Bachelor of Design
Course handbook
General Information
Overview
The Bachelor of Design, with a major in Communication Design, focuses on the future of visual communication and its diverse practices.
You’ll gain a deeper involvement with interactive media and learn how to respond confidently to design problems in a commercial environment.
Developed in consultation with industry, this course gives you a broad snapshot of the sector with a diverse range of subjects including: graphic design, advertising, corporate branding, product packaging, publishing, web design and more.
Study structure
The Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design consists of a total of 300 credit points with a 25 credit point Capstone unit in the final semester.
Swinburne Online allows students to adjust their study commitment throughout the duration of their program. Students have the flexibility to study between one and four units per teaching period.
Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Concepts and Narratives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10001 |
|
Twentieth Century Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD10001 |
|
Digital Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10002 |
|
Typography
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10005 |
|
Photography for Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10004 |
|
Contemporary Design Issues
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20004 |
|
Web Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20004 |
|
Brand and Identity Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Visual Communication Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10007 |
|
Packaging Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10003 |
|
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20009 |
|
Communication Design Strategy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30048 |
|
Publication Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30013 |
|
Design for Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO30002 |
|
Communication Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD30047 |
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.
Aims and objectives
Graduates of a Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge about communication design, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts and its applications in other specialised fields, as a basis for independent lifelong learning.
The structure of, and the units of study within, the Bachelor of Design ensures that graduates can:
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and apply this with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
- demonstrate technical and practical skills, and a broad understanding of key concepts in their chosen field of study
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts
- apply communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to different audiences and stakeholders
- apply cognitive and technical skills and principles of sustainability and respectful design to their knowledge and development of their design solution with responsibility and accountability
- exercise organisational and leadership skills, and demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a project and/or piece of research with groups that may include academics, industry professionals and students.
Career opportunities
As a graduate, you should be well placed to seek employment where information is primarily conveyed by visual means. This includes careers in design consultancies, advertising, publishing, merchandising, packaging design, communication strategy, education and research.
Professional recognition
On completion of this qualification, students may be eligible to become a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and an Associate Member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and should confirm eligibility with the association.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Design is 200 credit points (normally 16 units).
Admission criteria
Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.
Interested in the Bachelor of Design?
From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.