Diploma of Design (UniLink) (8 months)
The Diploma of Design (UniLink) (8 months) is a higher education diploma which provides an alternative pathway to a bachelor degree. It includes study in digital, interactive and 3D design. The units are similar bachelor degree units, but classes are smaller and students have more one-on-one time with teachers.
Students extend their creative and practical design skills and develop a modern approach to the role of design in society.
Thinking about studying at Swinburne? Classes are still on!
We’ll just be teaching remotely for a while. Chat to us to discuss your options.
Thinking about studying at Swinburne? Classes are still on!
We’ll just be teaching remotely for a while. Chat to us to discuss your options.
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
- 3400236303 (IFP)
- 3400236301 (CSP)
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Design (UniLink) (8 months) provides a credit-bearing pathway into a selection of design-related bachelor degrees. The topics covered seek to blend a range of key skills and knowledge required by current and projected industry needs.
Students will extend their creative and practical design skills. They will also develop the ability to:
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.
UniLink is accredited as an award-level higher education diploma.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of the Diploma of Design (UniLink) (8 months), students must successfully complete 100 credit points comprising:
- 7 core units (87.5 credit points)
- 1 elective unit (12.5 credit points)
Units of study
Core units
Communication for design (CMS10002)
Introduction to photography (DDD10008)
Brand and identity design (GRA10002)
Digital design (GRA10006)
20th century design (GRA20009)
Design for web (GRA20011)
Design studio (GRA20012)
Elective units
Select one unit from the following:
3D communication (CMS10001)
Packaging design (GRA20013)
Assessment may include a range of formal and informal tasks, including individual and group projects, assignments, presentations and examinations.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities.
Career opportunities
Depending on the area in which students decide to specialise, they may find employment in advertising, animation, design consultancy, graphic design, packaging design, publishing, research and development for manufactured products, design of commercial and residential interiors and public spaces, media and entertainment studios, video games development, web and interactive digital design.

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
2021 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) |
$9,582 | $9,582 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
Fees are estimates only: The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2021 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester. Students who participate in a six or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
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
Successful completion of:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification, including applications via the 2021 Early Entry Program – range of criteria with school recommendation. Head here for more info on this program and the VTAC code associated with this entry pathway.
- 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 20 in any English (except EAL) or 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or equivalent.
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 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
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
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
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au