Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
Range of criteria
Duration
Full-time 3 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
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.
This degree 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.
You’ll learn skills alongside a strong selection peers in studio-based facilities. Throughout the degree, you will develop skills in negotiating a consensus among participants with a range of interests in the design outcome. You will also learn how a visual strategy can contribute to all phases of the problem-solving process.
I undertook placements at a design studio and at RMIT, which prepared me for both potential future employment within the corporate world and designing in a boutique studio.
– Molly Yang, Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) graduate
Details
Discover Communication Design
The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) will teach you how to shape communication across all aspects of contemporary society.
Meet Dr Neil Heslin and Dr Tony Roberts and learn about this degree's structure, learning outcomes, and the kind of projects you can expect to work on.
This course has a strong focus on studio learning, enabling you to learn by doing. All lecturers have worked in the design industry throughout their careers, and will offer you key insights into the contemporary design world.
Most of the work is individually assessed through submission of printed artefacts (books, logo, objects), digital submissions, class presentations and client and peer review of work.
RMIT runs an internal mentor scheme, as well as a number of industry events where students and design professionals work together on projects or professional practice.
This course maintains strong industry links, and many opportunities exist for students to work with industry professionals.
You will work on projects with industry partners, including:
- Australian Graphic Design Association
- Penguin Books
- Deloitte
- Kit Cosmetics
- Hardie Grant
- Jacky Winter Group
- ABC
- CFA
- Roger Seller
- de Bono Institute
- MECCA.
There are also opportunities to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
This course is also delivered as a top-up in Singapore in partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management.
In the first two semesters, you are taught in a series of assigned sequential, interrelated projects, which cover a broad spectrum of communication design activities.
The following four semesters see you participate in a range of design and communication studios that support the sequential study pattern of this course.
Software delivery is taught in association with the design process, rather than in isolation. On completion of the degree, your software knowledge will be of industry standard for print and digital media.
Major areas of study are:
communication strategies
conceptual thinking
design process
media
publication
strategic branding
typography
You can also undertake study in courses within other media, design and communication programs as electives or interdisciplinary projects.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) | City Campus |
3 years full-time-6 semesters
|
3 years full-time
|
BP115P04 | 012348F |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP115
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP115P04 - 3200332741
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP115P04 - 3200332743
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
Careers
Graduates can expect to work within graphic design consultancies, multi-disciplined consultancies, publishing houses, new media/multimedia studios and advertising agencies as:
- art directors
- graphic designers
- communication designers
- web designers/ UX designers
- freelancers
- interaction designers
- service designers
- experience designers.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
Selection task
Semester 1, 2021
The Communication Design selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2021. The deadline to submit the selection task for this intake was 6 November 2020.
- Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and late December (Main round).
- Eligible RMIT applicants coming from the pathway option for this course may still apply.
The selection task requires:
1. Design Statement 1:
Describe how your interests and experience will contribute to the RMIT Communication Design community. Interest and experience can include any employment, voluntary work, etc.
(Maximum 200 words)
2. Design Statement 2:
Describe an aspect of your local or broader community where design could have a positive impact and how you think this could be achieved.
(Maximum 200 words)
3. Selection Task: You must:
- Provide examples of two of your projects (up to four images in total) that best demonstrate your creative passion, and:
- Provide a written statement (max 200 words) about one of your chosen projects that covers the following points:
- The motivation and aims behind the project
- How this project reflects your values and passions
Each file must be one image only. Files must be formatted as JPEG or PDF (maximum size 4MB). If you would like to upload film or sound based work, please ensure that file types are common (maximum file size 4MB, maximum duration 4 minutes).
All file names must be in the format: VTAC ID/Application number_Surname_Project number (e.g. 12365478L_Smith_Project 2.jpg).
Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your work. Please provide a username and/or password if applicable.
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you:
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
- The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Selection task
The Communication Design selection task is now closed for Semester 1 2021. The deadline to submit the selection task for this intake was 6 November 2020.
- Advisory letters will be sent in late December (Main round).
The selection task requires:
1. Design Statement 1:
Describe how your interests and experience will contribute to the RMIT Communication Design community. Interest and experience can include any employment, voluntary work, etc.
(Maximum 200 words)
2. Design Statement 2:
Describe an aspect of your local or broader community where design could have a positive impact and how you think this could be achieved.
(Maximum 200 words)
3. Selection Task: You must:
- Provide examples of two of your projects (up to four images in total) that best demonstrate your creative passion, and:
- Provide a written statement (max 200 words) about one of your chosen projects that covers the following points:
- The motivation and aims behind the project
- How this project reflects your values and passions
Each file must be one image only. Files must be formatted as JPEG or PDF (maximum size 4MB). If you would like to upload film or sound based work, please ensure that file types are common (maximum file size 4MB, maximum duration 4 minutes).
All file names must be in the format: VTAC ID _Surname_Project number (e.g. 12365478L_Smith_Project 2.jpg).
Alternatively, you can provide a URL to your work. Please provide a username and/or password if applicable.
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
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).
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,950 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2021 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,950 per standard year $493 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology |
$7,950 per standard year |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,500 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2021 is $313.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$118,080.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.