Work on industry briefs with real-life clients
Be mentored by experts with strong industry links
Recognised by the Design Institute of Australia
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2022 close 26 June 2022
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2022 close 30 October 2022
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Enter the dynamic world of professional design with Deakin’s Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication). Learn the tools, strategies and design thinking methodologies required to be an adaptive, multidisciplinary communications designer.
From day one you’ll learn to shape your ideas into smart and influential concepts under the guidance of industry leaders and established designers.
Combine studies from related disciplines, including creative coding, photography, and animation, and enhance your skills through practical learning. Let your creativity run free and practice with the same tools and technologies professionals use in our world-class design facilities.
In your final year, you’ll enter the studio to work on real client projects, with the opportunity to showcase your finished product to the public. This practical experience prepares you for the challenges of your future role, and ensures you graduate ready to make a real impact in the rapidly changing field of design.
Want the skills to thrive in a career in communication design?
You’ll learn how to interpret design briefs and develop specialised skills in web design and user experience (UX), as well as traditional skills in typography, illustration, branding and print design.
Benefit from Deakin’s networks and relationships within the design industry and have opportunities to include your work in exhibitions and showcases.
Take your learning further and develop skills in:
- creative coding
- 3D environments
- digital photography
- motion graphics
- animation.
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
- Year
2022 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400410511 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510511 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- A345
- CRICOS code?
- 095257M Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication), a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 17 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course elective units
- 5 credit points of open elective units
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Electives
24
Total units
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Course electives
Plus 2 credit points of course electives from:
Plus 5 credit points of open elective units
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE Prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Folio and folio presentation
Deakin University uses a range of selection criteria for course entry. Applicants may submit an optional portfolio of work to showcase their talents and strengthen their application. The portfolio will be used to adjust your rank and increase your chances of being selected. To be eligible for this adjustment, portfolios should satisfy the requirements specified by the submission deadline.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Folio and folio presentation
Deakin University uses a range of selection criteria for course entry. Applicants may submit an optional portfolio of work to showcase their talents and strengthen their application. The portfolio will be used to adjust your rank and increase your chances of being selected. To be eligible for this adjustment, portfolios should satisfy the requirements specified by the submission deadline.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Folio and folio presentation
Deakin University uses a range of selection criteria for course entry. Applicants may submit an optional portfolio of work to showcase their talents and strengthen their application. The portfolio will be used to adjust your rank and increase your chances of being selected. To be eligible for this adjustment, portfolios should satisfy the requirements specified by the submission deadline.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Folio and folio presentation
Deakin University uses a range of selection criteria for course entry. Applicants may submit an optional portfolio of work to showcase their talents and strengthen their application. The portfolio will be used to adjust your rank and increase your chances of being selected. To be eligible for this adjustment, portfolios should satisfy the requirements specified by the submission deadline.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Art, Drama, Product Design And Technology, any English, Literature, Media, Studio Arts, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2023 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
To learn more about what our Bachelor of Design courses at Deakin have to offer, download our course flyer.
When applying for this course, you must submit a portfolio of work in support of your application.
The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks beyond academic results to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
To apply, complete the online application form.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Graduates are open to many career opportunities, including in the areas of advertising, graphic design studios, print houses, publishers, corporate companies, government and private practices. Potential careers include:
- communications designer
- art director/creative director
- animation and motion designer
- web designer
- UX designer
- graphic designer
- interactive designer
- illustrator
- packaging (FMCG) designer.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), so you’ll be up-to-date with the current industry practices and developments. The DIA also offers student membership and access to some of the biggest design events and experts in the nation.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the forms, functions, processes, languages and materials of visual communication design. Developing the capacity to meet client requirements in a rapidly changing industry setting. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate ideas using specific language, concepts and media to transmit ideas in response to design briefs. |
| Digital literacy | Utilize theoretical knowledge and practical skills with digital technologies to achieve user experience design outcomes. |
| Critical thinking | Acquire skills in critical thinking and the analytical evaluation of design. Critically engaging a range of strategies to achieve professional industry based outcomes. |
| Problem solving | Utilize design thinking methods to empathise, analyse, ideate, prototype and test complex and ill-defined problems. |
| Self-management | Initiate autonomous and self-directed management techniques; demonstrating professional responsibility and accountability to a wide range of design projects. |
| Teamwork | Lead, deliver and perform within a collaborative professional team to deliver industry standard outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Critically engage designs capacity to act as an agent of change in multiple contexts. To identify and develop proposals for personal and corporate social, cultural and ethical responsibilities in a global and domestic context. |
| Approved by Faculty Board March 2017 | |
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Study design at Deakin and shape your future
Footnotes
*QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017