Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Media and Communication
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Media and Communication is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to harness creativity in design, and bring designs to life in professional communication industries.
Students will gain in-depth knowledge across the discipline of design, as well as additional skills in management, writing, business, media planning and more – making graduates well-prepared for a wide variety of both creative and managerial opportunities in creative communications and media.
All our bachelor degrees include a guaranteed Work Integrated Learning opportunity, which could be a placement, internship or industry-linked project. In this double degree, you’ll work on industry-linked projects relevant to your major areas of study.
Majors for Bachelor of Design:
Branded EnvironmentsCommunication DesignMotion DesignPhotomediaUX Interaction DesignMajors for Bachelor of Media and Communication:
AdvertisingCinema and Screen StudiesCreative Writing and LiteratureDigital Advertising TechnologyGames and InteractivityJournalismMedia Industries Professional Writing and EditingPublic RelationsSocial MediaEvery international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
Duration
4 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400211231 (CSP)
- 3400211233 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
CRICOS code
095612G
Fees
A$32480 (annual for 2021)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Media and Communication requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 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 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Communication Practice | COM10007 | 12.5 |
| Media Content Creation | JOU10007 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Media Studies | MDA10001 | 12.5 |
| Global Media Industries | MDA10008 | 12.5 |
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Other studies
4 units (50 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 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 learning outcomes
Upon successfully completing the Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Media and Communication, graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and apply this with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
- demonstrate technical and practical skills, and a broad understanding of key concepts in their chosen field of study
- demonstrate knowledge and cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts
- apply communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to different audiences and stakeholders
- with responsibility and accountability, apply their knowledge, cognitive and technical skills, and principles of sustainability and respectful design, to the development of design solutions
- exercise organisational and leadership skills, and demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a project and/or piece of research with groups that may include academics, industry professionals and students
- demonstrate knowledge, conceptual understanding, technical skills and expertise in the broad field of media and communication
- formulate arguments that draw on and critique the differences between relevant theories and evidence as they pertain to the field of media and communication
- exercise initiative and judgment in planning, problem-solving and decision-making in professional practice and/or scholarship, individually and in collaboration with others
- demonstrate critical analysis, creativity and problem-solving in relation to a range of media and communication activities and processes
- recognise and reflect on social, cultural, legal and ethical issues relating to media and communication industries in local and international contexts
- apply a broad understanding of an audience through interpreting and communicating ideas, problems and arguments in a range of media and communication contexts and formats, using the English language
- reflect critically on their performance and/or scholarship and use this to improve their own creative and productive outcomes
- apply research methodology relevant to the field of media and communication.
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 monthsDouble degrees provide the opportunity to complete a placement in your preferred field.
Professional 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 Media and Communication
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication | MDA20016 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication | MDA20017 | 25 |
Double degrees provide the opportunity to complete a placement in your preferred field.
Professional Placement in Design
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience In Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Design | DDD20031 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Media and Communication
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication | MDA20016 | 25 |
Note: Some Work Integrated Learning opportunities are not available to international students due to visa restrictions.
Career opportunities
Graduates may find design and professional roles in advertising agencies, not-for-profits, government departments, small businesses and large corporate organisations.
Professional recognition
On completion of the qualification, students may be eligible to become members of the following industry and peak bodies, and should confirm their eligibility with the association:
- Melbourne Art Directors Club (MADC)
- Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA)
- Design Institute of Australia (DIA)
Students completing the Public Relations major will be able to apply for student membership of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and apply for full membership immediately on completion of their program.
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, English language requirements, prerequisites and pathways.
How to apply
Find out more about 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.