Diploma of Design (UniLink) (8 months)
Want to know how to create things that are both beautiful and useful? The Diploma of Design (UniLink) gives you an alternative pathway into higher education. You'll learn in a supportive and friendly university environment where you can follow your passion for all kinds of design.
Study Design to learn how to articulate your creative ideas in different mediums. Better yet, you’ll gain strategic knowledge in clear and coherent expression of these ideas to different audiences. You'll learn how to do this as an individual, and as part of a collaborative team.
Learn about the history of art and culture, and how it informs contemporary design. Develop critical thinking skills to offer solutions to design challenges. Get practical skills in how to understand and use design terminology and communicate your ideas through a range of mediums. Grow your technical expertise in graphic design, including printed media, branding, illustration and packaging. Find out how to create visual impact through photography, web design and digital publishing, and explore the world of 3D design. This diploma will prepare you for further study in art and design.
Over 8 months, you’ll study content that is similar to a bachelor degree, but in smaller class sizes – so you'll have more one-on-one time with your teachers. When you finish your UniLink diploma, you can move straight into a Bachelor of Design at Swinburne, adding no additional time or money to your studies.
Duration
8 months full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (February, June, October) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
VTAC course codes
- 3400236301 (CSP)
- 3400211523 (IFP)
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Students will extend their creative and practical design skills. They will also develop the ability to:
- creatively explore the various principles and elements of graphic design
- understand and use language and terminology specific to the design field
- understand the historical and cultural background of art and design.
Course structure
- 7 core units (87.5 credit points)
- 1 elective unit (12.5 credit points)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities.
Career opportunities

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
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) |
$10,006 | $10,006 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
Full fee |
TBC | TBC | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
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
- Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 20 in any English or English (EAL)
- Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 20 in one of Art, Interactive Digital Media (VCE VET), Media, Product Design and Technology, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design
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.
Course Prerequisites
- VCE: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 20 in any English or English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent.
- VCE Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 20 in one of Art, Interactive Digital Media (VCE VET), Media, Product Design and Technology, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design.
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 SWINBURNE