Bachelor of Design
The Bachelor of Design offers students a broad and coherent understanding of contemporary design.
Complete core units in your first year to learn design skills across a range of disciplines and assist in selecting a major. Choose from studies in animation, games and web design, traditional and digital publishing, branding, experiential design, photography, image production.
Gain the skills and knowledge to prepare for your career in exciting and evolving fields.
Get hands-on skills in your chosen major through a professionally focused, multidisciplinary project in your final year of study.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
- Semester 2 - 3 August 2020
VTAC codes
- 3400210711 (CSP)
- 3400210713 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
Designing a Disney fairy tale
By designing an Emoji inspired by her love for Disney, Bachelor of Design student Dominque Salvatore (pictured) won a life-changing opportunity to visit Disney Interactive in California – with a casual pit stop at Disneyland on the way!
"It was an incredible experience I’ll never forget," says Dominique. "I anticipate it’s only the beginning of what’s in store for me."
I chose Swinburne because I wanted to complete a degree that would give me practical work experience and a competitive edge over other graduates from other universities. My placement offered insight into working life and a clearer idea of the career path I'd like to take.
Linh
Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business
Course details
- Description, course structure and work integrated learning.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Concepts and Narratives | DCO10001 | 12.5 |
| Digital Design | DCO10002 | 12.5 |
| Photography for Design | DCO10004 | 12.5 |
| Typography | DCO10005 | 12.5 |
| 20th Century Design | DDD10001 | 12.5 |
| Brand and Identity Design | DCO20001 | 12.5 |
| Web Design | DCO20004 | 12.5 |
| Contemporary Design Issues | DDD20004 | 12.5 |
+
+
Other studies
8 units (100 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- 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 description
The Bachelor of Design provides students with a broad, coherent body of knowledge across the discipline of design where they select an industry focused major.
Branded Environments focuses on communication within retail and exhibition environments combining knowledge of interior architecture and communication design.
Communication Design/Graphic Design focuses on communication within web design, printed media and digital publishing, branding, illustration, photography and packaging.
Motion Design/Multimedia Design focuses on communication within visual design, motion graphics, animation, video production, sound design and interactive media. This is equivalent to the Multimedia Design major, available only to Sarawak students.
Photomedia focuses on highly conceptual communication using visual and technical practices of photography and image making as applied to digital mass media.
UX Interaction Design focuses on communication within the design and development of apps, interfaces, user experience for interactive and mobile.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Bachelor of Design, graduates will be able to:
- develop knowledge and cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise and apply this with initiative and judgement
- demonstrate technical and practical skills, and a broad understanding of key concepts in their chosen field of study
- critically apply knowledge, cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts
- articulate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to different audiences and stakeholders
- apply a value system that includes empathy, principles of sustainability and respectful design, to their knowledge and scholarship of design practice
- implement an organised schedule to deliver a complex design project which may include research, group work, academics, industry professionals, students and other stakeholder.
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.
Choose a professional placement option:
12 months Six monthsProfessional Placement in Design
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience In Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Design | DDD20031 | 25 |
| Work Experience In Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B – Design | DDD20032 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Design
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience In Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Design | DDD20031 | 25 |
Fees
- Fees for 2020.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2020 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) |
$20,052 | $6,684 | 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.
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, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
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.