Unisa Short Courses Graphic Design

The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers a range of short courses designed to help individuals enhance their skills and qualifications in various fields, including graphic design. These short courses are an excellent option for those who wish to pursue a career in design or further their existing knowledge in graphic arts. By offering flexible learning methods, including online courses, UNISA allows students to develop their skills at their own pace while receiving comprehensive training that is both theoretical and practical.

Graphic Design Fundamentals

The “Graphic Design Fundamentals” course at UNISA introduces students to the core concepts and principles of graphic design. This course covers the basic elements, such as typography, color theory, composition, and the use of visual hierarchy in design. Students will also explore the software tools commonly used in graphic design, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of industry-standard programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

This course is perfect for beginners who want to gain a solid understanding of design techniques. It focuses on developing creative and analytical skills that are essential for creating visual content, whether for digital media, print, or branding. Through this course, students will learn how to approach design projects with confidence and creativity, preparing them for more advanced study or immediate application in the professional world.

Digital Illustration and Graphics

The “Digital Illustration and Graphics” course at UNISA is designed for students interested in mastering digital tools for creating illustrations and graphic artworks. This course goes beyond basic design principles, diving deep into the digital process of illustrating and manipulating images using software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and other industry-standard programs. Students will learn how to create vector-based artwork, digital illustrations, and graphics that are both visually appealing and functional across various platforms.

The course curriculum covers essential topics such as:

1. Vector vs. Raster Graphics – Understanding the difference between vector and raster-based images, and learning when to use each type in design projects.
2. Pen Tool Techniques – Mastering the pen tool to create smooth, scalable paths for illustration work.
3. Advanced Color Theory – Developing an understanding of how color can influence design, from digital artwork to web design.
4. Creating Digital Art for Different Mediums – Tailoring artwork for use in web, print, and multimedia applications, ensuring students know how to optimize their designs for various formats.

This course is ideal for those who already have a basic understanding of graphic design but want to enhance their skills in digital illustration and graphic manipulation. It enables students to develop a professional portfolio of digital artwork that can be used for careers in fields such as advertising, web design, and publishing. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to produce high-quality digital illustrations and graphics for a wide range of creative projects.

Web Design and User Experience (UX)

The “Web Design and User Experience (UX)” course at UNISA is tailored for students who are keen to explore the intersection of design and user experience in the digital space. This course teaches students how to design websites that are not only visually appealing but also user-friendly and optimized for functionality. It covers the fundamentals of web design principles, user interface (UI) design, and the psychology behind user interactions with websites and apps. Students will learn how to design with the user in mind, ensuring intuitive navigation and engaging layouts.

Key topics in this course include:

1. Web Design Principles – Understanding the layout, typography, color schemes, and image usage that make for an effective web design.
2. Responsive Design – Learning to design websites that function seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes, ensuring the site is accessible on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
3. Wireframing and Prototyping – Introduction to tools and techniques for creating wireframes and prototypes to map out the user flow before full-scale design begins.
4. Usability Testing – Gaining insight into how to test the usability of websites and apps, ensuring the design is easy to use and meets user expectations.

This course is perfect for aspiring web designers, front-end developers, or anyone looking to understand the principles of user-centered design. With an emphasis on creating websites that are both visually striking and functional, students will be prepared for careers in web development, UI/UX design, or digital project management. By the end of the course, students will be capable of designing websites that prioritize both aesthetics and usability, creating seamless experiences for users.

Branding and Identity Design

The “Branding and Identity Design” course at UNISA focuses on helping students understand the essential elements of creating a powerful brand identity. In this course, students learn how to design logos, corporate identities, and brand elements that communicate a company’s values and personality. They will study the impact of color, typography, and logo design on brand recognition and how these components come together to form a cohesive brand image.

Core aspects covered in the course include:

1. Logo Design – Developing logos that capture the essence of a brand while being scalable and adaptable across different platforms and media.
2. Brand Strategy – Understanding how to create a brand’s voice, visual elements, and messaging that resonate with the target audience.
3. Brand Guidelines – Learning to create brand guidelines that maintain consistency in all branding materials, from business cards to websites.
4. Market Research and Trend Analysis – Conducting research to understand the target market and competitors, ensuring that the branding aligns with current trends and consumer preferences.

This course is ideal for individuals who want to specialize in branding and work with businesses to develop strong, recognizable brands. It’s perfect for those in design agencies, freelance branding consultants, or in-house design teams looking to elevate their branding skills. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge to create complete brand identities that are both visually cohesive and strategically aligned with business goals.

Advertising and Visual Communication

The “Advertising and Visual Communication” course at UNISA focuses on how graphic design is utilized in advertising to create compelling visuals that communicate messages effectively to a target audience. This course explores the relationship between design and advertising, with an emphasis on how visuals can evoke emotions, influence perceptions, and ultimately drive consumer behavior. Students will gain an understanding of how to develop creative advertising campaigns across various mediums, including print, digital, and outdoor advertising.

Key topics covered in the course include:

1. Designing for Advertising – Learning the principles of creating advertisements that capture attention and communicate a clear message within a limited space.
2. Target Audience Analysis – Understanding the importance of audience research in creating designs that resonate with specific demographics.
3. Print and Digital Advertising – Exploring how graphic design principles differ between traditional print media and digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email marketing.
4. Psychology of Color and Typography – Analyzing how color and typography can be used strategically in advertising to influence consumer emotions and behaviors.

This course is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in advertising agencies, marketing teams, or anyone who wants to learn how to combine design with strategic communication. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create advertisements that stand out in a crowded marketplace and effectively communicate messages to diverse audiences.

Illustration for Print Media

The “Illustration for Print Media” course at UNISA is designed for students interested in creating detailed, visually striking illustrations specifically for print publications, such as magazines, books, posters, and more. This course focuses on teaching students how to use traditional and digital techniques to create artwork that is suitable for high-quality print. Students will gain a deeper understanding of print production processes, including how to prepare and optimize illustrations for printing, ensuring that their designs are crisp and clear in final output.

The course curriculum includes:

1. Print Production Techniques – Understanding the various printing processes (e.g., offset, digital printing) and how they impact the design of illustrations.
2. Preparing Artwork for Print – Learning how to set up files, choose appropriate file formats, and ensure resolution and color modes are suitable for print.
3. Illustration Styles and Techniques – Exploring various illustration styles, from hand-drawn techniques to digital methods, and how to adapt them for print.
4. Typography and Illustration – Integrating typography into illustrations for print, ensuring that both the text and image work together cohesively.

This course is perfect for aspiring illustrators who wish to specialize in print media. It prepares students for careers in publishing, editorial design, and creative agencies where high-quality illustrations are key to communication and storytelling. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create impressive, print-ready illustrations for a variety of media.

Photography for Designers

The “Photography for Designers” course at UNISA is designed for individuals who want to enhance their design projects by incorporating professional-level photography. This course provides a deep dive into the technical and creative aspects of photography, focusing on how to capture and use images effectively within design projects. Students will learn how to photograph subjects, understand lighting techniques, and edit images to align with their design goals. The course emphasizes how photography can complement and elevate graphic design work, making it a valuable skill for any designer.

Key components of the course include:

1. Fundamentals of Photography – Learning the basics of camera settings, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, to capture high-quality images.
2. Lighting Techniques – Understanding how to manipulate natural and artificial lighting to create the desired mood or effect in photos.
3. Composition and Framing – Exploring the principles of composition, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, to create visually striking images that enhance design work.
4. Photo Editing and Retouching – Gaining skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop to enhance and manipulate images for use in design projects.

This course is ideal for graphic designers looking to incorporate custom photography into their projects. Whether for branding, advertising, or web design, students will learn how to capture images that align with their design objectives. Upon completion, students will be confident in their ability to photograph, edit, and incorporate images that enhance the visual impact of their design work.

Motion Graphics and Animation

The “Motion Graphics and Animation” course at UNISA is designed for those who wish to expand their graphic design skills into the dynamic field of animation. This course introduces students to the principles of motion graphics, where visual design is paired with movement to create engaging multimedia content. Whether for advertisements, websites, social media, or films, students will learn how to design and animate graphics that capture attention and communicate ideas through motion.

The course includes:

1. Principles of Animation – Understanding the basic principles of animation, such as timing, motion paths, and easing, to create fluid and effective animations.
2. Motion Graphics Software – Gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects to create professional-grade motion graphics.
3. Storyboarding and Planning – Learning how to plan and storyboard animation sequences to ensure a cohesive and engaging final product.
4. Animating for Different Media – Adapting motion graphics for various platforms, such as video content, digital signage, and social media, while maintaining consistency in style and message.

This course is perfect for graphic designers looking to break into the world of animation and multimedia design. It will equip students with the technical skills and creative insight necessary to create engaging animated content for advertising, branding, and entertainment. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of motion graphics work that demonstrates their ability to combine graphic design with animation to communicate powerful messages.

Print Design and Layout

The “Print Design and Layout” course at UNISA focuses on the specialized area of designing for print, a fundamental skill for any graphic designer. This course teaches students the art and science of creating visually appealing and effective layouts for printed materials such as brochures, posters, magazines, and books. Students will explore the technical aspects of print production, learning to prepare files for press, and how to select the right paper, ink, and finishes to achieve the best results. Emphasis is placed on how to create layouts that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that the designs communicate the intended message clearly.

1. Understanding Print Specifications – Learning about different print formats, paper types, and printing processes (e.g., offset, digital) to create designs that are optimized for the printing medium.
2. Typography in Print – Understanding how to use fonts, line spacing, and alignment effectively to create clear, legible text that complements the overall design.
3. Designing for Different Printed Materials – Exploring the specific considerations for designing materials such as magazines, catalogs, business cards, and packaging.
4. Prepress and File Preparation – Learning how to prepare print-ready files, including color management, bleed settings, and file formats required by printers.

This course is ideal for graphic designers who wish to specialize in print media, providing the foundational knowledge required for creating professional print materials. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in print design techniques and will be capable of delivering high-quality, print-ready designs that meet industry standards.

Creative Cloud Mastery for Designers

The “Creative Cloud Mastery for Designers” course at UNISA is designed for those who want to become experts in Adobe’s suite of Creative Cloud applications, which are essential tools for modern graphic design. This comprehensive course covers the core Adobe software used by professionals in the design industry, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of how to use each program to its fullest potential, developing both technical skills and creative capabilities.

Key topics in the course include:

1. Mastering Adobe Photoshop – Learning advanced photo editing, compositing, and digital painting techniques to create stunning visual content.
2. Advanced Illustrator Techniques – Developing proficiency in creating vector graphics, logos, and illustrations with precision and creativity.
3. InDesign for Layouts and Publishing – Gaining expertise in using InDesign to design multi-page documents, such as magazines, brochures, and annual reports, with professional layouts.
4. Animating with After Effects – Exploring the use of After Effects to create dynamic animations and motion graphics, adding an extra layer of creativity to design projects.

This course is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Cloud applications. It is suited for both beginners who wish to learn the software from scratch and experienced designers looking to refine their abilities. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with advanced skills in each Creative Cloud application, enabling them to tackle complex design projects with confidence and creativity.

3D Design and Visualization

The “3D Design and Visualization” course at UNISA introduces students to the world of three-dimensional design, offering skills crucial for those interested in product design, architecture, and animation. This course teaches students to create three-dimensional models and visualizations using software such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Blender, and SketchUp. Students will learn the basics of 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering, as well as how to use these techniques to create realistic representations of designs for various purposes, from marketing and presentations to virtual simulations.

The curriculum includes:

1. Introduction to 3D Modeling – Learning the fundamentals of 3D shapes, meshes, and structures, and how to create accurate and detailed models from scratch.
2. Texturing and Shading – Understanding how to apply textures and materials to 3D models, creating realistic surfaces like wood, metal, and fabric.
3. Lighting and Rendering – Exploring how to set up lighting in a 3D environment and render high-quality images or animations that showcase the final design.
4. Architectural Visualization – Learning how to use 3D design tools to create realistic visualizations for architectural projects, enabling clients to experience the design before it’s built.

This course is ideal for individuals interested in expanding their graphic design skills into the field of 3D design, whether for product design, architectural rendering, or virtual reality applications. By the end of the course, students will be able to create impressive 3D models and visualizations that can be used for various professional purposes, including client presentations and marketing materials.

Illustration and Visual Storytelling

The “Illustration and Visual Storytelling” course at UNISA is designed for individuals who want to merge their illustration skills with storytelling techniques to create compelling visual narratives. This course teaches students how to craft illustrations that convey a story, focusing on the creation of sequential art, character design, and storytelling through images. Whether for comics, children’s books, or marketing materials, students will learn how to develop characters and scenes that speak to an audience, using visual elements to enhance the narrative.

Key aspects of the course include:

1. Character and Scene Design – Learning how to create memorable characters and settings that fit within a story’s world, while maintaining consistency across scenes.
2. Storyboarding – Developing the skill of planning a visual narrative, breaking down the story into panels or frames that guide the viewer through the plot.
3. Using Color and Composition for Narrative – Understanding how to use color, composition, and visual cues to guide the viewer’s emotional response to the story.
4. Illustration for Different Media – Adapting illustrations for various formats, including books, digital publications, and marketing collateral, ensuring the story remains engaging across all platforms.

This course is ideal for artists who want to explore the art of visual storytelling and create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but narratively compelling. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to illustrate stories across different mediums, making their work suitable for both creative and commercial projects.

In conclusion, the range of graphic design short courses offered by UNISA provides an invaluable opportunity for both aspiring designers and experienced professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge across various design disciplines. From foundational courses like Graphic Design Fundamentals to specialized areas such as 3D Design, Animation, and Visual Storytelling, these courses cover a broad spectrum of techniques and tools essential for a successful design career. Each course is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience while also fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Whether you’re looking to master industry-standard software, delve into the world of motion graphics, or explore the complexities of user experience design, UNISA’s graphic design courses equip you with the necessary skills to excel in the fast-evolving design industry. By completing these courses, students not only build a strong portfolio but also gain the confidence and expertise needed to take on professional design projects and challenges in the ever-growing visual communication field.