Equipment

What equipment will you need during your studies at CATC?

You will be required to have particular materials to complete your assessments and session exercises. You will also need to purchase additional items throughout your studies as you make use of the materials.

Students studying on campus are able to buy a specially organised CATC art kit through our art partner: Eckersleys. This kit is heavily discounted and contains all the equipment you'll need to get started. Of course if you already own a lot of art equipment you can view the art kit list and purchase what you haven't already got. It's important you have the same or similar equipment to the art kit list as it's what we use to teach you the core skills.

Distance learning students get a special kit as part of their studies along with their prescribed text books.

If you're studying photography, you'll need a digital SLR camera with manual settings and general photographic accessories such as card readers, standard lens, tripod, memory cards, battery charger etc.

Computers and software

All students wishing to study on campus will require a laptop throughout their studies.

CATC has negotiated significant discounts with our IT supplier including laptop and software discounts. Please refer to the CATC website for more information www.catc.edu.au.

Minimum recommended specifications for laptops are:

• Intel Core™2 Duo Processor (2GHz/800MHz FSB/3M Cache)
• PC's | Windows XP up OR Mac's | Leopard up
• 13" screen or larger or a minimum resolution of 1400 x 900 pixels
• Memory | 4GB Dual Channel 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB)
• Video card | 256MB external or combined memory
• Hard Drive | 320GB | 5200rpm or 7200rpm
• We recommend that all students have Adobe Creative Suite (preferably CS5 or higher) on their computers. This software is essential if you're studying Graphic Design or Photography.
• Interior Design Diploma students will also need ArchiCAD software (free student version available).

Students studying via Distance Learning can replace the laptop need with a desktop computer. Minimum recommended specifications for desktops are:

• Intel Core™ quad-core Processor 2GHz or higher
• PC's | Windows XP up OR Mac's | Leopard up
• Memory | 4GB Dual Channel 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 2GB)
• Video card | 256MB external or combined memory
• Hard Drive | 500GB | 5200rpm or 7200rpm
• Built in or external video camera, speakers and microphone
• Keyboard and mouse

CATC Design School has arranged computer hardware and software discounts through Powermedia. Click here for detail.

What should you expect to pay for materials during your studies?

Inaddition to the details below, you should allow for additional courses costs of approximately $350 - $750 per year.

Other expenses may include excursions and attending industy events.

CATC art kit costs

• Interior Design art kits are $500 (inc GST)
• Graphic Design art kits are $300 (inc GST).

The following costs are a guide nly and will vary with each student.

• Printing costs $20 - $50 per trimester
• Replenishing art kit/additional items
• $10 - $30 per trimester
• Photography students require a Digital SLR camera with full manual settings. We suggest that between $1,500 - $2,600 should be budgeted for a new camera and lens kit. Advice about which camera might be the most appropriate can be found by talking to the Photography Program Manager during the first week of study.

Additional photography costs might include:

• Card Reader - $40
• Stationery items - $60
• Printing - $60-$80 per trimester.