Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Media and Communication
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Majors for Bachelor of Design:
Branded EnvironmentsCommunication DesignMotion DesignPhotomediaUX Interaction DesignMajors for Bachelor of Media and Communication:
AdvertisingCreative Writing and LiteratureDigital Advertising TechnologyJournalismMedia Industries Professional Writing and EditingSocial MediaThe 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.
Every 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 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference?
Our VTAC Info Night means discovering our courses, meeting academics and students, and putting us to the test. Register_now
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 28 February 2022
- Semester 2 - 1 August 2022
Duration
4 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400211231 (CSP)
- 3400211233 (IFP)
CRICOS code
095612G
Fees
A$33780 (annual for 2022)*
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
+
| 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 |
+
+
+
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).
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.
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 |
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.
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 |
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
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.
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.