Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Swinburne University

Bachelor Honours Degree Industrial Design Full Time

Bachelor of Design (Honours)

at Swinburne University of Technology · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

079150M

CRICOS provider code

00111D

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$39,000 total

Per year

A$39,000/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne is a challenging one-year qualification that builds on a completed undergraduate degree in design or a closely related field. The course allows students to deepen their expertise in industrial design through a combination of advanced coursework and a substantial research component. Honours students develop conceptual, technical, and professional skills by undertaking rigorous academic study alongside creative practice, culminating in an independent project or research thesis.

Australian honours programmes typically consist of two semesters, with units of study that emphasise both theoretical frameworks and studio-based design processes. Students will engage in intensive project work, critical analysis, and innovative problem solving, strengthening their portfolio and demonstrating their capacity for independent inquiry. The course may include opportunities for work-integrated learning through industry-connected assignments or collaboration, preparing graduates for specialised roles or further research study.

This honours year is ideal for those seeking to refine their skills, gain a competitive edge in the design sector, or pursue a pathway to higher degree research. Students benefit from Swinburne’s industry links and innovative design culture in Melbourne, a city known for its creative industries. The course suits graduates aiming for leadership, entrepreneurship, or academic careers in industrial design.

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency, with a commonly required IELTS Academic score of 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent. International students enjoy work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and completion may support eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Credit is awarded through units of study, with detailed requirements and credit points outlined on the official university page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Industrial designer in manufacturing, product development, or design consultancies
Design researcher or innovation specialist
Product development manager
User experience (UX) designer in technology and consumer goods sectors
Academic researcher or pathway to postgraduate study
Roles within Australia’s design, technology, and creative industries

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$39,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Industrial designer in manufacturing, product development, or design consultanciesDesign researcher or innovation specialistProduct development managerUser experience (UX) designer in technology and consumer goods sectorsAcademic researcher or pathway to postgraduate studyRoles w...

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