Bachelor of Communication Design
Undergraduate
TUA-CDE-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Develop your own signature design language and brand
Discover the building blocks of design. You’ll cover illustration, typography, digital media, print, design research and more. Recognised by the DIA, this course offers a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence and practical experience.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Bachelor of Communication Design
About this degree
For over 35 years Billy Blue College of Design has consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top design colleges.
With a legacy as Australia's original design college, the Billy Blue name continues to open doors at leading design and media agencies.
Now part of Torrens University, when you study design with Billy Blue, we’ll give you all the tools you need to create your own success – and we’ll also help you define what success looks like for you.
During this course you will:
- Be immersed in the design world, learning how to progress a client brief from start to finish.
- Explore packaging and branded environment design and learn how products and places can be designed for end user needs.
- Explore typography, image generation and information design.
- Refine your strategic thinking and brand development skills across digital and traditional media.
- Focus on creating messages for a range of audiences.
- Apply theoretical and technical knowledge to real-world problems.
The course explores the theory and practice of information design, from initial concepts through to sophisticated visuals, from traditional print work to state-of-the-art digital design.
You’ll discover the building blocks of art direction, typography and learn about idea generation, digital media, design research, information design and more.
In the Design Studio subject, you’ll collaborate with other students, as you would in a real-world studio, and follow briefs to come up with practical and effective outcomes that are ideal for your future clients.
Tailor your study to your lifestyle thanks to our innovative digital learning system, accessible from anywhere with 24/7 personalised support. With all your course materials online, and the option to study full or part time, on-campus, online or a blend of both it's all about flexibility.
Course duration: 3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated.
Available as a double degree with a Bachelor of Business.
Recommended study pattern
The course structure comprises of 24 subjects that you are required to complete: 18 core subjects and 6 elective subjects. The course contains 3 subjects level – Level 100, 200 and 300, guiding you from foundational through to more complex subjects:
- Level 100: 7 core subjects and 1 elective subject
- Level 100/200: 1 elective subject can be taken at either Level 100 or 200
- Level 200: 5 core subjects and 2 elective subjects
- Level 200/300: 1 elective subject can be taken at either Level 200 or 300
- Level 300: 6 core subjects and 1 elective subject.
Award requirements
To be awarded the Bachelor of Communication Design, students will need to complete 240 credit points over 24 subjects as outlined in the Course Structure. Each subject has a value of 10 credit points.Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$29,150
Indicative total fee $87,450
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.
Learn more about Torrens.
Explore Torrens courses.
How to apply
Torrens University Australia manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Torrens University Australia who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change. Entry requirements for this course includes:
- Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.
Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.
Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above.
Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.
Don’t meet the entry requirements? We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.
Standard English language requirements apply.
Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience. Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.
Career opportunities
The design work you do throughout your study contributes to your professional portfolio – your passport to a serious design career. With the skills and expertise gained from this course, plus your limitless imagination, you’ll be in demand around the world as an Art Director, UX Designer, Graphic Designer, Web or Exhibition Designer, , or as a Branding, Advertising or Marketing Specialist. Or combine your Bachelor of Communication Design with a business degree and open yourself up to a wider range of career opportunities across both industries.
Potential career paths include:
- Brand Manager
- Service Designer
- Art Director
- Illustrator
- Digital Designer
- Account Manager.
Professional recognition
DIA-recognised course
This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators | $75K to $93K | Down 9% |
Multimedia Designers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers | $93K to $120K | Up 22.5% |
Web Designers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available