Diploma of Visual Merchandising
If making things look beautiful is your thing, this is the course for you. Use your flair for creativity, design, creative problem-solving and styling in Swinburne’s Diploma of Visual Merchandising.
Gain core skills in design elements and principles, digital content and styling, window styling, creative collaborations, hands-on prop building, concept design, and designing and applying signage.
And as the industry becomes increasingly digital, Swinburne students are well-prepared for roles in online spaces; acquiring the skills for content creation, brand development, and styling for web and social media.
Our Diploma of Visual Merchandising is created with industry, so you’ll be immersed in industry from the moment you start. You could be designing, styling and creating displays for major Australian brands – not to mention building a unique and accomplished portfolio and the connections to land your dream job. All before you even graduate.
Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to try on a range of industry roles to see how they fit, learning how to respond strategically to client briefs, and gain collaborative and presentation skills. Plus, gain the negotiation and business skills to give you that competitive edge in a growing field.
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Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Wantirna (March, August) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
VTAC course code
- 3401078254 (fee type determined by provider)

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Student success
FASHIONING A CAREER IN VISUAL MERCHANDISING
Chloe Chilver earned her first big break when she was hired to create a window for well-known Armadale jeweller Nicole Fendel as part of her course (pictured).
“It was great to apply everything I have been learning at uni in real life and create an installation that many people will see just walking down High St, Armadale,” says Chloe.
Student work
Industry Projects
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
With a focus on the contemporary retail landscape, this course equips creatives with the skills, understanding and experience to think spatially within the design environment. An emphasis on branding, store design and commercial display outcomes, provides a strong foundation to work with both large corporate entities and enterprising bespoke businesses.
Course structure
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives

Professional recognition
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
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $10,813. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Visual MerchandisingEstimated course fees for 2022* |
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For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $13,140 | $5,890 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $2,327 | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 975.
Entry requirements
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059