Master of Design (Communication Design)
Postgraduate course
Overview
This is a new course commencing in February 2012 and replaces the earlier Master of Design (Communication Design).
This is a nested suite of programs comprising the Graduate Diploma of Design (Communication Design) and Master of Design (Communication Design). These programs provide advanced study for designers wishing to achieve higher specialisation in communication design, preparing them well to meet the increasing demands of the design industry.
This new program offers a flexible structure with more discipline focus and specific research and studio-based practice units. Students have the opportunity to choose an elective area of design as a specialisation.
The program offers an advanced understanding of how communication design projects (including brand identity and information design) are developed and executed in contemporary design practice. Students gain insight into strategic planning from the client’s perspective, allowing them to develop an awareness of client’s needs in relation to design services. Students are also encouraged to approach design from a range of theoretical frameworks to determine the users needs, project parameters and purpose of design. The program challenges participants to refine their iterative design and production processes to an advanced level.
Please note that while most units are offered as evening classes, some units are available only as afternoon classes. The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus. There is no mid-year intake from 2013.
(International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.)
Information sessions
For further information on this course, please review the faculty web page at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/postgrad/
| Duration | 3 semesters full-time or equivalent part-time | ||
Campus and intakes  |
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| Study mode | Full-time Part-time (day & evening) | ||
| Course code | DMCD60 | ||
| Fees | The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website. |
Course in detail
Course description
This is a new course commencing in February 2012 and replaces the earlier Master of Design (Communication Design).
This is a nested suite of programs comprising the Graduate Diploma of Design (Communication Design) and Master of Design (Communication Design). These programs provide advanced study for designers wishing to achieve higher specialisation in communication design, preparing them well to meet the increasing demands of the design industry.
This new program offers a flexible structure with more discipline focus and specific research and studio-based practice units. Students have the opportunity to choose an elective area of design as a specialisation.
The program offers an advanced understanding of how communication design projects (including brand identity and information design) are developed and executed in contemporary design practice. Students gain insight into strategic planning from the client’s perspective, allowing them to develop an awareness of client’s needs in relation to design services. Students are also encouraged to approach design from a range of theoretical frameworks to determine the users needs, project parameters and purpose of design. The program challenges participants to refine their iterative design and production processes to an advanced level.
Please note that while most units are offered as evening classes, some units are available only as afternoon classes. The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus. There is no mid-year intake from 2013.
(International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.)
Course structure
The Master of Design (Communication Design) is a three semester full-time (or equivalent part-time*) 150 credit point program. A full-time weekly workload includes 12 hours of contact time and expects a minimum of another 24 hours study time. There is no mid-year intake from 2013.
The Masters is a coursework program with emphasis on structured skills acquisition, design investigation and applied design projects. It offers advanced knowledge and experience in design practice, design management, creative strategies and relevant technical knowledge
Places in units with face-to-face delivery may be limited. Enrolment into face-to-face units will be subject to maximum enrolment restrictions, with preference given to students undertaking the full Masters program.
*International students are required to study full-time and on campus and cannot take the part-time or online study modes.
Units of study
The Masters is a 150 credit point program consisting of 37.5 credit points from two core units, 62.5 credit points from five Communication Design units and 50 credit points from four elective specialisation units.
All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are normally required to achieve a credit average at graduate diploma level to progress to the master program.
The majority of units will be delivered at the Prahran campus. Some units may be delivered at the Hawthorn campus.
Note: the Specialisation Digital Visual Culture and Imaging will not be offered in 2013.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Specialisation Units - Note: Units within these Specialisations are offered subject to student enrolment numbers.
Two units from your specialisation in Cross-Cultural Brand Identity Design
HDCC670 Introduction to Cross Cultural Brand Identity Strategy
HDCC671 Design Strategy for a Global Context
Two units from your specialisation in Cross-Cultural Brand Identity Design
HDCC670 Introduction to Cross Cultural Brand Identity Strategy
HDCC671 Design Strategy for a Global Context
Semester 3
Communication Design units
HDCD643 Typographic Landscapes and Narratives
HDCD644 Communication Design Studio II
Communication Design units
HDCD643 Typographic Landscapes and Narratives
HDCD644 Communication Design Studio II
Specialisation Units - Note: Units within these Specialisations are offered subject to student enrolment numbers.
Two remaining Specialisation units in Cross-Cultural Brand Identity Design
HDCC672 Brand Identity Design in a Multicultural Environment
HDCC673 Capstone Project: Cross Cultural Communication Design
Two remaining Specialisation units in Cross-Cultural Brand Identity Design
HDCC672 Brand Identity Design in a Multicultural Environment
HDCC673 Capstone Project: Cross Cultural Communication Design
Graduate outcomes
Aims and objectives
The Master of Design (Communication Design) aims to provide a coherent suite of units for graduate designers in the area of communication design.
Through its range of units the program aims to:
- offer participants the opportunity to (1) specialise in their discipline and (2) engage in interdisciplinary design activity, involving direct co-operation between design disciplines to explore new kinds of design outcomes and experiences unachievable through any of the individual design disciplines involved, the promotion of teamwork and group-based activity being fundamental to the design philosophy of the faculty;
- provide postgraduate design degrees that allow multiple entry and exit points for participants;
- graduate individuals able to (1) work as leaders in design and related industries through their expertise in corporate product and service development; (2) possess the processes, creative tools and research skills for innovation in design; (3) be willing to investigate and manage change in the nature of design; and (4) demonstrate an advanced understanding of the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on the practice of design.
The program also acknowledges that the principles of human-centred design are fundamental to the future of design practice. The aim of human-centred design is to transcend simple ideas of functionality and styling to emphasise how design works, services and systems are used by real people. Human-centred design draws human factors like perception, cognition, behaviour, physiology, and ergonomics into the design process to ensure design outcomes reflect users' needs and perspectives.
The program focuses on promoting usability through scenario building and iterative processes of applied research, involving user participation in the course of design development. The designer's ability to effectively communicate design thinking to different audiences through image, text and demonstration is given high priority, as is their ability to evaluate design propositions in terms of human factors and user needs.
Career opportunities
Graduates may find work in design consultancies, advertising, publishing, packaging, merchandising, publication, design research and design management.
Professional recognition
Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) but should confirm eligibility with the association.Graduate attributes
Graduates of the Master of Design (Communication Design) should be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- able to apply the principles of sustainability to life and work;
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community;
- effective, collegial, and ethical in work and community situations;
- adaptable and able to manage change;
- aware and respectful of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. Sociocultural, economic,
natural); - knowledgeable of the scholarship related to their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.
Graduates will be able to:
- conceptually demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and critical reflection on theory and professional practice in design;
- conceptually and technically investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theory and apply established theories to different bodies of design knowledge or practice;
- conceptually and technically generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level;
- use communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional design practice and scholarship.
Course experience
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 while on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Education Abroad website.Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to the program is normally through a degree in a design-related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution. However, applicants with a diploma in a design-related discipline and at least five years experience may be eligible for entry. All applicants are required to submit a design portfolio that clearly illustrates their skills, knowledge and capabilities in their chosen field. Applicants are chosen on the combination of their previous academic performance and the contents illustrated through their design portfolio.
Exemptions:
A maximum of 50 credit point exemptions will apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Recognition of prior learning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.cfmRecognition 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.htmApply
How to apply
Please refer to entry requirements before applying.
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.
Find out more
Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
Email: postgrad@swinburne.edu.au