Diploma of Design (UniLink)
40.0
Overview
Study design and learn how to express your creative ideas through different mediums, including printed media, branding, illustration and packaging.
Develop critical thinking skills that offer solutions to design challenges and gain experience working as part of a team and individually. Learn how to create a visual impact through digital publishing, photography and web design, while gaining an understanding of the history, art and culture that influences the industry.
Why UniLink?
Our UniLink diplomas are designed to provide a seamless connection from diploma to bachelor degree. They’re an alternative pathway – with a next gen difference! You’ll join our thriving Hawthorn campus community and gain access to all the same Swinburne facilities and support as your degree peers, with the addition of tailored support. You’ll have access to increased one-on-one time with your experienced teachers, English language development and learning support, smaller class sizes and increased class time to further develop the skills you need to succeed.
Transitioning into a degree
UniLink allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second. Completion of this course allows you to progress to these degrees and some more.
This information may change and should be used as a guide only. Credit available for advanced standing may vary depending on your chosen major.
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Design
-
50 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Games and Interactivity
-
100 credit points towards this degree
Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Honours)
Skills you’ll learn
- Graphic design
- Digital design skills
- Concept development
- Working in a team
- Creative digital problem solving
- Academic English and professional communication
Support available to you
We provide integrated support to you as an international student to help develop the skills you need to make a successful transition to study with Swinburne. The support services available include:
- Embedded English language development within all course units
- Smaller class sizes to ensure personalised development and learning support
- Learning support services available 24/7
- Increased class time dedicated to developing academic and communication skills
- Access to expert teachers specialising in assisting non-English speaking students
Your career opportunities
After completion of the chosen bachelor degree, graduates may find employment in a wide range industries and associated areas.
- Graphic designer
- Advertising assistant
- Packaging designer
- Digital designer
- Assistant developer
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 choose a UniLink diploma?
No time or cost added to your degree
Seamless and guaranteed connection to your degree
24/7 support for Academic English and skill development
Smaller class sizes and one-on-one time with teachers
Admissions
Successful completion of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: satisfactory completion in one of Art Creative Practice, Product Design And Technology, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Art Making And Exhibiting or Visual Communication Design.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in English OR at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
- VCE Units 3 and 4: satisfactory completion in one of Art Creative Practice, Product Design And Technology, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Art Making And Exhibiting or Visual Communication Design.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in English OR at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
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 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0.
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes EAP 4 Upper Intermediate with overall 65%, and all skills 60% or above
- 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.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
Apply for a pathway course
These pathways are recognised as an entry requirement to allow students to progress to a UniLink diploma.
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Certificate IV in Design
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Diploma of Interior Design
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![[UNPUBLISHED] Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)](/content/dam/media/campaigns-restricted/vet-aspiration-building-design-architectural.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.319.319.png)
[UNPUBLISHED] Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of the Diploma of Design (UniLink), students must successfully complete eight units (100 credit points) comprising:
Transitioning into a degree
UniLink allows students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second. Completion of this course allows you to progress to these courses.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Communication for Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
CMS10002 |
|
Introduction to Photography
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD10008 |
|
Brand and Identity Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA10002 |
|
Digital Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA10006 |
|
20th Century Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA20009 |
|
Design for Web
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA20011 |
|
Design Studio
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA20012 |
| Elective units [choose 1] | |
|
3D Communication
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
CMS10001 |
|
Packaging Design
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points |
GRA20013 |
2025 fees
Commonwealth Supported Fee* ($AUD)
$11,232
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$34,560.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2025 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 Financials
- 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 is the capped amount for 2025.
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 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Future scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 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.
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.