Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Design develops practical and conceptual design skills in areas such as typography, branding, image-making technologies and contemporary design.
• The Photography major focuses on image creation and visual storytelling.
• Students develop skills across photography, videography, photographic art direction, studio lighting, commercial location lighting and post-production.
• The major combines photography with design, art direction and digital media.
• Students undertake practical, industry-relevant projects and build professional design and photography experience.
• Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed component of Swinburne bachelor degrees and can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects.
• The degree includes a design capstone project and professional portfolio development. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Bachelor of Design has a total of 300 credit points. The current course information provides the following core structure and Photography major.

Core units include:

• Concepts and Narratives – DCO10001
• Introduction to Design Principles and Processes – DDD10007
• Typography – DCO10005
• Twentieth Century Design – DDD10001
• Visual Communication Studio – DCO10007
• Design Practices and Employability – DDD10014
• Digital Design – DCO10002
• Contemporary Design Issues – DDD20004

The current Photography major includes:

• Principles of Photography – DCO20011
• Digital Video Camera Techniques – DDM20003
• Photography and Art Direction – DDD20009
• Photography Design Studio – DDD20043
• Commercial Photography on Location – DDD30046
• Visual Storytelling – DDD30015
• Design Capstone Project – DDD30057
• Professional Practice and Portfolio – DDD30056

Disciplines / Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Photography.

The current Bachelor of Design lists the following majors:

• Communication Design
• Emerging Technology for Digital Innovation
• Experiential Design
• Motion Design
• Photography
• UX Interaction Design

Programme Highlights

• 3-year Bachelor of Design.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS 088395D.
• Photography major available from Semester 1 2027.
• Photography and visual storytelling focus.
• Photography, videography and photographic art direction.
• Studio lighting and commercial location lighting.
• Post-production skills.
• Design and photography studio practice.
• Professional portfolio development.
• Design capstone project.
• Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning.
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement.
• Opportunity to develop a professional creative portfolio.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following career opportunities for the Photography major:

• Commercial photographer
• Fine art photographer
• Photographic art director
• Commercial videographer

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The major has undergone an important name change:

• The previous Photomedia major has transitioned to Photography from Semester 1 2027.
• The current Photography major is positioned around visual-artist and photographer practice.
• The updated description highlights conceptual and technical skills for creating sophisticated campaigns and publications. 

Other important points:

• Digital Portfolio requirements apply to specified applicants, particularly those with older prior study, certain advanced-standing applications, or qualification through relevant work experience/STAT.
• Work Integrated Learning is guaranteed as part of the bachelor's degree.
• Professional placement is optional.
• Placement options shown by Swinburne are 6 months or 12 months.
• Unit sequences and availability can change, so students should use the current course planner when enrolling.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa for an international student undertaking this CRICOS-registered bachelor's degree is generally the Student visa (Subclass 500).

Swinburne requires international students studying in Australia on a Student visa to study full-time and on campus. This course is therefore suitable for an international student planning campus-based study at Hawthorn.

Current Department of Home Affairs requirements include:

• Valid enrolment in an eligible Australian course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student assessment.
• Financial-capacity evidence where the Department requires it.
• Health and character requirements where applicable.
• Compliance with Student visa conditions.