Design

Bachelor of Communication Design

CRICOS 090295A
Delivered by
Billy Blue College of Design

What is a Bachelor of Communication Design?

A Bachelor of Communication Design provides the skills and knowledge to share information visually across a range of media, using a variety of techniques, tools and technologies from related disciplines. Under the guidance of industry leaders, including brand and design consultants as well as graphic designers and creative directors, this course covers strategic thinking, brand strategy, customer experience design and service design.

The course explores the theory and practice of information design, from initial concepts through to sophisticated visuals, from traditional print work to state-of-the-art digital design. You’ll discover the building blocks of typography and learn about idea generation, digital media, design research, information design, and more. In the Design Studio subject, you’ll collaborate with other students, as you would in a real-world studio, and follow briefs to come up with practical and effective outcomes that are ideal for their audience.

More

Learning outcomes

  • Explore typography, image generation and information design.
  • Explore packaging and branded environment design and learn how products and places can be designed for end user needs.
  • Refine strategic thinking and brand development skills.
  • Focus on creating messages for a range of audiences.
  • Apply theoretical and technical knowledge to real-world problems.
DIA recognised course

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Design | Vogue | Logo

Vogue Australia partnership

We’ve partnered with industry leaders including Vogue Australia, to offer you internship, mentoring and scholarship opportunities.

Adobe Affiliation logo

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.

Study mode
Online, On campus, Blended
Campus locations*
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Online
Student
Domestic
International
Course duration
3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated
Start date
3 June 2024
16 Sep 2024
Fees & scholarships

This is an AQF Level 7 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

*For more details on international student study options.

Workshops Lecture | Billy Blue Design College
Learn from practicing designers
Our lecturers bring their professional experience into the classroom, with most being industry practitioners or running their own studios.

Choices Icon | Billy Blue Design College
Intern at Australia's top design agencies
Gain practical experience with Work-Integrated Learning opportunities during your course.

Billy Blue Design College award ribbon icon
35 years of award-winning education
As Australia's original design college, Billy Blue has a strong legacy that opens doors for our graduates.
Phoebe Perkins and Martina Zatta tell us about their experience studying with Billy Blue and their role as student mentors.
Career Opportunities | Bachelor of Communication Design | Torrens University

Career opportunities

The design work you do throughout your study contributes to your professional portfolio – your passport to a serious design career. With the skills and expertise gained from this course, plus your limitless imagination, you’ll be in demand around the world as a UX, Graphics, Games, packaging, Web or Exhibition Designer, Art Director, or as a Branding, Advertising or Marketing Specialist. Or combine your Bachelor of Communication Design with a business degree and open yourself up to a wider range of career opportunities across both industries.

Potential career paths

  • Design Strategic
    Average salary: $125,000 - $138,654
  • Service Designer
    Average salary: $112,035 - $158,450
  • Art Director
    Average salary: $96,457 - $150,000
  • Illustrator
    Average salary: $64,377 - $104,806
Todd Watts - Bachelor of Communication Design student testimonial
I studied at Billy Blue for a few reasons. Most of my lecturers were working while teaching, which ensured that everything I was being taught had industry relevancy.
Todd Watts
Graduate, Bachelor of Communication Design

Subjects and units

This course comprises of eighteen core subjects and six elective subjects. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Electives

Requirements

Complete seven core subjects. Additionally, you’re required to select one elective from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Visual Language of Design | DGDVL100
  • Digital Design Foundations | DGDDD100
  • Design Context | DCX101
  • Typography | DGDTY100
  • Design Studio 1 | DSO102
  • Design Studio 2 | DSO103
  • Publishing and Media | DGDPM100

Requirements

Complete five core subjects. Additionally, you’re required to select three electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Design Studio 3 | DSO201
  • Message, Meaning, Media | CDC200A
  • Problem Based Learning Studio | PBL202
  • Typographic Systems | CTY201A
  • Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver | DDD203

Requirements

Complete six core subjects. Additionally, you’re required to select two electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

  • Social Enterprise | SEN301
  • Packaging and Branding | CPK301A
  • Work Integrated Learning | WIL302
  • Business by Design | CDC301A
  • Major Project | CDM301A
  • Portfolio | CDM303A

Requirements

Choose six electives.

Elective subjects

  • Data Visualisation | CIN100A
  • Illustration | DGDIL100
  • Finished Art (pre-requisite DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations) | DGDFA100
  • Interaction Design | DIG103A
  • JavaScript Fundamentals | JSF100
  • Light and Lighting | ILL100
  • Camera and Capture | ICC100
  • Motion Design | DIG104A
  • 3D Asset Creation | ACR103
  • Animation Principles | ANP100
  • Game Design Principles | GDP102
  • Wayfinding | CIN200A
  • Type Generation | CTY202A
  • Form and Insight (pre-requisite DGDDD100 Digital Design Foundations) | DGDFI200
  • Web App Development | WAD200
  • UX Fundamentals | UXF200
  • Content Management Systems (pre-requisite DIG103A Interaction Design) | CMS200
  • Motion Graphic Design (pre-requisite DIG104A Motion Design) | MGD200
  • Commercial Photography | ICO200
  • Procedural Geometry and Workflow | PGW200
  • Live Action Production (Pre-requisite DIG104A) | LAP200
  • Narrative Production | NPR200
  • Advanced 3D Asset Creation | AAC202
  • Animation | ANI203
  • Digital Print Design and Print Theory | FA202A
  • Fashion and Social Media | FA204A
  • Culture of Change | CDC300A
  • Advanced UX Applications | AUX300
  • Component Library Development | CLD300
  • Advanced Video Production (pre-requisite LAP200 Live Action Production) | AVP300
  • Persuasive Media Production (pre-requisite LAP200 Live Action Production) | PMP300
  • Lighting and Look Development | LLD300

Technology

Learn with industry standard technologies

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Study pathways

Torrens University offers undergraduate and postgraduate students with flexible entry options and study pathways. Whether you prefer a full program or a modular approach, we can tailor your studies to your needs. Start your journey with an undergraduate diploma or bachelor degree, or grow your career with a postgraduate qualification.

Need more help?

Let us customise a study plan and pathway for you.

Undergraduate

  • Diploma courses ( 2 options )
  • Bachelor of Communication Design

    CRICOS 090295A

    24 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated

    Experience industry placements, internships or industry-linked projects with our Bachelor degree.

Postgraduate

  • Graduate Certificate of Design
    4 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    6 months full time, 1 year part time

    Complete just four subjects to expand your knowledge in a specific area, or take the first step towards your Masters.

    View course
  • Master of Design
    9 core subjects
    Online | On campus | Blended
    Master of Design (Cognate) 1.5 years, Master of Design (Non-Cognate) 2 years full time, part time options available

    Become a specialist in your field, or take the first step towards your Doctorate degree.

    View course

Industry partners and work placements

The big difference at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Complete an industry brief or internship

Engage with industry throughout your course as you complete an industry brief or internship, gaining valuable work experience in your dream field.

Vogue Logo | Torrens University
OzHarvest | Torrens University
Channel 7
DDB | Torrens University
Revlon
Creative Platform | Torrens University

Entry details

  • Domestic
  • International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and
Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent
OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

  • What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?
  • What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
  • Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
  • Can I get course credit for previous experience?
  • What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?
  • How do I apply for a scholarship?

Similar courses

Torrens University | Contact Us | Billy Blue College of Design

Want to find out more?

Don't forget to download the course guide or get in touch with us below.

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