College of Design and Social Context

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College of Design and Social Context

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RMIT's College of Design & Social Context brings together creative and practical study in the fields of design, technology and society.

Comprised of nine schools, the College encompasses a wide variety of disciplines of the built environment, education, media & communication, global & social studies and across all fields of art and design. It is this breadth of expertise and the shared commitment to addressing the most urgent challenges and opportunities of our time through interdisciplinary collaboration that gives the College its unique identity.

Our work makes substantive contributions to sustainability and regenerative futures, global and social justice agendas and exploring the nexus of technology and the human experience.

We seek to deepen our understanding and offer possible paths forward for society by addressing these issues with imagination, rigour, and practicality. We do this through excellence in education and research that is future-focused, industry-connected and community engaged.

With over 21,000 students in Australia and Vietnam – from undergraduate students to PhD candidates – learning and researching with a team of over 1000 academics, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that advances knowledge and transforms professional practice.

Schools

The College of Design and Social Context teaches programs in architecture, art, design, education, fashion, media and communication, property management and social studies. We offer programs locally and internationally at our schools located across all three Melbourne campuses and RMIT Vietnam.

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School of Architecture and Urban Design

The School of Architecture and Urban Design delivers multidisciplinary, innovative, creative and applied scholarship in architecture and design-related areas.

School of Art

The School of Art at RMIT is an international site for innovative and diverse art, craft and photographic practices and research. RMIT is ranked #1 in Australia and #26 in the world for courses in Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025).

School of Design

The School of Design is internationally recognised as a leader in design education, research and practice, that is industry connected, socially grounded and focused on the future practices of design.

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School of Education

The School of Education is a multidisciplinary leader with an established reputation for providing educational and vocational leadership in knowledge creation.

School of Fashion and Textiles

The School of Fashion and Textiles is at the global forefront of fashion and textiles education, training and research, working with industry to foster next-generation design and business leaders.

School of Global, Urban and Social Studies

The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is a multidisciplinary leader in delivering education, training and research that contribute to a just and sustainable world.

School of Media and Communication

The School of Media and Communication delivers creative programs, research and training in media, writing and publishing, and communication.

School of property construction.

School of Property, Construction and Project Management

The School of Property, Construction and Project Management is a leading provider of education, research and training in the construction, project management and property industries.

School of Communication & Design, RMIT Vietnam

The School of Communication & Design is committed to providing an international learning environment that encourages cultural awareness, critical thinking, experimentation and the ability to think differently.

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Research

The College Research and Innovation office encourages research collaborations within and across disciplinary and academic administrative boundaries.

Partnerships

Work with us, to create new knowledge and advance solutions to urgent sector, or social challenges.

Related news

Renders showing what an alternative redevelopment option would look like. Credit: RMIT University & OFFICE.

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An RMIT University-led report has found upgrading the Barkly Street public housing estate in Brunswick, rather than demolishing it, could deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits.

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RMIT community recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours

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RMIT alumni, former staff and a current PhD student have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, reflecting the University’s impact across research, public service, industry, community leadership and the arts.

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To beat the heat, Australians will often spend their summer by the ocean and pool, though few realise how rapidly chlorine, salt and sun can breakdown their swimwear. An RMIT expert explains why, and shares tips on how to maintain the quality and longevity of your swimsuit.

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Contact information

Level 4, Building 22, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000

Postal Address

College of Design and Social Context
GPO Box 2476
Melbourne, Victoria, 3001

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures