University of Cape Town
Graphic Design
Develop the creative, technical, and business skills needed to launch your career in graphic design.
Start date
27 September 2021
Enroll by 21 September 2021
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Most organisations will, at some point, require the skills of a graphic designer. Professionals in this field play an integral role in enhancing a brand’s visual presence, and are highly valued for their ability to convey meaning through visual elements.
This Graphic Design online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) will provide you with the technical skills and creative knowledge needed to make a start in this profession. Guided by a media expert, you’ll develop a basic understanding of how to use Adobe Illustrator,* learn to work with digital images, and explore how to choose effective typefaces to create compelling content for both print and web platforms. As you gain design knowledge and proficiency in the relevant software, you’ll also learn more about the business of graphic design and how to create a professional portfolio.
*GetSmarter won’t provide the software needed for this course; you’ll be responsible for ensuring you have access to it.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at anyone considering graphic design as a new career opportunity. The content offers an introduction to the subject matter, and aims to equip students with a strong foundation in visual communications. Those looking to refresh existing graphic design knowledge may also find this course beneficial. There are no formal prerequisites for registration.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
Most organisations will, at some point, require the skills of a graphic designer. Professionals in this field play an integral role in enhancing a brand’s visual presence, and are highly valued for their ability to convey meaning through visual elements.
This Graphic Design online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) will provide you with the technical skills and creative knowledge needed to make a start in this profession. Guided by a media expert, you’ll develop a basic understanding of how to use Adobe Illustrator,* learn to work with digital images, and explore how to choose effective typefaces to create compelling content for both print and web platforms. As you gain design knowledge and proficiency in the relevant software, you’ll also learn more about the business of graphic design and how to create a professional portfolio.
*GetSmarter won’t provide the software needed for this course; you’ll be responsible for ensuring you have access to it.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at anyone considering graphic design as a new career opportunity. The content offers an introduction to the subject matter, and aims to equip students with a strong foundation in visual communications. Those looking to refresh existing graphic design knowledge may also find this course beneficial. There are no formal prerequisites for registration.
What will set you apart
An understanding of visual communication and aesthetic principles, including theories about layout and composition.
The creative and technical knowledge to produce designs for both print and digital mediums.
The knowledge to produce designs for both print and digital mediums.
Practical business skills that can be applied in a design-oriented career.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
What is graphic design?
Module 2
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
Module 3
Understanding digital images
Module 4
Visual communication
Module 5
Layout and composition
Module 6
Idea generation and research
Module 7
Working with text (typography)
Module 8
Designing for print
Module 9
Creating designs for the web
Module 10
The business of graphic design
Get course prospectus
What past students
think
Christel Viljoen
PA, Prispek Consulting
I loved this short course. The online navigation was easy to use and allowed me to do the work in my own time. The discussion forums allowed us to communicate and give our opinions about a specific topic, but also have a discussion about those opinions. This course has taught me a lot about graphic design and made me even more passionate to pursue this career path.
Course Convenor
Dr Martha Evans
Senior Lecturer, Media Studies and Media Production, UCT
About the certificate
Develop graphic-design skills and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get a course brochure
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
