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Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business Double Degree

Frequently Asked Questions



1. What is the Design/Business double degree?

A double degree in design and business, will provide the unique opportunity to explore the creative and practical skills of design while learning the principles of business and management. This will ensure you are well equipped for employment in the creative industry sector.

You will benefit from the facilities available at both the Prahran and Lilydale campuses. The Bachelor of Business can be combined with one of the following design degrees:

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)
Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)
Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

You will be required to select one of the following business majors:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analysis
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Tourism Management

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2. What are the pre-requisite subjects for the double degree?

Undergraduate (Local)
The prerequisite subjects for the double degree are Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 20 in English (any) and in one of:

  • Product Design and Technology
  • Studio Arts
  • Visual Communication and Design

Undergraduate (International)
Any art, design or media subject.


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3. What ATAR score do I need for the Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business?

The 2012 clearly in ATAR is 65.25.


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4. How do I apply?

Students wishing to commence their studies in Semester 1 should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or directly to Swinburne through the Swinburne How to Apply website.

The VTAC codes for the Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Business is 36011 (CSP) and 36013 (IFP).

For further information, visit the VTAC website.

Students wishing to commence their studies midyear can apply directly to Swinburne through the Swinburne How to Apply website.

International undergraduate and postgraduate students can download an application form on the Swinburne International website.

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5. How are students selected?

Undergraduate (Local)
Current Year 12 Students (CY12): ATAR and two-stage process with a middle band of approximately 20%.

Non Year 12 Students (NONY12): Grade Point Average (GPA) form. For those applicants who wish work experience to be considered should complete and submit a VTAC Personal Information (Pi) form.

For further information, visit the VTAC website.

Undergraduate (International)
Year 12 ATAR/UAI/TER score = minimum of 70 or equivalent
A Levels = 8
International Baccalaureate (IB) minimum 6 x 4 = 24
English requirements: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 6.0)


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6. Do I need to submit a portfolio or attend an interview?

Undergraduate (Local and International)
Students entering Year 1 of the Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business and not seeking exemptions are not required to submit a portfolio or attend an interview.

Applicants seeking exemptions for this course must submit a portfolio along with academic transcripts from previous qualifications.

  • Local applicants submit the above at the time of enrolment.
  • International applicants submit the above at the time of application.

Download the Faculty of Design Undergraduate Portfolio Guidelines.


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7. How much are the fees for this course?

You can find undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fee details on the Swinburne Fees website.

International undergraduate and postgraduate student fee details are available on the Swinburne International website.


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8. What subjects will I study and how are they taught?

For a specified list of subjects see:

Design

Business


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9. How many contact hours per week am I required to do?

Full-time undergraduate double degree students undertake 12 contact hours per week.

Part-time students generally undertake 6 contact hours per week (3 contact hours per unit per week).


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10. What career opportunities are available to double degree graduates?

The Double degree provides graduates with the skills knowledge and key theoretical insights required to work effectively within a broad range of contemporary business and design environments.

For a specified list of career opportunities see:


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11. Can I undertake industry placement as part of my course?

Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is an optional program available to local undergraduate students in which they are offered the opportunity to undertake full-time, paid employment in an area relevant to their studies.

IBL is a six- or 12-month paid work placement in the industry you’re interested in. It is an opportunity to gain real-life experience in your chosen field. IBL gives you a distinct advantage over other graduates by allowing you to combine tertiary qualifications with practical experience. This can better prepare you for the opportunities and challenges of professional life, and allow you to develop practical skills and an understanding of how your chosen industry works. IBL is not available to international students due to student visa conditions.

For further information visit the Faculty of Higher Education Lilydale site.


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12. What international study opportunities are available to Communication Design students?

Study tours and exchanges organised by the Faculty of Design provide you with the opportunity to experience another culture, a different type of design education and the chance to expand your international networks.

International Exchange: International student exchange offers you the opportunity to spend a semester at one of our international exchange partners – some of the best design schools from around the world. You will receive academic credit towards your degree by studying subjects approved by your Program Coordinator. Undergraduate Communication Design students are encouraged to undertake exchange in second semester of third year or first semester of fourth year.

Study Tours (incoming and outgoing): Typical study tours last between 3 and 5 weeks, consist of 10 to 15 students and are conducted during the Summer and Winter breaks. They are short-term programs that allow you to engage with students, lecturers and industry from another country. Previous study tour locations include: USA, Germany, UK, France, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy.

For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.


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13. Are there any scholarships I can apply for

The Vice Chancellors Design Scholarship is offered to new enrolling undergraduate students who are Australian citizens or became permanent residents pre 1997 and have completed their VCE or interstate equivalent in the year they are applying for the scholarship, achieving an ATAR of at least 97.00. Applicants must also meet the pre-requisites for their chosen course. Swinburne Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships exempt students from paying the Student Contribution Amount.

For more information visit the Scholarships website.


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14. Will I need to attend classes at both the Prahran and Lilydale campuses?

To ensure that you graduate with confidence and experience you will have access to the latest design resources. Communication Design students are able to access the following facilities:

Double degree students will need to attend classes at both the Prahran and Lilydale campuses. Design classes are taught at the Prahran campus and Business classes at the Lilydale campus. Students who choose the Marketing major have the choice of studying at either Prahran or Lilydale.


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