PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Good design starts with strong fundamentals, not shortcuts. This certificate builds a solid foundation in visual literacy alongside hands-on technical skill in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, so you're not just following trends but understanding why a design choice works before you make it. It's built as an entry point, whether you're deciding if a creative career is right for you or simply want to sharpen visual skills that apply well beyond a design job. No design background needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn by doing.
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
01
Apply core design elements and principles to solve a visual communication problem.
02
Produce polished vector graphics and layouts in Adobe Illustrator.
03
Edit and prepare images to a professional standard in Adobe Photoshop.
04
Use typography purposefully to shape tone, hierarchy, and readability.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
This module introduces the foundations of visual communication, including design elements, principles, composition, and media. Through practical work and critical discussion, students explore how visual choices convey meaning and solve communication problems. The module builds the visual literacy this certificate is built around, the foundation every other module applies.
DIGITAL STUDIOS I:
ADOBE ILLUSTATOR
This module introduces Adobe Illustrator as a tool for creating scalable graphics. Students learn essential skills in drawing, shape-building, colour, and typography, applying them to produce brand and layout assets for a first portfolio piece. The module delivers one of the two software skills this certificate is designed to leave students with.
DIGITAL STUDIOS II:
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
This module develops practical Adobe Photoshop skills for image editing, retouching, compositing, and visual enhancement. Students apply these techniques to prepare and refine images to a professional standard. The module completes the software fluency this certificate promises, alongside Illustrator.
TYPOGRAPHY AND COMMUNICATION DESIGN
This module introduces typography as a core visual language. Students explore the anatomy, structure, and application of type, and learn how typographic choices shape readability, tone, and hierarchy. The module sharpens the visual judgement this certificate aims to build, applied across every layout students produce.