Module 1. Graphic Design Fundamentals
Topic 1: Explain the purpose of graphic design and desktop publishing
Topic 2: Describe a range of applications of graphic design and desktop publishing
Topic 3: Explain the principles of good design: colour, shape, texture, balance and so forth
Topic 4: Understand the elements of good design
Topic 5: Identify examples of good design and poor design
Topic 6: Mock up a basic one-page flyer incorporating different mediums
Topic 7: Evaluate the message communicated through design

Module 2. Design Process and Layout
Topic 1: Recognise desirable qualities and attributes of successful designers
Topic 2: Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the design process
Topic 3: Follow a design brief
Topic 4: Develop a thumbnail sketch for a three-dimensional product
Topic 5: Research and evaluate papers for a range of projects
Topic 6: Evaluate packaging and product placement in a consumer marketplace
Topic 7: Critically analyse packaging designs

Module 3. Designing in InDesign
Topic 1: Appreciate the attributes and additional features of InDesign
Topic 2: Create, restore and save a new document
Topic 3: Apply design tools to create layout grids and margins
Topic 4: Identify a range of layout styles
Topic 5: Explore and apply InDesign menus and palettes
Topic 6: Understand and use InDesign drawing tools
Topic 7: Adjust and format basic text and apply colour tints
Topic 8: Design a single colour, double-sided business card by applying the elements of graphic design

Module 4. Typography, Text and Illustrations
Topic 1: Further appreciate the attributes and additional features of InDesign
Topic 2: Identify categories of type
Topic 3: Apply knowledge of type to choose appropriate fonts to develop creative, effective designs
Topic 4: Manipulate type to create legible, readable typography
Topic 5: Format text using InDesign
Topic 6: Understand and create illustrations using InDesign drawing tools
Topic 7: Adjust and format basic text and apply colour tints
Topic 8: Design a simple letterhead with logo applying the elements of graphic design

Module 5. Commercial Graphic Design
Topic 1: Understand the range and use of promotional brochures
Topic 2: Select appropriate paper stock for your brochure designs
Topic 3: Assess the viability of size and folds for individual brochure designs
Topic 4: Appreciate the language, emotions and processes of colour
Topic 5: Apply the principles of good design to brochure design: colour, shape, texture and balance
Topic 6: Preview, adjust and place images from an image library
Topic 7: Develop a creative 2-fold full colour 6-panel DL brochure using InDesign
Topic 8: Evaluate existing brochure designs
Topic 9: Critically evaluate your own designs

Module 6. Desktop Publishing and Pre-Press
Topic 1: Understand the range and function of newsletters
Topic 2: Select appropriate paper stock for newsletter designs
Topic 3: Evaluate existing newsletter designs
Topic 4: Create a layout grid and simple table using InDesign
Topic 5: Develop techniques for working with large blocks of text
Topic 6: Manage projects to meet deadlines
Topic 7: Understand print processes and terminology, source a printing house and liaise with commercial printers
Topic 8: Apply the principles of good design to design an A3 folded to A4 newsletter using InDesign

Module 7. Attracting Attention: Creative Layouts
Topic 1: Evaluate a target market
Topic 2: Visualise and design a full colour brochure
Topic 3: Develop creative layouts by applying a range of techniques—drop shadows, blend modes, colour and transparency
Topic 4: Understand image manipulation and effects
Topic 5: Prepare artwork for print, flatten transparencies, colour separations, export files to PDF

Module 8. Books and Long Documents
Topic 1: Appreciate the contribution of considered design in developing readerfriendly multi-page documents
Topic 2: Visualise, design and develop creative, consistent and legible multi-page layouts by applying a range of techniques
Topic 3: Establish and apply master pages, styles and page numbering
Topic 4: Create and update a table of contents for a multi-page document
Topic 5: Conduct preflight checks
Topic 6: Prepare artwork for print, flatten transparencies, colour separations, export files to PDF

Module 9. Image and Composition
Topic 1: Appreciate the contribution of considered design in developing readerfriendly magazine spreads
Topic 2: Understand the varying levels of image resolution and the impact of resolution upon final work quality
Topic 3: Gather images from a range of sources and be aware of processes associated with commissioning photography
Topic 4: Manipulate images for creative effects
Topic 5: Visualise, design and develop a creative and legible double-page magazine spread by applying a range of techniques
Topic 6: Recognise the implications of copyright to designers
Topic 7: Apply overprint preview and conduct preflight checks
Topic 8: Prepare artwork for print, flatten transparencies, colour separations, export files to PDF

Module 10. Professional Design Practice
Topic 1: Appreciate the value of sound management practices in working in design and desktop publishing
Topic 2: Understand the need for clear and effective communication when working with clients and providers
Topic 3: Organising your time
Topic 4: Obtain print quotes and commission and liaise with commercial printers
Topic 5: Understand procedures and processes of proofing both client and printer proofs
Topic 6: Visualise, design and develop a label and packaging for a selected product
Topic 7: Prepare and deliver artwork files to print

Module 11. New Media
Topic 1: Appreciate graphic design from an historical perspective
Topic 2: Understand the impact of new media upon future design practice
Topic 3: Continue to develop technical skills to enhance the development of creative layouts within InDesign
Topic 4: Apply sound management practices to production by maintaining good work habits
Topic 5: Visualise, design and develop a sleeve, tray, label and booklet for a CDROM or DVD
Topic 6: Prepare and deliver artwork files to print

Module 12. Marketing Yourself: Your Portfolio
Topic 1: Assess your potential career and professional development options
Topic 2: Understand the implications and processes associated with establishing independent work
Topic 3: Research potential employment or freelance prospects
Topic 4: Appreciate the value of building sound working relationships with clients
Topic 5: Prepare proposals, quotes and invoices
Topic 6: Organise your workspace and manage your time
Topic 7: Take the first steps toward marketing yourself by creating a portfolio of work, CV and covering letter
Topic 8: Continue to develop technical skills to enhance the development of creative layouts within InDesign