Bachelor of Design
with a major in Communication Design
Designers don’t just make things beautiful and purposeful, they create the items that we come to rely on every day, the ideas that propel us forward and change the world. After all, where would we be without Times New Roman, WhatsApp, or the Nike tick?
Whether you’re passionate about a particular path or still exploring what it is that interests you, our Bachelor of Design will give students skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines, with core subjects in 20th century design, typography, brand and identity design and more.
As Victoria’s oldest design school, Swinburne gives its students access to academics who are experts in their fields, strong, industry partnerships and connections, and technical, real-world skills. Learn to think strategically about design problems and work collaboratively with clients towards solutions.
No matter what type of design career you’re envisioning, a Bachelor of Design will give you the fundamental skills to work as a designer in the industry and role of your choice.
Selected major: Communication Design
Explore the communication imperative in a commercial environment and learn how to respond confidently to design problems. Explore an area of specialisation and produce a portfolio that demonstrates diverse idea generation and production skills.
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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 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
- Semester 2 - 3 August 2020
Duration
3 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400210711 (CSP)
- 3400210713 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
CRICOS code
088395D
Fees
A$32480 (annual for 2020)*
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.
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 |
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Selected major: Communication Design
Explore the communication imperative in a commercial environment and learn how to respond confidently to design problems. Explore an area of specialisation and produce a portfolio that demonstrates diverse idea generation and production skills.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging Design | DCO10003 | 12.5 |
| Visual Communication Studio | DCO10007 | 12.5 |
| Typography for Print and Interactive Publication | DCO20009 | 12.5 |
| Communication Design Capstone Project * | DCO30001 | 25 |
| Design for Production * | DCO30002 | 12.5 |
| Communication Design Strategy * | DCO30017 | 12.5 |
| Publication Design * | DDD30013 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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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 |
Note: Some Work Integrated Learning opportunities are not available to international students due to visa restrictions.
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.