The Bachelor of Design at Swinburne University of Technology offers students a comprehensive and innovative education in the field of design, preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the creative industries. This program is designed to develop students' creative, technical, and conceptual skills across a broad spectrum of design disciplines, including visual communication, interaction design, and sustainable design practices. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of projects that challenge their problem-solving abilities and foster innovative thinking. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical application, enabling students to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and design tools. Emphasizing a user-centered approach, the program encourages students to consider social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors in their design process, promoting sustainable and impactful solutions. The Bachelor of Design also offers opportunities for specialization, allowing students to focus on areas such as branding, digital media, or environmentally responsible design. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and guidance from experienced faculty members, students will develop a strong portfolio showcasing their talents and versatility. The program aims to cultivate creative leadership, strategic thinking, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for diverse careers in design, multimedia, advertising, UX/UI, and related fields. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive and dynamic global industry, making meaningful contributions through innovative design thinking and practices.
The Bachelor of Design at Swinburne University of Technology offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum aimed at developing versatile design professionals equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the industry. This program emphasizes a strong foundation in core design principles, including visual communication, conceptual thinking, and design process skills, enabling students to create innovative solutions across various disciplines. Students are introduced to a diverse range of design fields such as graphic design, product design, user experience design, and interaction design, fostering multidisciplinary competence and adaptability. Throughout the course, learners engage in practical projects and real-world industry collaborations, ensuring they gain hands-on experience and develop a professional portfolio that showcases their capabilities. The curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, technical proficiency, and strategic problem-solving skills essential for successful careers in design. In addition to technical skills, students explore the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of design, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly in their future roles. The program also offers opportunities for specialization through elective subjects, allowing students to deepen their expertise in specific areas of interest. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-relevant resources, students are supported by academic staff with extensive industry experience. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design are well-prepared to pursue careers in various sectors including advertising, branding, digital media, gaming, product development, and more. They are also equipped with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to start their own ventures or undertake freelance work. The program emphasizes a contemporary approach to design, integrating emerging technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring graduates remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Overall, the Bachelor of Design at Swinburne provides a dynamic learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, fostering innovative thinkers ready to make a meaningful impact in the design industry.
- Year 12 or equivalent
- VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL)
- And Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in one of Art, Interactive Digital Media C or VCE VET Creative and Digital Media, Product Design and Technology, Media, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering or Visual Communication Design. More performance criteria and requirement requirements may also apply. English language requirements - satisfactory conclusion of a few of the following: Swinburne's English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 high level degree ) with overall 65 percent, all of skills 65 percent
- Minimum IELTS overall group of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 75 having a hearing ring at least 18 and writing ring at least 20
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 50 (no real skills less than 50)
- Any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency. Notice: A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done online campus in Hawthorn.
The Bachelor of Design program at Swinburne University of Technology offers a range of financing options to assist students in managing the cost of their studies. Domestic students can access government-funded assistance such as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), which significantly reduce tuition fees compared to full fee-paying places. Additionally, students may be eligible for financial aid programs such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, or the Pensioner Education Supplement, depending on their circumstances. Swinburne also provides scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to design disciplines, which can help offset tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying.
For international students, the university offers competitive tuition rates that must be paid upfront or via installment plans, with options to apply for scholarships dedicated to international students. These scholarships can provide partial or full tuition fee waivers, and some are specifically aimed at students pursuing studies in design and related fields. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government scholarships, private grants, and sponsorships to support their education financially.
In terms of payment methods, Swinburne permits students to pay their tuition fees via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or installment plans. The university provides flexible payment arrangements to help students budget and manage their finances more effectively throughout their studies. Moreover, some students may consider taking out student loans or private educational loans where applicable, although such options are typically subject to eligibility criteria and repayment obligations.
The university’s financial support services include counseling and advice to help students plan their finances effectively, as well as information sessions on scholarships, grants, and loans. International students are advised to budget for additional costs such as health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover), accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses alongside tuition fees.
Overall, Swinburne University of Technology aims to make design education accessible by offering varied financing options, scholarships, and support services tailored to students' needs, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to high-quality design education.
The Bachelor of Design at Swinburne University of Technology offers students a comprehensive education in creative design practices, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities essential for success in a dynamic and evolving industry. Students have the opportunity to explore various design disciplines, including graphic design, digital media, user experience (UX) design, and environmental design, through a range of hands-on projects and industry collaborations. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity and adaptability, enabling graduates to meet the diverse needs of clients and organizations in a competitive global market.
Swinburne's state-of-the-art facilities provide students with access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, supporting their development in digital fabrication, visual communication, and multimedia production. The program also emphasizes professional practice, preparing students for employment or further postgraduate study through internships, industry placements, and networking opportunities. Academic staff are experienced practitioners and researchers who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring that students learn current industry standards and practices.
A key feature of the program is its focus on sustainability and ethical design, encouraging students to create solutions that are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to develop a strong personal design style and a portfolio that showcases their unique skills and capabilities. Graduates are equipped to work in a variety of roles within creative agencies, design studios, technological companies, and as freelance designers.
The program typically spans three years for full-time students and can be undertaken part-time or through online learning options, providing flexibility to accommodate diverse student needs. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Design degree, qualifying them for entry-level roles in design, or providing a solid foundation for further postgraduate study, research, or entrepreneurial ventures in the creative industries. The program’s reputation for combining innovation with practical relevance makes it a valuable choice for aspiring designers seeking a vibrant and supportive learning environment.