Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon March 2027

Course Overview

As a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) student at Swinburne University of Technology, you will immerse yourself in the dynamic field of visual communication, learning to shape information, evoke emotion, and initiate meaningful conversations. This program is ideal for aspiring designers who seek to develop both high-level strategic thinking and practical production skills. You will explore key areas such as typography, digital design, and contemporary design issues, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how design functions within society and industry. This honours degree provides a robust foundation for a career in imaginative and impactful communication design.

This full-time, on-campus program is structured over four years, offering a progressive learning experience. You will engage with core units like Concepts and Narratives, Digital Design, and User Interface Design, alongside practical experiences such as industry workshops and placements. In your final year, you will undertake significant research through an Honours Stream, potentially including projects like Industry Placement 2 or a Design-Led Innovation: Research Project. You will graduate with a portfolio of work and the strategic acumen to pursue diverse career paths in brand identity, information design, and interactive publication design.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in communication design, exploring concepts, narratives, and digital tools. Students will delve into typography, photography, and packaging design, while also engaging with contemporary design issues and visual communication studios. The curriculum progresses to brand identity, user interface design, and publication design, culminating in industry workshops, strategic communication design, and research methods for an honours project. Practical experience is gained through industry placements, preparing graduates for professional practice.

1 Semester 1

Concepts and narratives Core
Digital design Core
Typography Core
Twentieth century design Core

2 Semester 2

Packaging design Core
Photography for design Core
Visual communication studio Core
Contemporary design issues Core

3 Semester 1

Brand and identity design Core
Typography for print and interactive publication Core
User interface design Core
Elective

4 Semester 2

Publication design Core
Information design Major
Elective
Elective

5 Semester 1

Industry workshops Major
Communication design strategy Major
Elective

6 Semester 2

Industry placement 1 Major
Case studies in design practice Major

7 Communication Design Honours Stream

Methods for design research Honours
Industry placement 2 Honours

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,765.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,765.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,765.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,765.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 123,061.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 641.00 - USD 1,522.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,400.00 - USD 8,000.00
Transport USD 1,061.00 - USD 1,350.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,206.00 - USD 1,359.00
Estimated Total USD 8,667.00 - USD 9,109.00

Living cost estimates are based on Melbourne campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationCorporate Training & DevelopmentCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducation Policy & AdministrationHigher Education & UniversitiesSecondary & High School EducationSpecial & Inclusive EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Swinburne University of Technology

Why Study Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology

What makes this program stand out

March 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in March 2027

Life at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks without needing a separate work permit. This allows you to gain valuable experience while studying.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you'll need a TOEFL score with a listening score of 12, an overall score of 79, and specific minimum scores for reading, speaking, and writing. Ensure you prepare adequately for these test components.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Communication Designer, Graphic Designer, User Experience Designer, Art Director, and Brand Strategist.

What will I actually study in this course?

Overview

Tap into emotions. Bring information into order. Help start important conversations. Our Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) is informed by cutting-edge research and practice. In it, you'll gain the high-end strategic and critical thinking skills, and practical production skills to become an imaginative communication designer and researcher.

Want to check if this course is right for you?

Chat with academics at our Study Expo

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) offers intakes in March and August each year. Make sure to apply within the specified dates for your chosen intake.
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