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Pathways - TAFE to University


If you are an international student looking for information about pathways, please visit the Swinburne International website.


Guaranteed Entry Scheme

The Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) gives Swinburne Diploma and Advanced Diploma students guaranteed entry into a relevant Swinburne university degree course. You will receive credit for your studies, fast-tracking you into later stages of the degree. You have the option to take the offer the year after you complete your TAFE course or defer the offer.

The table below shows the guaranteed pathways available into Faculty of Design courses:

TAFE Course Campus University Degree Minimum time to complete
Diploma of Graphic Design P, W Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) 2 years
Diploma of Interactive Digital Media P, W Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) 2 years
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - interactive digital media stream P, W Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) 1.5 years
P Prahran W Wantirna

For more information visit the Guaranteed Entry Scheme website.



Pathways Direct

Through Pathways Direct, Swinburne TAFE students can apply directly to the Faculty of Design for admission into a degree program. The application is handled internally and does not require VTAC application. Preference will be given to applicants with a credit average (65% or above) and to those with no fails in their final year of study.

The table below shows possible pathways available into Faculty of Design courses:

TAFE Course Campus Duration University Degree Minimum time to complete
Certificate IV in Design W 1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) 3 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) 3 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) 3 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) 3 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business 4 years
Certificate IV in Design with Enhancement Program P 1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) 2 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)** 2 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design)** 2 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)** 2 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business (applies to all Design majors except Communication Design) 3.5 years
1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)/Bachelor of Business 3 years
Diploma of Graphic Design P, W 2 years FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)* 1 year
2 years FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)/Bachelor of Business 3 years
Diploma of Marketing H 1 year FT Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) 2.5 years
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - digital film and television stream P 2 years FT Bachelor of Film and TV* 1 year
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - interactive digital media stream P 2 years FT Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)* 1 year

H Hawthorn P Prahran W Wantirna

*Distinction average results with no fails in final year

**Interview required