Bachelor of Design

General Information

Overview

Design has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our experience within it. Our Bachelor of Design will equip you with design skills in typography, branding, image-making technologies and more. Make your degree custom-fit by choosing a specialised major to develop future-focused skills. Emerge industry-ready to kick-start your career.

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.

Core units

100 credit points

Units of study	Unit code
Core units
Concepts and Narratives Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DCO10001
Introduction to Design Principles and Processes Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DDD10007
Typography Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DCO10005
Twentieth Century Design Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DDD10001
Visual Communication Studio Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DCO10007
Design Practices and Employability Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DDD10014
Digital Design Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DCO10002
Contemporary Design Issues Core unit , 12.5 credit points	DDD20004

Majors and units

100 credit points

Branded Environments

Units of study	Unit code
Interior Architecture Communication Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DIA10005
Introductory Design Studio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD10006
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

Communication Design

Units of study	Unit code
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20009
Brand and Identity Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20001
User Interface Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20004
Information Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20003
Design for Production Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO30002
Communication Design Strategy Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30048
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

Emerging Technology for Design Innovation

Units of study	Unit code
Exploring Creativity and Innovation Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INV10001
Innovation for the Future Major unit, 12.5 credit points	INV20002
Artificial Intelligence for Design Practice Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20048
Emerging Technology Design Studio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20046
Service Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30059
Emerging Technology for Design Innovation Major Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30058
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

Experiential Design

Units of study	Unit code
Experiential Design Principles Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20045
Brand and Identity Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20001
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
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

Motion Design

Units of study	Unit code
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20009
Motion Design Principles Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20047
Information Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20003
Digital Video Camera Techniques Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDM20003
Motion Design New Technologies Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDM30005
Motion Graphics Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30022
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

Photography

Units of study	Unit code
Principles of Photography Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20011
Digital Video Camera Techniques Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDM20003
Photography and Art Direction Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20009
Photography Design Studio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20043
Commercial Photography on Location Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30046
Visual Storytelling Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30015
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

Photomedia

Units of study	Unit code
Photography and Art Direction Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20009
Experimental Image-Making Processes Major unit, 12.5 credit points	ART20002
Digital Video Camera Techniques Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDM20003
Compositing for Visual Effects Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30011
Visual Storytelling Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30015
Commercial Photography on Location Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30046
Photomedia Capstone Project Major unit, 25.0 credit points	DDD30042

UX Interaction Design

Units of study	Unit code
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20009
User Interface Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20004
Information Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DCO20003
Interaction Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD20015
Service Design Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30059
Interaction Design for Mobile Devices Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30020
Design Capstone Project Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30057
Professional Practice and Portfolio Major unit, 12.5 credit points	DDD30056

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).

Second majors

100 credit points

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.

Communication Design
Emerging Technology for Design Innovation
Experiential Design
Motion Design
Photography
UX Interaction Design

Co-majors

100 credit points

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

50 credit points

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

DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
DDD20023 3D Character Modelling
DDD30028 3D Character Design and Animation
DDD30018 3D Animation Project

Visual Effects Advanced

DDM20007 Post Production for Digital Video
DDD20022 3D Modelling for Objects and Environments
DDD30011 Compositing for Visual Effects
FTV30024 Visual Effects Production

Minors

50 credit points

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

Advertising
Animation Design
Communication Design
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Digital Advertising Technology
Entrepreneurship
Experiential Design
FTV Production
Games and Interactivity
Indigenous Studies
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture
Interior Documentation and Construction
Management
Management Innovation
Marketing
Media Industries
Motion Design
Photography
Social Media

View minor units

Work placement

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.

Optional professional work placement

50 or 100 credit points

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

Recommended elective units

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.

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

Experiential Design 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

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

Photography 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

Outcomes and course rules

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 design for communication contexts to generate design outcomes to a professional standard across a range of media
curate the relevant knowledge, cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively in diverse contexts
create and present design proposals that articulate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences and stakeholders
develop design solutions informed by ethical and socio-ecological frameworks that demonstrate respect for culturally diverse communities and engagement with First Nations knowledge and perspectives
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)
eight [8] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Communication Design, Emerging Technology for Design Innovation, Experiential Design, Motion Design, Photography, 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.

Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. This option is not available to international students.

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)
eight [8] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Communication Design, Emerging Technology for Design Innovation, Experiential Design, Motion Design, Photography, 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)
eight [8] units of study from a Design discipline major in one of the following: Communication Design, Emerging Technology for Design Innovation, Experiential Design, Motion Design, Photography, 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 2026

ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds	ATAR Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	97.9	99.55
Median rank to receive an offer	67.15	71.17
Lowest rank to receive an offer	47.15	60.3

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.

Student Profile table

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
	Semester 1, 2026
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	24	20%
(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)	39	33%
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)	20	17%
International students	19	16%
All students	118	100%

Notes
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

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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