers advisor, this form is required to be completed and signed by both parties.
• Once you have completed your enrolment form please scan and send this to:
  study@whitehouse-design.edu.au
• Confirmation of Enrolment will be made to both yourself and the school - with study dates and any further requirements.

Note: There is a range of options for the payment of VET for Secondary Students program fees and these differ from state to state and between school systems. We suggest you speak with the VET Coordinator or careers advisor at your schools to see if you are eligible for funding - in some cases this may be full funding or partial funding.

Note: This course is only available to Secondary Students in Years 10, 11 or 12 who are still attending High School.

2024/2025 ACADEMIC DATES – VET FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS PROGRAM

NEW SOUTH WALES

Stage 1 - 2024

Block 1 - Monday 15 - Friday 19 April (5 days )

Block 2 - Monday 8 - Friday 19 July (10 days)

Block 3 - Monday 30 September - Friday 4 October (5 days)

This will complete Stage 1 – accredited for a total of 2 units at the Preliminary and/or HSC level (NESA Board Endorsed course 43747) and a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720.

Stage 2 - 2025

Block 4: Wednesday 8 January - Friday 24 (13 days)

This will complete Stage 2 – provided all units of competency (UoC) are successfully completed, accredited for a total of 4 units at the Preliminary and/or HSC level (NESA Board Endorsed course 43748) and the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720 qualification outcome.

Hours of delivery:

All class times are 9.00 -5.00 unless advised other

VICTORIA

Stage 1 - 2024

Block 1 - Monday 8 to Friday 19 January (10 days excluding weekend)

Term 1 - Wednesday 7 February - 27 March (8 x Wednesdays)

Block 2 - Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 April (4 days)

Term 2 - Wednesday 17 April - 19 June (10 x Wednesdays)

This will complete Stage 1 - accredited for at the Preliminary and/or VCE level and a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720

Stage 2 - 2024

Block 3: Monday 1 to Friday 5 July (5 days)

Term 3: Wednesday 17 July – 11 September (9 x Wednesday)

Block 4: Monday 23 - Friday 27 September (5 days)

This will meet the 360 hours delivery requirement of the course. Provided all units of competency (UoC) are successfully completed, this will finalise the VCE VASS requirements and the Certificate III qualification.

Hours of delivery:

During Term times are 9.00 - 4.00 unless advised other

During block times are 9.00 - 4.30 unless advised other

QUEENSLAND

Stage 1 - 2024

Term 1 - Tuesday 30 January - 26 March (9 Tuesdays online) with 20 self-managed hours

Block 1 - Monday 8 to Friday 12 April (5 days online) preceded by 35 self-managed hours

Term 2 - Tuesday 16 April - 18 June (10 Tuesdays online) with 20 self-managed hours

This will complete Stage 1 - accredited for at the Preliminary and/or QCE level and a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720

Stage 2 - 2024

Block 2 - Monday 24 to Friday 28 June (5 days online) followed by 35 hours self-managed

Term3 - Tuesday 9 July - 10 September (10 x Tuesday online) with 20 hours self-managed

Block 3 - Monday 16 to Friday 20 September (5 days) followed by 35 hours self-managed

This will meet the 400 hours delivery requirement of the course as approved by QCCA. Provided all units of competency (UoC) are successfully completed, this will finalise the QCE requirements and the Certificate III qualification.

Hours of delivery:

During Term times are 9.00 - 3.00 unless advised other

During block times are 9.00 - 4.00 unless advised other

Certificate III in Design Fundamentals VET in Schools

In the recently conducted national VET Student Experience Survey (VETSES), Wave 1 report, Whitehouse Certificate III in Design Fundamentals VET in Senior Secondary Schools, Sydney and Melbourne campus students presented Whitehouse Institute of Design Australia with a ringing endorsement of their positive learning experience.

The student profile of mostly female (over 95%) learners in the 15-19 age group were evenly spread across the three specialisations of Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Creative Visualisation, though Fashion Design was the more favoured of the three specialisations.

Across the various survey measures:

• 54.2% of Whitehouse students responded to the survey, the national average was 29.4%
• 100% of Whitehouse students said information provided by WH was accurate, compared to 93.7% of students nationally
• 94.9% of Whitehouse students said they intend to complete the qualification, compared to 86.5% of students nationally
• 96.0% of Whitehouse students said they were satisfied (and 0.0% dissatisfied) with their training overall, compared to 81.4% satisfied and 7.3% of students dissatisfied, nationally.

These results tell us that Whitehouse was successful in addressing student needs positively in what were extraordinary and uncertain times of the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2021, and where in a short period of time students overcome difficulties, built resilience, and blossomed into confident learners (and as persons) in an online and /or a blended learning environment.