Bachelor of Design
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
Indigenous Try Online Scholarship
Study your way and get your fees waived for two units of this course, plus amenities. Find out more about the Indigenous Try Online Scholarship here.
Are you in high school?
Get an early taste of university with a series of events just for you: A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student. Save my spot
Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Students gain a solid understanding of communication design across a broad range of media to prepare them for the challenges of an exciting and evolving industry. Students explore the communication imperative in a commercial environment and learn how to respond confidently to design problems.
Course structure
- 8 core units of study (8 x 12.5 = 100 credit points)
- 7 units of study from the Communication Design major (6 x 12.5, 1 x 25 = 100 credit points)
- 8 units of study comprising a second major, co major, advanced minors, minor/s and/or electives (100 credit points)
Swinburne Online allows students to adjust their study commitment throughout the duration of their program. Students have the flexibility to study between one and four units per teaching period.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Design is 200 credit points (normally 16 units)
Honours
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
The structure of, and the units of study within, the Bachelor of Design ensures that graduates can:
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and apply this with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
- demonstrate technical and practical skills, and a broad understanding of key concepts in their chosen field of study
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts
- apply communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to different audiences and stakeholders
- apply cognitive and technical skills and principles of sustainability and respectful design to their knowledge and development of their design solution with responsibility and accountability
- exercise organisational and leadership skills, and demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a project and/or piece of research with groups that may include academics, industry professionals and students.
Graduate skills
- are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community
- are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- operate effectively and respectfully in work and community situations
- are adaptable and manage change
- are aware of environments in which they will be contributing
- are capable of the applying principles of sustainability to their work and life.
Professional recognition
On completion of this qualification, students may be eligible to become a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and an Associate Member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and should confirm eligibility with the association.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$24,903 | $8,301 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Satisfactory completion of 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.
- VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 20 in one of Art, Product Design and Technology, Media, Interactive Digital Media C, Studio Arts or Visual Communication Design or equivalent
Other requirements - Do I need to submit a Portfolio?
You must submit a digital portfolio and respond to four design-related questions if:
- You were last enrolled in secondary or post-secondary studies more than five years ago; or
- You are seeking Advanced Standing (unit exemptions) outside of an agreed pathway or articulation agreement; or
- You are applying based on significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test
How to apply
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.
Find out more
Tel: 1300 069 765
Email: enquiries@swinburneonline.com