Bachelor of Design
Majoring in Communication Design
70.0
Choose your major
Branded Environments
Transform spaces into multi-sensory experiences. Drive deep connections to brands. Put your sensory design superpowers to use in our Branded Environments major.
Communication Design
Develop your design-thinking capabilities with our Communication Design major. Learn how to respond to challenging design briefs and generate ideas with confidence. Plus, build your folio as you go.
Motion Design
In our Motion Design major, you'll learn how to design and produce motion content for every conceivable media platform – from sky-scraping digital billboards to discreet wearable devices.
Photomedia
Prepare yourself for practice as a visual artist or photographer with our Photomedia major. Develop your conceptual and technical skills to create sophisticated campaigns and publications.
UX Interaction Design
Gain skills in user-centred design research, visual design theory and design-led thinking in order to create seamless user experiences in our UX Interaction Design major.
Overview
Design has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our experience within it. Our Bachelor of Design will arm you with broad design skills in typography, brand and identity design, and more. Make your degree custom-fit by choosing a future-focused major. Emerge ready to transform lives and empower society towards a brighter (and even more beautiful) future.
Don't miss our upcoming Design & Fashion Info Session
Join us on campus to get all the need-to-know details on studying at Swinburne, including courses, scholarships, careers and more. Tuesday 23 June, 5 – 7pm.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.
Your major
Get set to spearhead brand and communication campaigns with our Communication Design major. In it, you'll explore communication in a commercial environment, learn how to convey ideas and emotion, and produce a portfolio that highlights your design-led thinking and hands-on production skills.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs – a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. This can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects.
This degree includes a capstone project which could see you working with places like City of Melbourne, and more.
Skills you’ll learn
- Creative visual problem solving
- Communicating through typeface
- Working in a team/individually
- Concept development
- Digital design skills
Your career opportunities
- Communication designer
- Interaction designer
- Experience designer
- Design consultant
- Web designer
- UX designer
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 150 in Art and Design
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
5 stars for overall experience
#1 in Melbourne for graduate found full-time employment 4 months after completing their degree
#1 in Melbourne for graduate salary one year out
Double degrees
Combine your design degree with a second degree to gain diverse skills, expand your career pathays, and graduate with two qualifications. Here are some options:
Michael's Next Gen_ Story
It’s this piece of paper – a Swinburne Bachelor of Design Communications - that has enabled Michael to successfully kick off his career. Now working at a Melbourne advertising agency, a Swinburne degree gives graduates, like Michael, real industry experience to prepare them for the workforce. Michael got more than a piece of paper.
Related courses
-
Diploma of Design (UniLink)
-
Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
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Bachelor of Design (Fashion)
-
Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
-
Diploma of Design (UniLink)
-
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
Students who:
a) were last enrolled in secondary or post-secondary studies more than five years ago; or
b) are seeking Advanced Standing (unit exemptions) outside of an agreed pathway or articulation agreement; or
c) are applying based on significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test; must submit a Digital Portfolio and respond to four design-related questions.
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
70.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]
63.4
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in Art Creative Practice, Product Design and Technologies, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Art Making and Exhibiting, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 10 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65%
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sight | See and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
| Sound | Hear and respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
| Touch | Feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. |
| Stamina | Perform short-term, high intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy. |
| Strength | Lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort. |
| Dexterity | Use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. |
| Steadiness | Maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks. |
| Fine motor skills | Execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment, or controls. |
| Gross motor skills | Coordinate whole body movements such as lifting, walking, standing, or maintaining posture or balance. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
| Professional reflection | Review your learning and performance to identify areas for improvement. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
| Digital literacy | Use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. |
Adaptable components
The following sensory components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Written communication | Express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | Work with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
-
Diploma of Design (UniLink)
8 months, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Design (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Diploma of Interior Design
18 months full-time, 8 units max credit
-
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design
6 months full-time, 15-16 units max credit
-
Diploma of Graphic Design
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time, 8 units max credit
-
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
6 months full-time, 12 units max credit
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Diploma of Visual Merchandising
1 year full-time, 8 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Concepts and Narratives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10001 |
|
Digital Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10002 |
|
Typography
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10005 |
|
Twentieth Century Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD10001 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Photography for Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10004 |
|
User Interface Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20004 |
|
Visual Communication Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10007 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Contemporary Design Issues
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20004 |
|
Packaging Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Brand and Identity Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20001 |
|
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20009 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
| or | |
| Professional placement - Minor (6 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Communication Design Strategy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30048 |
|
Publication Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30013 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Design for Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO30002 |
|
Communication Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD30047 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,537.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$28,611.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$42,890.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
- Branded Environments - 3400213591
- Communication Design - 3400213601
- Motion Design - 3400213611
- Photomedia - 3400213621
- UX Interaction Design - 3400213631
Interested in a specific major?
You can apply using the main VTAC code for this course. Or, use individual VTAC codes to apply for specific majors:
- Branded Environments - 3400213593
- Communication Design - 3400213603
- Motion Design - 3400213613
- Photomedia - 3400213623
- UX Interaction Design - 3400213633