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Bachelor of Design With a Major in Communication Design

Provided by  Swinburne Online

Course Overview

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Create a new future with the Bachelor of Design With a Major in Communication Design from Swinburne Online.

Designers with real industry experience teach this course so you are equipped to work in a wide range of creative fields such as branding, advertising, merchandising, communications and publication design.

Establish the skills necessary in designing for both web and print media. Learn the craft of communicating using the global language of design.

Production of work during the course for legitimate clients helps build both valuable experience and enhances the credibility of your portfolio.

Course Quick Look

Awarded By:
Swinburne Online
Qualification:
Bachelor Degree
Study Mode:
Online
Duration:
Nationally Recognised:
YES

Subjects

DCO10001 Concepts and Narratives

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Elements and principles of layout and design
  • Analysis of representation and communication through mark-making and sequence
  • Analysis of the work, processes and outcomes of selected professional designers
  • Image as interpretation of idea, gesture or information
  • Formatting and layout as communication tools with text and image
  • Sequential design, visual and written narrative, time and sequence
  • Model making, printing and bookbinding techniques
  • 2D, 3D and 4D visual narrative representation techniques
  • Compilation of outcome folio and process workbook to document project development, application and outcomes

DCO10002 Digital Design

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Systematic digital processes and software choices
  • Vector and raster formats
  • Image quality and file formats
  • Visual concept development
  • Project visualisation, planning and production
  • Production management and formats for digital environments.

DCO10003 Design Studio: Packaging

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Research of product and market
  • Elements and principles of design
  • Packaging systems and materials
  • Lateral thinking for concept creation, implementation and communication
  • Design processes informed by makers, users and consumers
  • Presentation methods for project outcomes and technical information.

DCO10004 Design Studio: Photography

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Basic camera controls - depth of field and movement and setting the right exposure
  • Resolution, white balance, ASA and other digital requirements
  • Lighting conditions and types of lighting and its effect on the photograph
  • Colour and contrast plus consideration for monochromatic output
  • Image scaling and abstraction for visual impact
  • Photographic compositional exploration – ways of seeing, varying viewpoint, angle, perspective
  • Research a variety of photographic genres, iconic images and specific photographers
  • Digital capture devices and other means of obtaining a photographic image
  • Post production of image with regard to final output. i.e. the printed image vs web

DCO10005 Typography

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Type history and development, terminology, conventions and technology
  • Type form, families and classification
  • Type legibility and expression
  • Information and typographic hierarchies, composition, spatial manipulation and layout
  • Forming and achieving communication objectives.

DCO20009: Typography for Print and Interactive Publication

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Publication design contexts, standards, conventions and innovations
  • Type and text legibility, typesetting and editing conventions
  • Grids, proportions, page and document structure for print and screen
  • Text setting style sheets and master pages and multi-sectioned publications
  • Publication conventions, pre-press, printing and for digital media application.

DCO10007 Visual Communication

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Collecting, analysing and interpreting research-based material
  • Planning, management and documentation of design projects
  • Creative strategies and idea generation methods
  • Combining word, image and idea to create effective communication using spatial organisation methods
  • Design elements and principles as a basis for developing forms suitable for visual communication
  • Critical evaluation, oral and written reflection and review.

DCO20001 Brand and Identity Design

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Assessing markets and identity through research
  • The analysis and creation of branding and identity solutions informed by market research
  • The meaning and use of semiotics as a language to facilitate visual communication
  • The role of typography in the construction of brand identity
  • Presenting branding and identity concepts for professional practice

DCO20004 Web Design

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Basic coding for HTML & CSS
  • Functional implementation of simple HTML & CSS projects
  • Hosting and domain management for web sites
  • Content management systems
  • Diagrammatic planning for web sites
  • Prototyping for web sites
  • Managing image, colour and type for web sites
  • Creating briefing documents for specialists contributing advanced technical functions to web sites.

DCO30001 Capstone Project

Topics will vary based on the nature of the Capstone project. Communication Design students in Melbourne will undertake an Information Design Capstone where topics for discussion may include:

  • Information design principles and techniques, publication architecture, hierarchy, structure and conventions
  • Researching, organising and presenting data, information and content. Interpreting and presenting data, information and content as visual explanations, editorial structures, narratives and sequences
  • Information graphic devices and representational conventions
  • User centred design: Graphic user interface (GUI) design principles and techniques.

Students off-campus will undertake an Advertising Design Capstone where topics may include:

  • Community, brand and product advertising, brand management
  • Advertising industry practices and strategic planning for advertising
  • Multiple media campaigns and Communication strategies
  • Literal and lateral thinking
  • Creative writing and visual coherence.

DCO30017 Communication Design Strategy

  • Accessing, analysing and presenting research data
  • Developing a creative strategy and communication plan
  • Investigating selected media systems
  • Developing communication design concept and idea
  • Executing designed communication outcomes
  • Publishing a design presentation document.

DDD10001 20th Century Design

Topics for discussion may include:

  • Modernism/post-modernism/contemporary design
  • Design as political and social action
  • Design, technology, progress and change
  • Design principles, theories and significant figures
  • Design, ideas and cultural production
  • Internationalism/Regionalism/Globalism.

DDD20004 Contemporary Design Issues

The unit will explore a wide range of thematic areas that may include discussions on topics such as:

  • The role of design, new technologies and new materials in 21st century
  • Cross/inter-disciplinary practices in design and new media
  • Key contemporary practitioners
  • Design philosophies
  • Aesthetics in the 21st century
  • Design for environmental, global and social sustainability
  • Concepts of user-centred design.

DCO30002 Design for Production

  • Accessing, analysing and presenting research data
  • Developing a creative strategy and communication plan
  • Investigating selected media systems
  • Developing communication design concept and idea
  • Executing designed communication outcomes
  • Publishing a design presentation document.

DDD30013 Publication Design

This unit explores the formal, organisational, and craft aspects of publication design and provide the opportunity to engage in the development of experimental and innovative typographic and publication design. This unit enables students to examine how type communicates as a graphic form and its emotional impact on the audience. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, advanced visualisation and the application of communication intent to a complex document. Through the investigation and analysis of text and image organisation, structure and order, advanced typography, imaging and craft knowledge, students will produce professional quality graphic documents.

Payment Options

HELP Loans