Communication Design – Major

Overview

Communication Design is where creativity meets strategy. It’s the craft of blending visuals, typography, colour, and layout to tell stories that capture attention, spark emotion, and inspire action. More than making things look beautiful, it’s about sending the right message to the right audience at the right moment – and making it unforgettable.

From eye-catching logos and product packaging to immersive websites, mobile apps, social media content, and integrated multimedia campaigns – communication design is everywhere. In today’s fast-paced digital era, it’s the driving force that helps brands stand out, build meaningful connections, and create a powerful, lasting impact.

About Communication Design at Swinburne Vietnam

The major of Communication Design at Swinburne University of Technology offers students an international-standard learning environment that blends solid theoretical foundations, creative design skills, and the ability to apply the latest technologies.

You’ll gain expertise in graphic design, brand identity, digital publishing, and multimedia communication, while sharpening your skills in visual storytelling and strategic thinking.

What makes the program at Swinburne Vietnam stand out is its strong industry connection. You’ll have the chance to work on real projects with businesses, build your portfolio from your early years of study, take part in professional internships, and learn directly from international lecturers and industry experts.

Swinburne CRICOS provider code: CRISCOS 00111D

TEQSA registered: TEQSA PRV12148 Australian University

Course detail

Describe the course structure, career opportunities, training content, output standards, and business connections.

Duration: 3 years
Fees:

Please refer to Tuition Fee for more information.

Faculty: Design
Location: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City
Study Mode: Full-time
Intake:

Semester Jan, Semester May, Semester Sep

Entry Requirements:

Please refer to Admission Requirements for details.

English Language Requirements:

Please refer to Admission Requirements for details.

Note:

International students are subject to meet entry requirements. To find out country-specific entry requirements, please visit the International entry requirement page.

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication Design program can pursue careers in:

  • Design and creative content agencies

  • Media, advertising, and marketing companies

  • Organisations specialising in digital product development, UX/UI, and visual content

  • Startups in creative design or communication technology

Popular roles include:

  • Graphic Designer

  • Brand Designer

  • UI Designer (User Interface Designer)

  • Digital Designer

  • Visual Communication Designer

Education program

The focal point of this academic discipline is the knowledge and skills essential for roles within the field of Data Science. The program lasts 3 years, encompassing a total of 300 credit points, equivalent to 23 units. Each unit is valued at 12.5 or 25 credit points. Alongside 8 core units, students will engage in 7 specialized major units and 8 elective units to supplement and enhance their studies.

 

  • Core units constitute fundamental courses providing essential knowledge and a foundational understanding of the discipline, enabling students to delve deeper into the specialization.
DCO10001 – Concepts and Narratives
DCO10002 – Digital Design
DCO10004 – Photography for Design
DCO10005 – Typography
DDD10001 – Twentieth Century Design
DCO20001 – Brand and Identity Design
DCO20004 – User Interface Design
DDD20004 – Contemporary Design Issues

 

  • The major units are specialized courses that offer in-depth knowledge within the chosen field of study. Engaging in these specialized units allows students to gain practical experience, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter and skills relevant to their future profession.
DCO10003 – Packaging Design
DCO10007 – Visual Communication Studio
DCO20009 – Typography for Print and Interactive Publication
DDD30013 – Publication Design
DCO30002 – Design for Production
DDD30048 – Communication Design Strategy 
DDD30047 – Communication Design Capstone Project (25 credit points)

 

  • Elective units are optional courses designed to supplement and enhance the student’s learning experience. Apart from the core and major subjects, students have the opportunity to take additional elective courses to broaden their foundation, complement their studies, and elevate their skills. This enables students to select courses that best develop their capabilities.

The acquired skills and knowledge will be reinforced during the final semester through the On the Job Training (OJT) program. This initiative offers students practical experience within enterprises while they are still enrolled in Swinburne Vietnam’s academic program. Students may either be introduced to or independently seek internships in positions relevant to their field of expertise. This hands-on experience allows students to learn practically, supported by experienced educators and industry experts.

 

For more details, please refer to the Course Enrolment Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Communication Design major, students will be able to:

  • Develop the knowledge and cognitive skills to apply critical thinking, initiative, and sound judgement in the design process, while taking responsibility for self-directed learning and ongoing professional growth.

  • Apply technical and practical skills, as well as broad understanding of key concepts in communication design, to create design works that meet professional standards.

  • Integrate knowledge, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills to identify and address challenges independently or collaboratively, across diverse contexts.

  • Produce design proposals that clearly and confidently communicate ideas and expertise to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.

  • Create design solutions that incorporate ethical and socio-ecological frameworks, showing respect for diversity and inclusivity, and acknowledging the principles and practices of Indigenous communities.

  • Execute an organised work plan to complete a complex design project, potentially involving design research methods, collaboration with peers, faculty, industry experts, and other stakeholders.

Business connection

Provide students with practical experiences. This opportunity allows students to engage in real-life projects, where they tackle challenges faced by enterprises, thereby attaining specialized skills.

Student Work

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