CATC Design School

OVERVIEW

Established in 1982, CATC is now one of Australia’s largest private vocational design schools with courses available in the fields of graphic design, interior design, multimedia and photography.

CATC is a recognised Vocational Education Provider that offers you more than just an education. We’re passionate about your success – and want you to stand out from the competition.

We have campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, all specifically designed as studio spaces (as opposed to classrooms).

Our focus is on helping you become the very best designer you can be. If you’re looking for a creative career, you’ve come to the right place. With a little help from us, we’ll equip you with the skills to succeed in the design world, and transform you into a qualified designer with excellent hands-on, industry-relevant skills.

We’re committed to developing your skills as an individual and we recognise the importance of finding work when you graduate. With industry practitioners as lecturers, strong industry connections and a dedicated focus on portfolio development, completing these courses will position you as a highly-qualified sought after graduate.

Become a CATC student and you’ll experience an interactive, energetic and creative learning environment. You’ll mix with industry professionals, supportive staff and like-minded
design students.

When it’s time to leave the College, you’ll be an inspired, confident and committed individual, with a valuable set of skills and contacts.

When you study at CATC, we go out of our way to provide you with the complete student experience. Whether it’s lecturers, career advice, portfolio development, access to jobs or employment services, you’ll benefit from a great support network.

You don’t need any specific experience in design to study at CATC. What we are looking for are creative individuals with a passion for design. Our career-oriented courses give you every opportunity for technical, creative and business advancement.

Design is a growing profession with new opportunities arising all the time. It’s a dynamic and exciting profession and we look forward to helping you realise your dreams.
 
Here are some of the reasons why students choose to study with us:

• Relevant industry approved courses - all courses are nationally-recognised and have been developed with extensive input from the graphic design, multimedia and interior decoration and design industries. By interacting with employers and industry leaders we find out what skills they demand, and tweak our courses accordingly.
• We help you find a job - we hear of design jobs throughout the year and advertise them to students and grads. That’s one of the reasons we consistently achieve a high-employment success rate for graduating students. And a major focus during your studies is your portfolio, which is instrumental to your creative career!
• Learn from industry professionals - our educators have extensive industry experience and keep up-to-date with their professional development requirements. They can’t wait to teach you how to think creatively and help you reach your maximum potential.
• Building your design network - you have opportunities to establish a strong industry network and set up lifelong relationships with fellow designers. As a result, many students start freelancing while studying, and even set up their own design companies.
• Creative learning environment - as well as learning from teachers with industry experience, you work with fellow students in large, open design studios where music, colour and social interaction inspire creativity.
• Award-winning graduates - our graduates are both highly regarded and sought-after designers. They are recognised and winning prizes at the most prestigious design competitions, from the DIA Australasian Student Design Competition and the GOTYA (Graduate of the Year Awards) to the Dulux Colour Awards and the Desktop Create Awards. Thanks to excellent industry recognition, our talented grads have landed roles in leading companies like IKEA, Walt Disney, Saatchi and Saatchi and Volcom. Many have set up their own design agencies, or work in art studios, interior design companies, advertising agencies and production houses.
• Flexible study options - we understand that life can get busy – and that’s why we provide flexible study options. To suit your lifestyle, you can study part-time, full-time or via distance learning.
• Study now and pay later - VET FEE-HELP assists eligible students undertaking certain courses to pay for all or part of their tuition costs. To be entitled to VET FEE-HELP, students must be an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa and be resident in Australia for the duration of their studies. VET FEE-HELP is approved for Advanced Diploma and Diploma courses in Graphic Design and Interior Design.

LOCATIONS/CAMPUSES

Sydney campus

Level 4, 1-5 Hickson Road The Rocks, Sydney

Sydney’s design studio offers a unique setting flooded with natural light, open space and views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. CATC’s location gives students the opportunity to take creative inspiration from their local surroundings while spending time in the heart of Sydney. As a heritage listed building; every student enjoys the creative environment of and open studio feel of the college. Located just five minutes’ walk from Circular Quay, CATC students take advantage of ferry’s, busses and trains to travel to and from the college.

Melbourne campus

Level 6, 271 William Street, Melbourne

CATC’s Melbourne campus is in the heart of Melbourne and close to fantastic restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled lane ways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries and luscious parks. The campus is located on La Trobe Street and is just a short walk from Flagstaff Station linking the city loop. The campus is also easily accessible via Melbourne’s tram system, which run’s along both William and La Trobe streets or by car with close commercial car parking available. Based in the creative hub of Australia, it’s no wonder this campus has a great vibe. You learn with like-minded people in an excellent learning environment and enjoy access to the latest technology.

Brisbane campus

Unit 2, 10 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley

Brisbane campus is situated in the Fortitude Valley and set on 1800 square metres. Access to the Brisbane campus is easy, via bus, train, City Cat or ferry. The closest train station is Fortitude Valley and is an approximate 250m walk. This modern campus was completely refurbished in October 2008 to include custom built classrooms and computer facilities. The campus has a warm atmosphere, thanks to its brightly coloured interior appealing to the artistic students’ nature. Our classrooms are designed as studios to keep in with our teaching and learning culture.

Gold Coast campus

Level 2, 33 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

If you love sun and design, then CATC Gold Coast is the campus for you. Located on Elkhorn Avenue in the centre of Surfers Paradise, it’s very accessible by bus or taxi and adjacent to the Gold Coast Highway. Study in a relaxed learning environment equipped with modern facilities, close to beautiful beaches, trendy cafes and restaurants, exciting nightlife, fun theme parks and great shopping, right on your doorstep.


COURSES

Courses available on-campus are as follows:

• Advanced Diploma of Commercial Arts (Electronic Design and Interactive Media) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Diploma of Commercial Arts (Graphic Design) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Certificate IV in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design and Advertising) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Certificate IV in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Advanced Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Design) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration and Design) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration) - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses
• Diploma of Photoimaging (Commercial Photographer) - Sydney and Brisbane campuses only
• Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Pre-press)  - Brisbane campus only
• Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts (Digital Production) - Brisbane campus only.
  
  

Courses available online (by distance education):

• Advanced Diploma of Commercial Arts (Electronic Design and Interactive Media)
• Diploma of Commercial Arts (Graphic Design)
• Certificate IV in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design and Advertising)
• Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing)
• Advanced Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Design)  
• Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration and Design)
• Certificate III in Commercial Arts (Interior Decoration).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You’ll need to be at least 16 years of age prior to your course start date and have completed Australian High School Years 10 or 11 or 12 or equivalent; OR

• Be 21 years of age or over with evidence of work experience or further study
• We’d like to see High School reports, evidence of any previous design or art training you might have done, or any other qualifications. In the absence of such information, you’ll need to supply us with a couple of written references
• If you’re an international student you’ll need English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 (Academic) with no skills in any of the band scores lower than 5.0 (Academic) or equivalent proof of English. Please also refer to our Overseas Students Under 18 Policy and Procedure which you can find at www.think.edu.au/policiesandforms.
• You’ll need to submit a design portfolio* (Not required for our Certificate III part-time courses and Graphic Pre-Press).

 
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sydney Campus

Level 4, 1-5 Hickson Road
The Rocks, Sydney
NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9251 0029
Email: enquiries@catc.edu.au
Web: www.catc.edu.au

Brisbane Campus

Unit 2, 10 Costin Street
Fortitude Valley
QLD 4006 Australia
Phone (Aus): 1300 66 11 11
Phone: +61 7 3270 1000
Email: enquiries@catc.edu.au
Web: www.catc.edu.au

Gold Coast Campus

Level 2, 33 Elkhorn A venue
Surfers Paradise
QLD 4215 Australia
Phone (Aus): 1300 66 11 11
Phone: +61 7 5592 6181
Email: enquiries@catc.edu.au
Web: www.catc.edu.au

Melbourne Campus

Level 6, 271 William Street
Melbourne
VIC 3000 Australia
Phone: +61 3 9670 4026
Email: enquiries@catc.edu.au
Web: www.catc.edu.au