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Industrial Design

Frequently Asked Questions



1. What is Industrial Design?

Industrial designers develop products that meet human needs and expectations while considering sustainability issues. Materials selection, energy use and human interface form just some of the design parameters that are considered in the research and development undertaken to design new products for mass production.

This course will allow you to explore new materials and manufacturing techniques with a view to creating product concepts for the future. You will learn digital modelling and model-making using a wide range of industry software and workshop based prototyping facilities.

For a list of programs go to the Industrial Design page.

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2. What are the prerequisite subjects for Industrial Design?

Undergraduate (Local)
The prerequisite subjects for Industrial 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 (Industrial Design)?

The 2010 clearly in ATAR is 70.15.


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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 (Industrial Design) are 36201(CSP) and 36203(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 (Industrial 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 Industrial Design are:

  • Methods of Investigation
  • 20th Century Design
  • Design Studio
  • Digital Design
  • Product Design
  • Product Communication
  • Communication Technology
  • Industrial Design Studios: ergonomic interaction, sustainable environements, changing patterns, and professional practice
  • Processes Technology
  • Contemporary Design Issues
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Manufacturing Communication

Industrial design students learn through the act of designing products, services and systems. Most teaching occurs in one-hour lectures and three-hour design studio tutorials. Teaching and learning includes guest lecturers, individual and group work, presentations and discussions. Some classes are shared with Interior Design and Product Design Engineering students to encourage multi-disciplinary practice and experience. Subjects specific to Industrial Design include drawing and manufacturing technology which takes place in our well equipped Prototyping Workshop using wood, plastic, metal and other materials.


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

Full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate Industrial Design students undertake between 3 and 5.5 contact hours per unit per week. A full time load is four units per semester.


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10. What career opportunities are available to Industrial Design graduates?

Industrial Design graduates are able to find employment in:

  • Design Consultancies
  • Designer/Maker workshops
  • Electronic and consumer product design
  • Entrepreneurial product innovation
  • Exhibition and display
  • Manufacturing Companies
  • Research and Development
  • Self-employment
  • Toys and games design

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11. Are there any pathways available through TAFE?

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

  • Certificate IV in Design
  • Certificate IV in Design with Enhancement Program

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 Industrial 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 Industrial 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 Industrial 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 Industrial Design students?

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

  • AO Plotter
  • A3 scanners and printers
  • Design Studios
  • Faculty of Design Gallery
  • Graphics tablets
  • High end computer labs set up with Adobe Master Collection (e.g. Adobe Master Collection e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks etc) 3D Studio Max and Solidworks
  • V-Ray Rendering system

Prototyping Workshop:

  • 3D Scanner: Allows you to transfer physical models into CAD programs with exact surface and dimensional details
  • 3D printer: This high quality rapid prototyping machine produces detailed, durable and smooth models
  • Plaster printer: Superior inkjet printing technology produces high-definition, full-colour prototypes that allow you to evaluate physical models of design concepts in their nearly finished state
  • Laser cutter/engraver: Engraves, etches and cuts into various surfaces and materials
  • Milling machine: Work piece and cutter movement is precisely controlled to create accurate prototypes using a variety of materials
  • Woodwork facilities
  • Metalwork facilities
  • Spray painting finishing facilities
  • Sketch modelling facilities

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