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Digital Media Design

Frequently Asked Questions



1. What is Digital Media Design?

Digital Media Design, also known as Multimedia Design, includes the creation of digital media applications for web, interactive digital media, handheld mobile devices, animation, 3D modelling and digital film and television production.

The Digital Media Design program provides students with the practical, theoretical and business skills to work creatively and professionally in an exciting new industry. You will learn to bring together research, creative design thinking and industry relevant technical skills for a range to digital media applications. You will develop skills that cut across a range of media and disciplines, supporting the shape and direction of employment opportunities.

For a list of programs go to the Digital Media Design page.

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2. What are the prerequisite subjects for Digital Media Design?

Undergraduate (Local)
The prerequisite subjects for Digital Media Design 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 (Digital Media Design)?

The 2010 clearly in ATAR is 65.45.


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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).

The VTAC codes for the Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) are 36001 (CSP) and 36003 (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.

Local postgraduate students can download an application form on the Swinburne Postgrad 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)

Postgraduate (Local)

  • A degree in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • A diploma in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS at least two years professional design experience PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • Substantial professional design experience (normally five years or more) PLUS portfolio submission.

Postgraduate (International)
English requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
Academic requirements:

  • A degree in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • A diploma in design or a design-related area from a recognised tertiary institution PLUS at least two years professional design experience PLUS portfolio submission, or
  • Substantial professional design experience (normally five years or more) PLUS portfolio submission.

Download the Faculty of Design Postgraduate Portfolio Guidelines.


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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 (Digital Media Design) 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.

Postgraduate (Local and International):
Students applying for postgraduate coursework programs at the Faculty of Design must submit a portfolio along with academic transcripts from previous qualifications.

Download the Faculty of Design Postgraduate 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?

The major areas of study for Digital Media Design are:

  • Methods of Investigation
  • 20th Century Design
  • Design Studio
  • Digital Design
  • 2D Animation
  • Imaging for Narrative and Storyboarding
  • Interactive Design for Web Technology
  • 2D Character Animation
  • Interactive Design for Games and Web Applications
  • Digital Video Camera Techniques
  • Typography for Screen and Motion
  • Contemporary Design Issues
  • Multimedia Design (new technologies, and advanced technology)
  • Research Projects (group and individual)

Through lectures and studio based teaching you will begin learning a broad base of skills such as traditional design and animation fundamentals and techniques. As you progress through the course you have the opportunity to develop specialist areas of interest to prepare you for entry into industry.


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

Full-time undergraduate and postgraduate Digital Media Design 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 Digital Media Design graduates?

Digital Media Design graduates are able to find employment in:

  • Advertising
  • Animation
  • Design consultancies
  • Desktop publishing
  • Digital film and video production
  • Graphic design
  • Media and entertainment studios
  • Postproduction and special effects
  • Publishing
  • Video game and interactive media development
  • Website development and production

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11. Are there any pathways available through TAFE?

The following TAFE courses provide a pathway to the Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design):

  • Certificate IV in Design
  • Certificate IV in Design with Enhancement Program
  • Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media – interactive digital media stream

For further information, visit the Pathways - TAFE to University page.


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

Yes, any Digital Media Design student can apply for Industry Placement, however there is a selection criteria and interview process (refer to the Industry Placement website). Once a student has completed an Industry Placement, they must complete an Honours year.

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13. What international study opportunities are available to Digital Media 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 Digital Media Design students are encouraged to undertake exchange in second semester of second year or first semester of third 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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14. 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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15. What facilities are available to Digital Media Design students?

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

    Apple Mac Pro and HP computer labs equipped with the following software:

    • Adobe Master Collection e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks etc
    • Auto Desk Entertainment suite
    • Final Cut Studio
    • 3D Studio Max
    • Unity Pro
    • Logic Express
    • Avid Pro Tools

    • Render farm: Consisting of 20 HP blade server nodes for an approximate speed of 900Ghz of processing power
    • User testing facility: Used for the testing and development of video games and portable media e.g. Nintendo Wii, Xbox, Playstation 3, iPhone, iPad and Android devices
    • Full HD video cameras
    • Digital SLR cameras
    • Design Studios
    • AO Plotter
    • A3 scanners and printers
    • Faculty of Design Gallery

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