Bachelor of Design (Honours)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Bachelor of Design (Honours) is a one-year year Honours course which, in consultation with industry, includes the latest knowledge and technology focused on the future direction of design and its diverse practices.
The course is designed to deepen and extend students' professional skills and industry preparation through practice, theory and research. Students will consolidate their research and professional multidisciplinary competencies, and be encouraged to apply their specialist learning within an interdisciplinary framework.
An honours year can improve your job prospects or provide a pathway to postgraduate study.
Register your interest to find out more.
This course is currently closed for new applications. The information on this page is provided for current students.
Course details
- Course structure and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
-1 units (12.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 12.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
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You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
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A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Design (Honours) will be able to:
- critically review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise design discipline-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, to identify and provide solutions to complex problems utilising independent research.
- apply technical skills to demonstrate a coherent understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts of design, with advanced understanding of their respective design specialisation
- demonstrate cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understandings of professional design problems and research principles, and be able to adapt these in diverse contexts and /or scholarship as preparation for higher degrees
- apply knowledge and technical skills to design and use appropriate research in a professional and/or academic project, collaboratively and/or independently, taking responsibility for their own learning and practice
- present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences, including taking responsibility for arguing a case and documenting a professional project and/or thesis through the nexus between research principles and methods and design practice
- demonstrate organisational and leadership skills, and the ability to plan and execute project work and independent research with groups that may include academics, industry professionals and students.
Professional recognition
Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become an associate member of:
- The Design Institute of Australia (DIA), Australia's professional membership body for designers and design businesses
- The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), the national organisation for professional graphic designers
- Design Management Institute (DMI), this is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to heighten awareness of design as an essential part of business strategy
- The Design Research Society (DRS), an international learned society catering for the needs of design researchers, design educators and design professionals.
Fees
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.