What Equipment Will I Need?

As you will be studying from home there will be a certain amount of equipment that you will need to undertake the course successfully. These are as follows;
A Computer: PC or Mac is fine, the course runs on any operating system. The Schoolyard itself functions like any other internet site, no special requirements are needed to run the Schoolyard. You will however be using graphics software throughout the course. These software platforms require a minimum amount of system requirements to run fast and efficiently.

Computer Requirements

Below are the minimum system requirements taken directly from Adobe in order to run the Creative Cloud design platform.

If you wish to discuss your current computer or if you are interested in purchasing a new machine in order to complete your design studies; please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on info@thegraphicdesignschool.com.

Windows

• Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) or AMD Athlon 64 processor
• Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit Version)
• 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended) 
• 7GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required for course content and work (SSD recommended)
• 1024×768 display (1920 x 1080 recommended)
• Optional (not required): To use Touch Workspace in Illustrator, you must have a touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor running Windows 10 (Microsoft Surface Pro is recommended by Adobe only for use with Touch Workspace).
• Optional (recommended): To use GPU Performance: Your Windows should have a minimum of 1GB of VRAM
• Internet connection and registration are necessary for required Adobe software activation, membership validation, and access to Schoolyard online services.

Mac OS

• Multicore Intel® processor with 64-bit support or M1 processor
• macOS version 11.0 (Big Sur), macOS version 10.15 (Catalina) or macOS version 10.14 (Mojave)
• 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended)
• 7GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required for course content and work (SSD recommended)
• 1024×768 display (1920×1080 recommended)
• Optional (recommended): To use GPU Performance: Your Mac should have a minimum of 1 GB of VRAM (2GB recommended)
• Internet connection and registration are necessary for required Adobe software activation, membership validation, and access to Schoolyard online services.

Software

Software – IFC, CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design and Design@Work

You will be required to subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat Pro DC are needed to complete the course.

Software – Web Design Course

You will be required to subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud. Experience Design or Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro DC are needed to complete the course. Many students will also make use of Photoshop in the assessment work.

Adobe Student Discount

Students enrolled with The Graphic Design School are eligible to receive the Student discount for the Adobe Creative Cloud. Discounts can be found on the Adobe website of your region and are at the sole discretion of Adobe.

Contact us if you wish to purchase the software at the discounted rate and you will be forwarded a letter to present on purchase to prove your enrolment at The Graphic Design School.

Camera Equipment – Certificate IV in Design and IFC students Only

Module 6 and 9 requires you to have access to a digital SLR camera. This camera must be at least 7 mega pixels. Module 10 and 11 will require that you photograph your work for packaging and portfolio projects, the camera you choose to work with in these projects is up to you, however if digital it must be of at least 3 mega pixels to ensure work quality.

If you don’t own an SLR camera, don’t panic. You only need the camera for a few days, you could try and borrow one from a friend or colleague. You could even rent one: Click here to see a quick search for rental options near you.

Internet

Connection to Internet is also required. There are no particular speeds or access that is a minimum requirement as all modules can be downloaded and saved to your computer. If you do have the option to have access to higher speed internet (cable or broadband), this will help you have a more timely access when you need to conduct design research on the web.

Illustration Supplies

Throughout your course you will need to complete design sketches, we ask that students have a small range of lead pencils HB-4B, A4 and A3 sketching pads.

Printing and Scanning equipment

IFC, CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design

In order to record evidence as part of your design processes you will be required to have access to a scanner and a printer. A colour printer is a personal preference, but not necessary for your assessments, black and white printing is acceptable.

Web Design Course and Design@Work

A printer is not required for the Web Design Course, however there are sketching elements to the course. This will need to be scanned into your module work and be uploaded for your tutor to assess. For Design@Work students, an assessment will require access to a professional printer, but this does not need to be owned by the student.