Choose a course
The first step in choosing a course is confirming your interests and then making sure you've got the information you need to make your final decision.
Starting out
Starting your search for a course is about finding something that suits you.
Alongside course brochures and the VTAC Guide, we offer a range of information and services to make sure you get the information you need.
We've outlined some steps to help you get started:
1. Make a list of your interests
Write down careers and study areas that interest you.
Subjects you're getting good marks in often relate back to your personal interests, so make sure you consider these.
Don't forget your hobbies like sports, video games, design, drawing and writing. There are courses and subjects which relate to these areas with exciting study and career outcomes.
2. Research your options
Our online course database has the most detailed course information you can find. Start browsing once you've narrowed down a few courses you like.
You'll find specific information about how the course is structured, what subjects you'll be taking, skills you'll develop and career outcomes for each course.
Don't forget about campus location and where you could be studying. We have campuses across Melbourne in top inner-urban and local locations near excellent public transport, food, shopping and entertainment areas to consider.
3. Make an enquiry or attend an event
Call us on 1300 275 794 or come along to one of our many events throughout the year.
Have a list of questions you'd like to ask about courses, particularly if there's any gaps in your research.
Parents are always welcome at any Swinburne event.
4. Book a one-on-one appointment
If you need help or advice about your final study decision at any time during the year, you can arrange a time for a personal course adviser appointment.
These one-on-one appointments, especially with your parents, provide an opportunity to discuss individual courses, specific entry requirements, various study options and career outcomes.
You can also find out about accommodation options, scholarships, study support and any questions you've got about studying at Swinburne.
Find out more
Study areas
At Swinburne, we offer you a diverse range of study areas to choose a course from.
Select a study area below to give you an idea of what you can study at Swinburne.
Arts and Social Sciences
- Arts
- Criminology and forensic science
- Cultural studies
- Liberal arts
- Library/Information services
- Literature
- Peace and diplomacy
- Philosophy
- Politics and public policy
- Professional writing and editing
- Security and counter terrorism
- Social science
- Sociology
Business, Commerce and Management
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Aviation management
- Bookkeeping
- Business administration
- Business and commerce
- Business information systems
- Commercial law
- Educational practice
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Event management
- Finance
- Human resources
- International business
- Languages
- Legal practice
- Logistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Medical administration
- Project management
- Public relations
- Real estate
- Retail management
- Sports management
- Tourism and hospitality management
Design
- Communication design
- Design
- Digital media design
- Graphic design
- Industrial design
- Interior design
- Landscape design
- Product design engineering
- Visual merchandising
Digital Media
- Digital and interactive games
- Digital media design
- Digital media and marketing
- Digital media technology
- Games and interactivity
- Games development
- Interactive digital media
Engineering
- Biomedical
- Building
- Civil engineering
- Computer systems technology
- Electrical
- Electrical and electronic engineering
- Electronics and communications engineering
- Electronics and computer systems
- Engineering
- Engineering (Post-trade)
- Engineering technology
- Mechanical engineering
- Product design engineering
- Renewable energy technology
- Robotics and mechatronics
- Software engineering
- Telecommunication and network engineering
English Language and Study Skills
- Bridging science
- English as a second language
- General education for adults
- Liberal arts
- Study skills
- Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
Environment and Land Management
- Conservation and land management
- Floristry
- Sustainability
- Sustainable landscape design
- Viticulture
Film and Television
- Production
- Script writing
- Cinematography
- Animation
- Special effects
Health Sciences
- Alcohol and other drugs work
- Children's services
- Community health
- Community services work
- Emergency medical service
- Health science
- Mental health
- Nursing
- Occupational health and safety
- Out-of-home care
- Public and environmental health
- Quality auditing
- Youth work
Information and Communication Technologies
- Business information systems
- Computer science
- Computer systems technology
- Games development
- Games and interactivity
- Information and communication technology
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Information technology – scholarship program
- Network design and security
- Networking
- Robotics and mechatronics
- Software development
- Software engineering
- Systems administration
- Telecommunication and network engineering
- Web-based technology
- Website development
Media and Communications
- Advertising
- Communication
- Journalism
- Media and communications
- Media studies
- Professional writing and editing
- Public relations
Pyschology
- Psychology
- Psychology and forensic science
- Psychology and psychophysiology
- Psychology and sport science
- Psychophysiology
Science
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical sciences
- Biosciences
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Health science
- Laboratory technology
- Medical biophysics
- Medical technology
- Psychophysiology
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are certificate courses that combine paid work with nationally recognised training.
Find out more
Types of courses
Swinburne offers certificate level courses through to degrees and double degrees.
We also offer pathway opportunities between qualification levels so you can progress through to reach your desired outcome.
If you're not sure what course is right for you, we've outlined the differences between each level and what career outcomes you can expect when you finish.
Degree
University degrees are often the first tertiary experience for school leavers. Degrees give you skills, theory and knowledge for specific professional outcomes.
These courses take between three and five years to complete – with options to study full-time, part-time or online.
Double degree
Double degrees will broaden your study experience and enhance your career opportunities. It also allows you to combine two discipline areas – a popular challenge for high-achieving students.
Associate degree
Associate degrees are a two-year higher education qualification based on hands-on skills and practical outcomes.
Following your associate degree, you can progress to achieve a bachelor degree by completing an extra year of study, exiting with multiple qualifications.
UniLink diploma
UniLink diplomas are eight-month (two trimester) higher education pathway qualifications and are equivalent to first-year university.
Curriculum is specifically designed in accordance with the faculties to pathway directly into second year of degrees in business, commerce, design, engineering or information technology.
Advanced diploma
Advanced diploma courses provide a greater understanding for your field of study, whether you want to move straight into the workforce in a professional role, or progress to a university degree.
These courses are the highest qualification you can receive at TAFE and usually take between twelve and eighteen months to complete.
Diploma
Diploma courses get you started on the path to deepen your skills. Courses at this level can lead to careers in paraprofessional jobs, allow you to handle increased expectations at work and provide a higher-level of accreditation for your workplace.
Diploma courses can lead to a university degree. Diplomas usually take between 6 and twelve months to complete.
Certificate III and IV
Certificate III and IV courses provide entry into various trades, traineeships or other jobs that require skills and knowledge beyond a basic level.
These courses build on existing skills and could also be studied alongside VCE and VCAL certificates through a VET in Schools program.
Certificate I and II
Certificate I and II courses provide basic training and creation of skills in a specific industry area.
The courses aim to get you started in the workplace, or provide the specific skills your employer wants. Many certificate I and II courses are pre-apprenticeships.
Search courses
There's a couple of ways you can search our online course database.
Firstly, you can use a keyword search, such as 'business,' 'design' or 'engineering.' Alternatively, you can select a study area in the drop down box to search all courses in your area of interest.
You might want to search courses based on location, so you can filter by campus by using the drop down menus.
Do you already know what career you're interested in? You can search by career and find courses which will lead you into your desired field and job.
Start your search now!
Pathways
We provide you with pathways across many qualification levels so you can progress through to reach your desired education outcome.
Pathways save time because you can often receive credits for what you're already learned, or you may be eligible for guaranteed entry into some courses.
Find out more:
UniLink academic pathway to degree
For students without a direct entry ATAR into a bachelor degree, Swinburne offers UniLink degree transfer programs in Business, Design, IT and Engineering.
The UniLink programs are equivalent to first-year university, with curriculum specifically designed in accordance with the faculties.
The UniLink pathway will suit students with an ATAR of 50 (plus middle band consideration) and at least 20 in English. See individual Course Search entries for full details.
For Engineering, an advanced mathematics subject is also required.
For Design, you will need an art, design or media subject.
Associate degree to bachelor degree
Associate degrees are a two-year higher education qualification based on employability, hands-on skills and practical outcomes.
You have the option to undertake further study and achieve a bachelor degree by completing an extra year.
We offer associate degrees in engineering, business administration, management, information and communication technology, graphic design, and health and community care.
Diploma to degree
Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES)
Swinburne's Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) gives you guaranteed entry into an degree at Swinburne when you successfully complete a diploma or advanced diploma.
You'll receive credit for your TAFE studies and enter into the later stages of a university degree.
You don't have to start your degree straight away either, you can choose to take some time off before taking up your degree studies.
