Flexible Degree Structure
If you are a new Swinburne student, please note the Flexible Degree Structure is only applicable for programs that commenced prior to 2011. If you are commencing in 2012, or commenced in 2011, please refer to your particular program and enrolling faculty for study options.
Swinburne's Flexible Degree Structure adds flexibility to most of our undergraduate degrees. We've broken down the traditional academic barriers, allowing you to tailor your degree and add either depth or breadth to your education through your choice of professional majors, co-majors and minors. We also offer specialist degrees* (including Aviation, Engineering, and some Information & Communication Technology programs*) that are carefully structured to ensure you meet the requirements for professional recognition in a particular field.
Most of the three-year undergraduate degrees at Swinburne comprise 24 units of study, totaling 300 credit points*. You can design your own degree by combining your professional major with either a co-major or two minors.
In most cases you will be required to undertake a professional major of 16 units of study (200 credit points) in an area of specialisation from your enrolled Faculty, and combine it with either a co-major of 8 units (100 credit points) or two minors of 4 units (50 credit points) each. You can choose from a range of co-majors or minors that add depth or breadth to your degree.
Professional Majors
As a key part of the Professional Learning Model, professional majors provide an integrated range of development features which are linked directly to professional/industry/community contexts and offers clear career prospects. A professional major is a discipline-based group of units comprising 16 units of study worth 200 credit points and is offered by your enrolling Faculty.
Co-majors
A co-major is a thematic group, comprised of 8 units of study, worth 100 credit points. You can choose a co-major from a range of disciplines, subject to program prescriptions and timetabling availability.
Minors
Minors encompass four units of study totaling 50 credit points. You can select a minor from a range of disciplines, skill levels and the suite of Electives Plus Minors, subject to program prescriptions and timetabling availability.
of professional majors, co-majors and minors contact your enrolling faculty.
*Specialist Degrees
Follow this link for information about our suite of four-year Engineering programs and our specialist Aviation programs. A range of Information & Communication Technology programs also have specialist structures; follow this link to learn more.