Skip to Content

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)

This course has been discontinued - the information is provided for continuing students.

Search for 'Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)' in course search.

  • This information is for local students.
  • This course is not available to international students.
    Am I a You are a local student if:
    you are an Australian citizen, or
    you are a New Zealand citizen (excluding TAFE courses), or
    you are an Australian permanent resident.
    You are an international student if:
    you are not an Australian citizen, and
    you are not a New Zealand citizen (excluding TAFE courses), and
    you are not an Australian permanent resident.    local or an international student    ?

Overview

If you are a new student commencing in 2010, please refer to the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design).  For students at the Sarawak campus please refer to the Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) (SGD10) on the Sarawak website.
This course structure is for 2009 commencing first year students. These students will have the opportunity to transition to the recently accredited 2010 course structure.
If you enrolled prior to 2009 or are articulating, please refer to the previous Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) course structure on the faculty website.  
The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) aims to produce imaginative designers, who work effectively in areas where information is primarily conveyed by visual means, such as advertising, publishing, publicity, printing, merchandising, multimedia, education and research. The course educates students to be effective designers and communicators through a wide variety of visual communication based projects, together with contextual and professional studies. Through the course’s strong links with industry, graduates are well placed to seek employment in advanced areas of communication design.   
Students who undertake Stage 3 of this program at City University, Hong Kong will be enrolled in an articulation major and will have a restricted choice of units.
DurationThree years full-time or equivalent part-time.
Study modeFull-time
Course codeDCD10
Fees
Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate students Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.

HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
  • HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
  • FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
  • OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees  

Career opportunities

  • advertising
  • design consultancy
  • design management
  • design research
  • merchandising
  • packaging
  • publications
  • publishing
Back to Top

Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure, major specialisations and units of study.

Course description

If you are a new student commencing in 2010, please refer to the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design).  For students at the Sarawak campus please refer to the Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) (SGD10) on the Sarawak website.
This course structure is for 2009 commencing first year students. These students will have the opportunity to transition to the recently accredited 2010 course structure.
If you enrolled prior to 2009 or are articulating, please refer to the previous Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) course structure on the faculty website.  
The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) aims to produce imaginative designers, who work effectively in areas where information is primarily conveyed by visual means, such as advertising, publishing, publicity, printing, merchandising, multimedia, education and research. The course educates students to be effective designers and communicators through a wide variety of visual communication based projects, together with contextual and professional studies. Through the course’s strong links with industry, graduates are well placed to seek employment in advanced areas of communication design.   
Students who undertake Stage 3 of this program at City University, Hong Kong will be enrolled in an articulation major and will have a restricted choice of units.

Course structure

From 2009 the Faculty of Design will be delivering a majors and minors model, which will provide commencing first year students with a wider and more flexible choice in combining studies from different disciplines and faculties.

Note: If you apply for exemptions and are successful in commencing at an advanced level please refer to the previous Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) course structure on the faculty website.
Prior to enrolment students will be required to attend degree planning information sessions.
For commencing first year students from 2009 the available units of study for completion of the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) are classified into four study groups:
  • a major in Communication Design consisting of 16 units, five being core Design units and eleven being specific Communication Design units.
  • a co-major consisting of eight units in another Design discipline (Multimedia Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design or Film and Television) or one offered by another faculty.
  • usually two minors of four units each offered by Design or other faculties at Swinburne, provided that no subjects overlap.
  • remaining units may consist of Electives Plus, Study Tours, Student Exchange or other approved options.
Students will normally be enrolled in a Recommended Study Sequence and must successfully complete a minimum of 300 credit points; 50 per semester for full-time students. To qualify for the award, a student must complete, or have been granted an exemption for the units of study listed below. Students initially enter into the three-year bachelor program. At the end of that program students may exit with an undergraduate bachelor degree. Work expected outside normal timetabled contact hours, in keeping with related design courses, will usually be no less than a minimum of two for one.
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) (Prahran students only)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, HDD0009 Careers in the Curriculum.  Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. Careers in the Curriculum has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. Careers in the Curriculum is a compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year. Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.
Electives Plus Sequences (Prahran students only)
Electives Plus sequences provide Swinburne degree students with options to broaden their career skills and strengthen their employability by selecting from units of study outside their degree discipline.
Students undertaking this course can choose to study Electives Plus sequences of up to three units from one of the following themes:
Electives Plus sequences are available in all Swinburne degree programs subject to timetabling constraints, with the exception of double degree programs, specialist double major degrees, and where entry has been approved with advanced standing.
Summer and Winter Term
The Faculty of Design is offering an optional six-week Winter and Summer term allowing you to complete extra study between the standard semesters. These terms are not mandatory. However, if you wish to vary your study load you may want to consider this option.
Note: Summer Term will not be offered in January/February 2014.
International Study Programs - Study Abroad Students can apply to participate in an exchange program or a study tour program as part of their degree. More information about our current exchange and study tour programs can be viewed here 

Major specialisations

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) students must complete the required units in their major of Communication Design listed below.
Communication Design major units
Communication Design Major - 2009
A Co-major can be undertaken in one of: 
Multimedia Design Co-Major - 2009
Interior Design Co-Major - 2009
Industrial Design Co-Major - 2009
Film and Television Co-Major - 2009
Minors (timetable permitting) can be undertaken in the following recommended streams:
Typography Minor - 2009
Advertising Design Minor - 2009
Design Studies Minor - 2009
Design Management Minor - 2009
Film and Television Minor - 2009
Or out of the following:
Introduction to 3D CAD Minor - 2009
Interior Design Minor - 2009
Industrial Design Minor - 2009
Architectural Product Minor - 2009
Students also have the option to select their co-major or minors from another faculty, also timetable permitting.
Remaining units may consist of Electives Plus, Study Tours, Student Exchange or other approved options.

Units of study

All units of study have a value of 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated (50 credit points per semester).
 
Swinburne Prahran 
Communication Design Major units
HDCOM111 Introduction to Communication Design
HDCOM112 Typography
HDCOM121 Form and Structure for Communication Design
HDCOM122 Photography in Communication Design
HDCOM211 Typography for Publication
HDCOM212 Package Design
HDCOM221 Branding and Identity
HDCOM311 Communication Design Strategy
HDCOM312 Design for Production
HDCOM321 Publication Design
HDCOM322 Information and Interface Design
HDC001 20th Century Design
HDC003 Design Studio
HDC004 Digital Design
HDC005 Contemporary Design Issues
HDC009 Design and Business Strategy
Plus, throughout the length of your degree you will select eight units from your chosen co-major or minor sequence or free elective unit.
HDD0009 Careers in the Curriculum  (Prahran students only). This is a zero credit point unit of study which is compulsory for students in the second or third year of their course.
Study Abroad options - see information above in Course Structure.
In Year 3 students may undertake Industry Placement
HDP050 Industry Placement 1 (37.5 credit points)
HDP055 Industry Placement 2 (37.5 credit points)
Any two 12.5 credit point subject from Stage 3 units of study
Students undertaking Industry Placement interstate or overseas are required to advise Student Administration at the Faculty of Design.
City U, Hong Kong - Stage 3 only with units as below
Semester 1  (September)
HDC008HK        Design Systems and Services
HDCOM311HK  Communication Design Strategy
HDCOM312HK  Design for Production
HDMMD121HK  Interactive Design for Web Technology
Semester 2   (February)
HDCOM322HK    Information and Interface Design
HDC009HK          Design and Business strategy
HDCOM321HK    Publication Design
HDCOM323HK    Advertising Design
Back to Top

Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

The structure of, and the units of study within, the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) degree conforms to the AQF Guidelines for a bachelor degree by allowing students to:
  • acquire a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, the underlying principles and concepts and the associated communication and problem-solving skills.
  • develop academic skills and attributes necessary to undertake design research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources.
  • develop the ability to review, consolidate, extend and apply the knowlege and techniques learnt, including in a professional context.
  • gain a foundation for self-directed and life-long learning.
  • gain interpersonal and teamwork skills appropriate to employment and/or further study.

Career opportunities

  • advertising
  • design consultancy
  • design management
  • design research
  • merchandising
  • packaging
  • publications
  • publishing

Professional recognition

On completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) and Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) but should confirm their eligibility with the Associations.

Graduate attributes

Swinburne expects that its graduates:
  • are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace, or community;
  • are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
  • operate effectively in work and community situations;
  • are adaptable and manage change;
  • are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.
This course addresses and maps these attributes, interpreted within a multi-disciplinary and communication design context.
Back to Top

Course experience

On this page: IBL (industry based learning), honours and Swinburne Abroad.

Industry learning

Industry Placement is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment, for 24 or 48 weeks, relevant to their studies as part of their degree. It aims to provide experiential, discipline-specific learning in an authentic, real-world environment. Through observation, enquiry and practice under the supervision and guidance of professional practitioners and an academic mentor, students will engage in professional experiences and test and critically assess their learning to date. The experience contextualises existing design skills within an understanding of the impact of client, customer, team dynamics and direction in the design process

Industry Placement gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies, and is a proven advantage in the graduate job market. All Industry Placements are subject to availability of places. For further information please enquire at the faculty office.

Honours

All students undertake first and second year of their design course. Prior to the commencement of third year students choose to continue with coursework (third year) and complete their degree, or apply for Industry Placement (third year) followed by the Honours program as fourth year. An Honours year requires a further 100 credit points of study consisting of all coursework or Design Centre which is two Professional Practice units and two other units of study by coursework.

Students may continue into the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) program through the following avenues, these include a selection process:
 
1) Students who have successfully undertaken an Industry Placement in Year 3 are required to complete their Honours (fourth) year by Coursework.
 
2) Students who did not participate in an Industry Placement in third year, and who have maintained a grade average of Credit or above may apply towards the end of their third year, to study in the Honours program. These students may complete their Honours year by coursework or in the Design Centre.

Coursework – students with equivalent qualifications wishing to apply for their Honours year by coursework may be required to attend an interview and submit a folio.

Design Centre – all students wishing to apply for their Honours year in the Design Centre are required to attend an interview and submit a folio. The Design Centre, a professional studio within the Faculty of Design, is a hybrid educational and consultancy unit that develops innovative design projects, especially where innovation is supported by applied design research. Projects may include both commissioned and self-determined projects. The Centre provides an introduction to professional design practice in an educational environment under the guidance of Design Centre staff and industry mentors. Students attend Design Centre three days a week and also undertake one unit per semester by coursework.
 
Please contact us to obtain an application form.

Swinburne Abroad

Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.
Back to Top

On this page: entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
 
2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 & 4 - a study score of at least 20 in English (any) and in one of  Visual Communication and Design, Studio Arts or Design & Technology.
 
Successful completion of a relevant diploma or equivalent may provide entry into these courses with advanced standing.

Pathways

An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into a course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. For further information refer to 'Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide at: www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

Credit transfer

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://pandoraplus.swin.edu.au/credit/StudentCredit/index.cfm

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering higher education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
Back to Top

Apply

On this page: course fees, scholarships and find out more.

Course fees

Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate students Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.

HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:
  • HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
  • FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
  • OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.
Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.
For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
For information about Swinburne's fees visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees  

Scholarships

For information about scholarships at Swinburne visit: www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

Find out more

Tel: 1300 368 777
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au

Back to Top
Enquire
Apply now