General Information

Overview

Design has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our experience within it. Our Bachelor of Design will arm you with broad design skills in typography, brand and identity design, and more. Make your degree custom-fit by choosing a future-focused major. Emerge ready to transform lives and empower society towards a brighter (and even more beautiful) future.

Double degree options

You can also study Design in a double degree with Business, Media and Communication or Applied Innovation. 

Study 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.

  • 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.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight 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.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Concepts and Narratives
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO10001
Digital Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO10002
Typography
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO10005
Twentieth Century Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DDD10001
Photography for Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO10004
Web Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DDD20004
Brand and Identity Design
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO20001
Design for Production
Core unit , 12.5 credit points 		DCO30002
Units of study Unit code
Introductory Design Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD10006
Interior Architecture Communication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DIA10005
Exhibition Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20003
Branded Environment Design Studio 1
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DBE20001
Innovation and Technology in the Branded Environment
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DBE30001
Branded Environment Design Studio 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DBE30003
Branded Environment Capstone
Major unit, 25.0 credit points 		DBE30004
Units of study Unit code
Visual Communication Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DCO10007
Packaging Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DCO10003
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DCO20009
Communication Design Strategy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30048
Publication Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30013
Design for Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DCO30002
Communication Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD30047
Units of study Unit code
Imaging for Narrative and Storyboards
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDM10005
Typography for Screen and Motion
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDM10006
Digital Video Camera Techniques
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDM20003
Digital Video Compositing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30021
Motion Design New Technologies
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDM30005
Motion Graphics Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30022
Motion Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDM30001
Units of study Unit code
Experimental Image-Making Processes
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		ART20002
Photography and Art Direction
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20009
Digital Video Camera Techniques
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDM20003
Compositing for Visual Effects
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30011
Commercial Photography on Location
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30046
Visual Storytelling
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30015
Photomedia Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD30042
Units of study Unit code
User Interaction Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20015
Experience Design and Usability for the Web
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20016
Design Systems and Services
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD20007
Digital Marketing and Metrics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30019
Toolbox for Prototyping and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DES20057
Interaction Design for Mobile Devices
Major unit, 12.5 credit points 		DDD30020
UX Interaction Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points 		DDD30045

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).

A second major can be chosen in addition to your first major and will be named on your testamur certificate. Please note you cannot choose the same major as your first major. To see specific units for the second major go to Major units accordion.

  • Branded Environments
  • Communication Design
  • Motion Design
  • Photomedia
  • UX Interaction Design

A co-major is a major in a field of study outside this course. You can choose one in addition to a first major. Co-majors will not be named on your testamur certificate however, they will be shown on your transcript of results.

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Animation
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Analysis
  • Business Analytics and Analysis
  • Cinema and Screen Studies
  • Climate and Social Justice
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing and Literature
  • Criminology
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Ethics and Technology
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Information Systems
  • Journalism
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Media Industries
  • Neuroscience
  • Perspectives on Globalisation
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Politics, Power and Technology
  • Professional and Creative Writing
  • Professional Writing and Editing
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations
  • Screen Production
  • Screen Studies and Popular Culture
  • Social Media
  • Space Technology
View co-major units

Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - more information will be available soon.

3D Modelling and Animation Advanced

Visual Effects Advanced

Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.

  • Advertising
  • Animation Design
  • Branded Environments
  • Communication Design
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Digital Advertising Technology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • FTV Production
  • Games and Interactivity
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Interior Documentation and Construction
  • Management
  • Management Innovation
  • Marketing
  • Media Industries
  • Motion Design
  • Photomedia
  • Social Media
View minor units

You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for either 6 or 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.

Units of study Unit code
Professional placement - Major (12 months)
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20001
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20002
or
Professional placement - Minor (6 months)
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20001
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points 		WEI20002

These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.

Branded Environments major
  • ART10004 Introduction to Game Studies
  • ART20002 Experimental Image-Making Processes
  • COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
  • DCO20003 Information Design
  • DIG20001 Digital Narratives
  • DIG20005 User Experience Design
  • DIG30003 Advertising Technology
  • MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
  • MDA10006 Innovation Cultures: Perspectives On Science and Technology
  • MKT20025 Consumer Behaviour
  • MKT30017 Innovative Branding
  • NEU20005 Sensation and Perception
  • PEH20004 Built and Sustainable Communities
  • PHI10007 What is Power?
  • PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
  • PHI20001 Environmental Philosophy
  • PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
  • PHI30008 Ethics
  • PHI30010 Philosophy, Politics and Society
  • SOC10005 Environment and Society: Problems and Solutions
     
Communication Design major
  • DCO20003 Information Design
  • DIG20001 Digital Narratives
  • DIG20005 User Experience Design
  • FTV30024 Visual Effects Production
  • GAM10002 Principles of Game Design
  • GAM20001 Introduction to Games Production
  • GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
  • HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • LIT20004 Exploring Iconic Texts
  • MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
  • MDA10003 Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
  • MDA20001 Business of Media
  • MDA20003 Networked Selves
  • MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
  • MDA20009 Digital Communities
  • MDA20011 Sports/Advertising/Media
  • MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
  • MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
  • MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
  • MDA30011 Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
  • PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
     
Motion Design major
  • ART10004 Introduction to Game Studies
  • DIG20001 Digital Narratives
  • DIG20005 User Experience Design
  • ENG10001 Humanitarian Engineering Design Project
  • FTV30024 Visual Effects Production
  • GAM10002 Principles of Game Design
  • GAM20001 Introduction to Games Production
  • GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
  • INS10001 Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences
  • MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
  • MDA10003 Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
  • MDA20001 Business of Media
  • MDA20003 Networked Selves
  • MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
  • MDA20009 Digital Communities
  • MDA20011 Sports/Advertising/Media
  • MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
  • MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
  • MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
  • MDA30011 Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
     
Photomedia major
  • ART10004 Introduction to Game Studies
  • DBE20001 Branded Environment Design Studio 1
  • DBE30001 Innovation and Technology in the Branded Environment
  • DCO20003 Information Design 
  • DDD20003 Exhibition Design
  • DDD20007 Design Systems and Services
  • DDD20015 Interaction Design for Web
  • DDD20016 Experience Design and Usability for the Web
  • DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
  • DDD20023 3D Character Modelling
  • DDD30013 Publication Design
  • DDD30018 3D Animation Project
  • DDD30019 Web Marketing and Advanced Usability
  • DDD30020 Interaction Design for Mobile Devices
  • DDD30021 Digital Video Compositing
  • DDD30022 Motion Graphics Project
  • DDD30028 3D Charcter Design and Animation
  • DDM10005 Imangining for Narrative and Storyboards
  • DDM10006 Typography for Screen and Motion
  • DDM20007 Post Production for Digital Video
  • DDM30005 Motion Design New Technologies 
  • DIA10005 Interior Architecture Communication
  • DIG20001 Digital Narratives
  • DIG20005 User Experience Design
  • DIG30003 Advertising Technology
  • FTV30024 Visual Effects Production
  • GAM10002 Principles of Game Design
  • GAM20001 Introduction to Games Production
  • MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
  • MDA20001 Business of Media
  • MDA20009 Digitaol Communities
  • MKT10009 Marketing and the Consumer Experience
  • MKT20025 Consumer Behaviour
  • MKT30017 Innovative Branding
  • PEH20004 Built and Sustainable Communities
  • PHI20001 Environmental Philosophy
  • PHI20006 Philosophy, Media, Culture
UX Interaction Design major
  • ART20002 Experimental Image-Making Processes
  • COS10009 Introduction to Programming
  • DCO10007 Visual Communication Studio
  • DCO20009 Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
  • DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
  • DDD20023 3D Character Modelling
  • DDD30011 Compositing for Visual Effects
  • DDD30015 Visual Storytelling
  • DDD30018 3D Animation Project
  • DDD30021 Digital Video Compositing
  • DDD30022 Motion Graphics Project
  • DDD30028 3D Character Design and Animation
  • DDD30046 Commercial Photography on Location
  • DDM10005 Imaging for Narrative and Storyboards
  • DDM10006 Typography for Screen and Motion
  • DDM20003 Digital Video Camera Techniques
  • DDM20007 Post Production for Digital Video
  • ENG10001 Humanitarian Engineering Design Project
  • HEA10001 Introduction to Health Sciences
Find more detail about elective units

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Design, graduates will be able to:

  • develop knowledge and cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking, initiative, and judgement in the design process, while taking responsibility for their own learning and professional practice development 
  • apply technical and practical skills as well as a broad understanding of the key concepts in communication design to generate design outcomes to a professional standard 
  • curate the relevant knowledge, cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts 
  • create design proposals that articulate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences and stakeholders
  • develop design solutions that incorporate ethical and socio-ecological frameworks, demonstrating respect and inclusivity towards diverse audiences and Indigenous principles and practices
  • implement an organised schedule to deliver a complex design project which may include design research methods, collaborating with peers, academics, industry professionals and other stakeholders

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Design, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

  • eight [8] core units of study (100 credit points)
  • seven [7] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Branded Environments, Communication Design*, Graphic Design**, Motion Design, Digital Media Design**, Photomedia, and UX Interaction Design (100 credit points)
  • eight [8] units of study (100 credit points) comprising a second major, co-major, advanced minor, minor/s, and or electives.
     

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

* SOL students can only enrol in the Communication Design major.
** NOTE: the Graphic Design and Multimedia Design majors are available to Sarawak students only.


Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. This option is not available to International Students. Professional Placements are not available to students at Sarawak.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists.

International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying.

Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] core units of study (100 credit points)
  • seven [7] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Branded Environments, Communication Design, Motion Design, Photomedia, and UX Interaction Design (100 credit points)
  • four [4] units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
  • six [6] units of study (75 credit points) comprising of an advanced minor, minor/s, and or electives.
     

Students who elect to undertake a 6-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

  • eight [8] core units of study (100 credit points)
  • seven [7] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Branded Environments, Communication Design, Motion Design, Photomedia, and UX Interaction Design (100 credit points)
  • two [2] units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and
  • seven [7] units of study (87.5 credit points) comprising of an advanced minor, minor/s, and or electives.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Design is 200 credit points (normally 16 units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Entry requirements

A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Guaranteed ATAR: if you receive an ATAR of 70 or higher and meet all the essential requirements for this course, you will be guaranteed an offer.

Educational history

An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.

Selection rank adjustments

Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 25 in Art, Applied Fashion Design and Technology B, Product Design and Technology, Media, Interactive Digital Media C, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.

Meeting course prerequisites

3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent

Units 3 and 4: satisfactory completion in one of Art Creative Practice, Product Design And Technology, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Art Making And Exhibiting or Visual Communication Design

ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2024

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds ATAR
Excluding adjustment factors		 Selection Rank
ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 92.8 94
Median rank to receive an offer 67.57 75.12
Lowest rank to receive an offer 54.6 62.85

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Semester 1, 2024
Applicant background Number of students Percentage of all students
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 25 19%
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study N/P N/P
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) <5 <5

(D) Recent secondary education:

    
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) 38 29%
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) N/A N/A
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) 19 15%
International students 31 24%
All students 131 100%

Notes: 
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.

Interested in the Bachelor of Design?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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