BP115 - Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Plan: BP115P04 - Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Campus: City Campus
Overview
Program detailsPurpose of the ProgramArticulation and pathwaysEntrance requirementsExternal accreditation and industry linksStudent expenses and charges in addition to feesLibrary, IT and specialist resourcesProgram details
Award title: Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Award abbreviation: BDes(CommDes)
Total credit points: 288
Career: UGRD
Duration: 3 years full-time (6 semesters)
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Design (370H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/design
ASCED code: 100501
CRICOS code: 012348F
Top of pagePurpose of the Program
Communication Design applies to the shaping of communication across all aspects of contemporary society, from commercial, entertainment, and education, to environmental, cultural and civic sectors.
Many graduates start and run their own design studios, often in niche and in emerging fields of design practice. Other graduates are employed in cross-disciplinary design, strategy, and research and development roles within the services sector, in institutions and in research and development units. Additionally the program prepares you for postgraduate study and Higher Degrees by Research.
In the first year of the program, you gain a solid grounding in techniques and theoretical foundations of communication design. Through a closely articulated series of projects, workshops and learning activities you build competency in creative visual representation and expression, conceptual exploration and principles of visual communication.
In the second and third year of the program, you extend these foundations into specific areas of practice, using projects to address contemporary industrial, social and professional issues. These include corporate and brand identity, user experience, digital convergence, traditional and digital publication, packaging, strategic design, sustainability, visual thinking, image making and intercultural design.
This program prepares you to be a locally and internationally aware communication designer capable of working across a range of domains and industries, including graphic design, advertising, branding and illustration consultancies, as well as design and communication units within corporate, government and non-government organisations.
Top of pageArticulation and pathways
Successful completion of RMIT's Diploma of Graphic Design guarantees entry into this program with 48 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 semester full-time study).
From 2021 to 2023, successful completion of RMIT's Associate Degree in Graphic Design with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4 guarantees entry into this program with 192 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 2 years full-time study). Graduates of the RMIT's Associate Degree in Graphic Design who do not meet the guaranteed entry requirements may still apply and will be required to attend a folio presentation.
From 2024, successful completion of RMIT's Associate Degree in Graphic Design guarantees entry into this program with 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study).
Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in RMIT University programs, including honours or master by coursework in the School of Design, subject to each program's entry requirements.
If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
Top of pageEntrance requirements
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
- a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
- a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International English language requirement
A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.
Selection task
All applicants must complete and submit the selection task.
Top of pageExternal accreditation and industry links
In Australia there are no professional bodies that accredit programs in the area of Communication Design. However, graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) are eligible to become members of the following Professional Associations:
The Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA): the peak national organisation for professional graphic designers
Design Institute Australia (DIA): Australia's professional membership body for designers and design businesses.
Interaction Design Association (IxDA): a global network dedicated to the professional practice of Interaction Design.
Industry professionals are actively involved throughout the program, as studio leaders, guest lecturers and tutors. Guest industry practitioners are also involved in the program through briefing, critique and moderation of studio projects.
Top of pageStudent expenses and charges in addition to fees
Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.
Top of pageLibrary, IT and specialist resources
Library resources and services
As a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.
Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.
Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service. The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, e-journals and newspapers.
You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:
- transition to tertiary study and learning
- study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
- enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
- career development and employment
- living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
- opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
- opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance
We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
You can find more information at www.rmit.edu.au/students
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