Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Media and Communication
Course handbook
General Information
Overview
Wield your words. Display your designs. Create with confidence. Do all this, and more, with our Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Media and Communication. Harness your creativity. Gain in-depth knowledge across the discipline of design. Boost your skillset in management, writing, business, media planning, and more. Plus, develop a page-turner of a portfolio. Emerge ready to sway hearts and change minds.
Study structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Media and Communication requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 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.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Concepts and Narratives
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10001 |
|
Digital Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10002 |
|
Typography
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10005 |
|
Twentieth Century Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD10001 |
|
Photography for Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10004 |
|
Web Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20004 |
|
Contemporary Design Issues
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20004 |
|
Brand and Identity Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Introduction to Media Studies
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10001 |
|
Global Media Industries
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10008 |
|
Communicating with Data
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10012 |
|
Content Creator Lab
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10018 |
|
Professional Communication Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM10007 |
|
Media Content Creation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU10007 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Introductory Design Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD10006 |
|
Interior Architecture Communication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DIA10005 |
|
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 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Visual Communication Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10007 |
|
Packaging Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO10003 |
|
Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO20009 |
|
Communication Design Strategy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30048 |
|
Publication Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30013 |
|
Design for Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DCO30002 |
|
Communication Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD30047 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Imaging for Narrative and Storyboards
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDM10005 |
|
Typography for Screen and Motion
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDM10006 |
|
Digital Video Camera Techniques
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDM20003 |
|
Digital Video Compositing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30021 |
|
Motion Design New Technologies
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDM30005 |
|
Motion Graphics Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30022 |
|
Motion Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDM30001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Experimental Image-Making Processes
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ART20002 |
|
Photography and Art Direction
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20009 |
|
Digital Video Camera Techniques
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDM20003 |
|
Compositing for Visual Effects
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30011 |
|
Commercial Photography on Location
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30046 |
|
Visual Storytelling
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30015 |
|
Photomedia Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD30042 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
User Interaction Design
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20015 |
|
Experience Design and Usability for the Web
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20016 |
|
Design Systems and Services
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD20007 |
|
Digital Marketing and Metrics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30019 |
|
Toolbox for Prototyping and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DES20057 |
|
Interaction Design for Mobile Devices
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DDD30020 |
|
UX Interaction Design Capstone Project
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD30045 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Principles of Advertising
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV10001 |
|
Digital Advertising
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV10002 |
|
Advertising Issues and Impact
Major unit |
ADV20004 |
|
Search, Social Media and Video Marketing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV20003 |
|
Creativity and Ideation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV20005 |
|
Digital Advertising Media Strategy
Major unit |
ADV30004 |
|
Advertising Campaigns Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV30005 |
|
Emerging Advertising Technologies
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
ADV30003 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10003 |
|
Genre and the Moving Image
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10006 |
|
The Australian Screen
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20005 |
|
Screen Franchising and Innovation
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20007 |
|
Popular Culture of the Asia Pacific
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20018 |
|
Screen Technology and Culture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30016 |
|
Screen Sounds and Music
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30019 |
|
Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30011 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Writing Fiction
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT10002 |
|
Editing for Writers
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR10002 |
|
Diversity in Australian Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT20002 |
|
Writing and Publishing Studio
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR20002 |
|
Pitch, Edit, Publish
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PWR30001 |
|
Prose Poetics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT20003 |
|
Sudden Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT30007 |
|
Literary Industry Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
LIT30004 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Experiencing Immersive Media: AR, VR and Mixed Reality
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10017 |
|
Mobile Media Futures
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10016 |
|
Digital Narratives
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
DIG20001 |
|
Immersive Media Design and Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20029 |
|
Writing for Interactive Narratives
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
GAM20004 |
|
Screen Technology and Culture
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30016 |
|
Media and Communications Industry Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30020 |
|
Production for Digital Platforms
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30006 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Transforming Journalism in the Digital Era
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU10004 |
|
The Journalist's Toolkit
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU10008 |
|
Media, Law and Ethics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU20006 |
|
Interactive Storytelling
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU20007 |
|
Media Analytics and Visualisation
Major unit |
MDA20026 |
|
Radio, Audio and Podcasting
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30009 |
|
Video Documentary Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU30009 |
|
Live Journalism Lab
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU30012 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Public Relations Theory and Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB10001 |
|
Professional Communication Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
COM10007 |
|
Public Relations Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB20003 |
|
Global Public Relations Practice
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB20001 |
|
Issues, Crisis and Risk Communication
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB20004 |
|
Events Management
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
PUB30001 |
|
PR Campaign Planning and Management
Major unit |
PUB30004 |
|
Media and Communications Industry Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30020 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Digital Self/Digital Community
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10013 |
|
Social Media Strategy
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA10015 |
|
Business of Media and Entrepreneurship
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA20028 |
|
Interactive Storytelling
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
JOU20007 |
|
Media Analytics and Visualisation
Major unit |
MDA20026 |
|
Social Media, Social Impact
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30022 |
|
Researching Social Media Publics
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30012 |
|
Social Media Industry Project
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
MDA30021 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - 12 months | |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Design
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD20031 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Design
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
DDD20032 |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20016 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Media and Communication
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
MDA20017 |
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study:
- Advertising
- Cinema and Screen Studies
- Creative Writing
- Digital Advertising Technology
- Games and Interactivity
- Marketing
- Media Industries
- Public Relations
- Applied Psychology
- Communication Design
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Data Analytics
- Editing
- Entrepreneurship
- Indigenous Studies
- Innovation
- Journalism
- Literature
- Social Media
- Web Development
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.
Branded Environments 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
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
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
Photomedia major
- DDD20003 Exhibition Design
- DIA10005 Interior Architecture Communication
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- DIG20005 User Experience Design
- 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 Digital 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
Advertising major
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- DIG20005 User Experience Design
- DIG20011 Digital Mobility
- DIG30003 Advertising Technology
- GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
- HEA10001 Introduction to Health Sciences
- HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10008 Global Media Industries
- MDA20003 Networked Selves
- MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
- MDA30006 Media and Communications Project A
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
- MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
- MDA30019 Sound and the Screen
- MKT20021 Integrated Marketing Communication
- PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
- PUB10001 Introduction to Public Relations Theory and Practice
- PUB30001 Events Management
Cinema & Screen Studies major
- ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
- COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- FTV20005 The Australian Screen
- FTV30001 Breaking the Screen
- FTV30005 Hollywood Cinema
- JOU10004 News Writing
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- LIT20002 Australian Writing: Mapping Diversity
- LIT30002 Graphic Narratives: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10006 Innovation Cultures: Perspectives On Science and Technology
- MDA10008 Global Media Industries
- MDA20001 Business of Media
- MDA20003 Networked Selves
- MDA20009 Digital Communities
- MDA20011 Sports/Advertising/Media
- MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
- MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
- MDA30006 Media and Communications Project A
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
Creative Writing and Publishing major
- ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- FTV10006 Genre and the Moving Image
- GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
- HIS10003 Global History
- HIS30012 History, Politics and Human Rights
- JOU10004 News Writing
- LIT20002 Australian Writing: Mapping Diversity
- LIT30004 Literary Industry Practice
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10003 Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
- MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
- MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
- MDA30012 Researching Social Media Publics
- MDA30019 Sound and the Screen
- PHI10007 What is Power?
- POL10001 Australian Politics
- PWR10002 Editing for Writers
- PWR20003 Writing Creative Non-Fiction
- SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
- SOC20020 Deviance, Difference & Conformity
- SOC30013 Global Gender and Sex
Immersive Media major
- ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
- COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- JOU10004 News Writing
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- LIT20002 Australian Writing: Mapping Diversity
- LIT30002 Graphic Narratives: Comics, Graphic Novels, and Manga
- LIT30004 Literary Industry Practice
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10003 Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
- MDA10008 Global Media Industries
- MDA20003 Networked Selves
- MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
- MDA20009 Digital Communities
- MDA20011 Sports/Advertising/Media
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
- MDA30011 Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
- MDA30012 Researching Social Media Publics
- POL10002 International Politics
- PUB10001 Introduction to Public Relations Theory and Practice
- PUB20003 Public Relations Writing
- SOC10004 Sociological Foundations
Journalism major
- COS10005 Web Development
- FTV20005 The Australian Screen
- FTV30001 Breaking the Screen
- FTV30005 Hollywood Cinema
- INS10001 Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences
- JOU10007 Media Content Creation
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- MDA20001 Business of Media
- MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
- MDA20025 National Media in A Globalised World
- MDA30006 Media and Communications Project A
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
- MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
- MDA30019 Sound and the Screen
- PHI10008 Introduction to Ethics
- POL10001 Australian Politics
- POL10002 International Politics
- POL20008 Australian Foreign Policy
- PUB20003 Public Relations Writing
- SOC30019 Social Science Research Methods
- STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
Public Relations major
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- DIG20005 User Experience Design
- DIG20011 Digital Mobility
- DIG30003 Advertising Technology
- GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
- HEA10001 Introduction to Health Sciences
- HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10008 Global Media Industries
- MDA20003 Networked Selves
- MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
- MDA30006 Media and Communications Project A
- MDA30007 Media and Communications Project B
- MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
- MDA30019 Sound and the Screen
- MKT20021 Integrated Marketing Communication
Social Media major
- ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
- COM10007 Professional Communication Practice
- DIG10004 Digital Video and Audio
- DIG20001 Digital Narratives
- DIG20011 Digital Mobility
- DIG30003 Advertising Technology
- GAM20004 Writing for Interactive Narratives
- HEA10001 Introduction to Health Sciences
- HEP20002 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- JOU10004 News Writing
- JOU20006 Media, Law and Ethics
- MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
- MDA10003 Screen Studies: Movies, Television and Ourselves
- MDA10008 Global Media Industries
- MDA20001 Business of Media
- MDA20007 Screen Franchising and Innovation
- MDA20014 Media and Social Impact
- MDA30009 Radio, Audio and Podcasting
- MDA30011 Global Screen Studies: Beyond Hollywood
- PHI10003 Critical Thinking
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student 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
- 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
- curate the relevant knowledge, cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking in identifying and solving problems independently and collaboratively, in diverse contexts
- create design proposals that articulate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas to diverse audiences and stakeholders
- develop design solutions that incorporate ethical and socio-ecological frameworks, demonstrating respect and inclusivity towards diverse audiences and Indigenous principles and practices
- 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
- identify and contextualise the impacts of digital transformation on media and communication industries, audiences and professional and creative practices
- analyse diverse socio-cultural influences on media and communication practices and their impact on audiences in Indigenous, local and global contexts
- demonstrate critical thinking, including theoretical, practice-led and decolonised approaches, within a specialised media and communication discipline
- initiate professional approaches to planning, problem-solving and decision-making in a range of media and communication activities and processes, both individually and in collaboration with others
- design creative and professional media and communication artefacts that focus on examining the relationship between people and technology for social impact
- explore innovative use of new media and communication technologies to engage, influence and build communities for next generation media futures
- engage ethical approaches to research methodologies for socially responsible, just and fair content creation strategies
- apply learning from Indigenous, global and cross-cultural communication contexts to support accountability, self-assessment and independence in lifelong learning
Career opportunities
Bachelor of Design graduate careers may include junior level designer positions working in communication/graphic design, user experience design, motion design, branding and environments as well as photomedia design. Bachelor of Media and Communication graduates will be well qualified for positions in professional roles in agencies, not-for-profits, government departments, small business and large organisations. These include roles as media content creators, media managers, social media channel and platform specialists, journalists, publicists, radio producers, archivists, writers, and curators.
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Media and Communication students must complete 400 credit points comprising of:
- eight (8) Core Design units of study (100 credit points)
- four (4) Core Media and Communication units of study (50 credit points)
- seven (7) units of study from a Design discipline majors (100 credit points)
- eight (8) units of study from a Media and Communication majors (100cp)
- four (4) units of study (50 credit points) comprising a minor or electives
Students must not complete more than 187.5cps (normally 15 units) at Introductory level. A unit of study can only be counted once. Where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students will select an approved alternate unit where available or an elective unit.
Domestic students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. Please note that due to government regulations international students holding a student visa are not able to undertake Professional Placements in this course.
Professional placements
Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. Students who undertake a 12 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 475 credit points comprising:
- eight (8) Core Design units of study (100 credit points)
- four (4) Core Media and Communication units of study (50 credit points)
- seven (7) units of study from a Design discipline majors (100 credit points)
- eight (8) units of study from a Media and Communication majors (100cp)
- four (4) units of study of the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points)
- two (2) units of study comprising electives (25 credit points)
Students who elect to undertake a 6 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 437.5 credit points comprising:
- eight (8) Core Design units of study (100 credit points)
- four (4) Core Media and Communication units of study (50 credit points)
- seven (7) units of study from a Design discipline majors (100 credit points)
- eight (8) units of study from a Media and Communication majors (100cp)
- two (2) units of study of the Professional Placement Co-Major (50 credit points)
- three (3) units of study comprising electives (37.5 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Media and Communication is 200 credit points (normally 16 units), 100 credit points maximum from each discipline.
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, any Business, Applied Fashion Design and Technology B, Product Design and Technology, any Humanities, Literature, Media, Interactive Digital Media C, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Studio Arts, Systems Engineering, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.
Meeting course prerequisites
VCE Units 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 2024
| ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds | ATAR Excluding adjustment factors |
Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 96.05 | 98.35 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 77.2 | 83.65 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 61.65 | 64.55 |
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
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
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
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.
| Semester 1, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
| (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | <5 |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 0 | 0% |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0% |
| (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) | 19 | 59% |
| Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A 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 N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | N/P | N/P |
| International students | 0 | 0% |
| All students | 32 | 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 / Bachelor of Media and Communication?
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.