COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Design at Swinburne University offers a structured and progressive pathway that equips students with both foundational and advanced design skills while allowing for specialization through electives and major units. In the first year, students build essential design knowledge with core units such as Concepts and Narratives, Digital Design, Typography, and Twentieth Century Design, which introduce them to key principles, techniques, and historical contexts of design. In the second semester, learners expand their practical skills through Photography for Design, User Interface Design, and the Visual Communication Studio, combining creative practice with digital and interactive applications.The second year focuses on contemporary design practices and specialized skill development. Core units like Contemporary Design Issues and Brand and Identity Design deepen students’ understanding of design strategy and identity creation, while major units such as Packaging Design and Typography for Print and Interactive Publication allow learners to develop expertise in specific areas of interest. Elective options throughout the year provide flexibility to tailor the degree to individual career goals and creative ambitions.In the final year, students engage in advanced, industry-relevant design projects and strategic thinking. Units such as Communication Design Strategy, Publication Design, and Design for Production refine both creative and practical skills, preparing students for professional practice. The program culminates in the Communication Design Capstone Project, a 25-credit major project where students integrate their accumulated knowledge, showcase their creative portfolio, and demonstrate their ability to deliver innovative design solutions.This carefully sequenced structure ensures that graduates possess a broad foundation in design principles, specialized expertise in chosen areas, and practical experience in real-world design challenges. By the end of the program, students are ready to enter diverse creative industries, lead design initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to shaping visual and interactive experiences that have a lasting impact on society.