Gain the technical skills and design knowledge to create compelling visual content and launch your career in graphic design.
10 weeks, excluding
orientation
7–10 hours per week,
entirely online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
1
Industry-aligned skills for print and digital media design, with tutor guidance from a media expert.
2
A practical understanding of Adobe Illustrator* and knowledge of the latest techniques in typography, colour, layout, and composition.
3
A deeper understanding of the business of graphic design, the dynamics of a design team, and how to give and receive criticism.
4
Proof of your newly acquired graphic design knowledge in the form of a digital certificate from the University of Cape Town.
*GetSmarter won’t provide the software needed for this course; you’ll be responsible for ensuring you have access to it.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:
Module 1
What is Graphic Design?
Learn about the scope and history of graphic design.
Module 2
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to use the Adobe Illustrator software you will be using to create your assignments.
Module 3
Understanding Digital Images
Discover the aspects of computer literacy relevant to graphic design, and the basics of digital graphic design.
Module 4
Visual Communication
Discover specific techniques for generating meaning through visual elements.
Module 5
Layout and Composition
Learn how to improve the layout and composition of your work.
Module 6
Idea Generation and Research
Learn how to go about generating innovative ideas and communicating them to clients and team members.
Module 7
Working with Text (Typography)
Learn how to choose and analyse typefaces for the best results.
Module 8
Designing for Print
Discover how to adjust a design specifically for print.
Module 9
Creating Designs for the Web
Learn about the specifics of designing graphics for use on the web.
Module 10
The Business of Graphic Design
Learn about the dynamics of a graphic design team, and how to create a professional portfolio and online presence.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Dr Martha Evans
Senior Lecturer in Media Studies and Media Production, UCT
Dr Evans has a Master of Arts in creative writing and a PhD in media studies from UCT, where she now teaches journalism and media studies courses. She has worked as a writer, editor, copywriter, and mass communication strategist, and has edited the work of various South African writers. Evans has written for Getaway, the Mail & Guardian, and the Cape Argus, and was the winner of the Sunday Independent travel writing competition in 2008.
In addition to teaching theory courses, Evans is also the production convenor at UCT and teaches multimedia journalism courses that cover the following topics: writing, copy-editing, proofreading, introduction to InDesign, infographic design, and designing for print.
“My overall impression of the content is that it is well structured and developed by the lecturer, who is highly knowledgeable and skilled in the field of graphic design. Adequate referencing is proof of a high academic level and professionalism. The online learning experience is convenient, and gave me an opportunity to acquire new skills and a sound knowledge base of graphic design, while still working as a teacher. I have gained a greater understanding of the roles played by graphic designers, and have acquired several new skills while working with Adobe Illustrator. I still have to spend plenty of hours practising, as our lecturer showed me what I didn’t know. Networking with fellow students was a new experience, which I enjoyed, as we were learning together. Our online Success Advisor was available when I needed support and always replied with a friendly message. I highly appreciated that our lecturer and Success Advisor really took an interest in our learning and development.”
– Odette Veldtman
Teacher
This UCT online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.