Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
The Communication Design course 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.
Aims & Objectives:
The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) allows 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 knowledge 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
Course Structure:
The honours program consists of all coursework units of study, or one 37.5 credit point unit of study in the Design Centre and one other 12.5 credit point unit of study. The Honours year (fourth year) requires students to complete 100 credit point units of study, 50 credit points per teaching period. The Honours year is divided into two different streams, both requiring a Selection process. Industry Placement Students accepted into the Industry Placement program in third year are required to complete the coursework program in their honours year. Design Centre Students who have completed the Swinburne Bachelor of Design program with a credit average or above in all units of study may apply for the honours program towards the end of third year. Students with equivalent qualifications or who wish to enter the Design Centre program, are required to attend an interview and submit a folio. The Design Centre, a hybrid educational and consultancy unit, is a working design studio 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. During this year students attend Design Centre three days a week and also complete one unit of study coursework. Students in honours programs at Swinburne University of Technology will be awarded Honours Grades in the following categories: H1 (First class honours) - if their overall grade is 80% or above H2A - if their overall grade is 70 to 79% H2B - if their overall grade is 60 to 69% H3 - if their overall grade is 50 to 59% N - if their overall grade is below 50% Note: the Pass grade (P) is not utilised. Work expected outside normal timetabled contact hours, in keeping with related design courses, will usually be no less than a minimum of two hours independent study for each contact hour.
Units of Study:
Semester 1 - February intake HDG407 Social Patterns Research HDG408 Social Patterns Studio HDG418 Information Design HDCOM422 Type and Publication or Design Centre HDG415 Professional Practice 7 (37.5 credit points) HDG407 Social Patterns Research Semester 2 - August intake HDG409 New Technologies Research HDG410 New Technologies Studio HDCOM411 Identity Design HDG428 Narrative Structures or Design Centre HDG425 Professional Practice 8 (37.5 credit points) HDG409 New Technologies Research
Career Opportunities:
Design consultancy, advertising, publishing, merchandising, government instrumentalities.
Professional recognition:
On completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become an Associate Member of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Assocation (AGDA) and should confirm their eligibility with these associations.
Graduate Attributes:
Swinburne produces graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes. Within this context it is the intent of Swinburne that its graduates exhibit certain 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.
Entry Requirements:
Swinburne students undertaking a Bachelor of Design degree who are accepted into the Industry Placement program must complete the Coursework Honours year. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Design degree with Swinburne, or equivalent program, with a credit average, may be required to attend an interview with folio, for entrance into the Coursework Honours and Design Centre Honours.
Credit Transfer:
Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of the course may be granted 'credit' and/or entry to 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'.
Pathways (articulation):
You may be able to gain credit in this course for your prior studies. If you have studied at another institution, either here in Australia or in your home country, check our Credit Transfer Database to see how many exemptions you may be entitled to. If you are studying a Swinburne TAFE course, or are considering apply for one, take a look at our Pathways page to see how many credits you may gain in a Swinburne bachelor degree.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which your prior work history, life experience and previous study are measured against the course you are undertaking. Applicants will be considered on their individual merits in accordance with Swinburne policies.
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 undergraduate and 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: http://www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
Application Procedure:
Direct application to the Faculty of Design on (03) 9214 6755 or nidenquiry@swinburne.edu.au
Further information:
Submit an Online Enquiry Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794) Email: study@swinburne.edu.au Faculty of Design website
