Overview

*The deadline to apply to this course for summer 2010 has now passed.

The Faculty of Design, which incorporates the National Institute for Design Research, at Swinburne University of Technology offers you the opportunity to be part of a studio design program which will give you insight into the Australian culture, design, and creativity. The Melbourne Design Experience is aimed at those interested in the areas of graphic, communication, and multimedia design.  The course will also allow you to visit studios, museums, and involve you in seminars and project-based learning activities.

You will be exposed to Melbourne’s creative and cultural heart during the vibrant State of Design Festival, a two week festival taking place throughout the greater Melbourne area. 

Swinburne's Faculty of Design is one of Australia's premier design institutions and is world renowned.  It currently has 1600 students from over 40 countries and Swinburne design students are well known for winning various design awards. It is located in the inner-city suburb of Prahran, an area well known for its emphasis on design, fashion, and innovation.

Location

Melbourne is regarded as one of the world’s most livable cities and is Australia’s cultural, culinary, education, and sports capital. You will live in a thriving cultural scene, which will only enhance your short course experience. Courses will be held on the Prahran campus of Swinburne University of Technology. You will be living in the exclusive and fashionable inner-city suburb and be only 10 minutes from the Melbourne City Centre.

During this three week course you will have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the unique artistic culture of Melbourne, Australia. During the program you will receive a three week transportation pass, which will allow you the freedom to explore the art muesuems of Melbourne, the Melbourne aquarium and so much more. You will also have some free time to see the surrounding sites of Melbourne, which may include the famous Great Ocean Road along Port Philip or French Island.

Academic Focus

Course Objectives

The program aims to develop the fundamentals of design thinking and practice within a global and sustainable context.  Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Document and reflect on design development through a design process journal
• Explore the relationship between a broader vision of design practice in a global, sustainable context
• Complete an investigative project which explores sustainable design practice
• Demonstrate increased self confidence, improved communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures
• Engage with Melbourne's culturally rich forums including the design festival events, design industry, museum and gallery visits 

Course Structure

You will have three hours of study contact five days a week.  During that time you will participate in practical design studios, projects, and learn from lecturers.  During the State of Design Festival, you will also have many opportunities to engage with contemporary designers from different cultures and explore various modes and methods across the design disciplines. 

Assessment

You will create project that embodies your reflections on the short course experience, as well as reflection on your own design practice in a sustainable and global context.  This includes a written reflection, journal, and studio project.

Credits

Upon successful completion of this course students will receive 3-4 US credits on an official Swinburne University of Technology transcript.

Program Highlights

• Study various design disciplines in a design studio
• Participate in the annual State of Design Festival. This international festival promotes the value of design, sustainability, and overall how design can impact the greater community
• Unlimited travel within the greater Melbourne area to discover the culture and lifestyle this unique Australian city has to offer
• Field trips to Melbourne museums and places of design and cultural interest
• The program is open to all levels of design experience and knowledge

Who Should Apply 

This course is open to students with a keen interest in design and the design industry. The course will be of particular interest to communication, graphic design, and multimedia design majors. The program caters to different levels of knowledge and experiences in design.

State of Design Festival

Established in 2004, the annual State of Design Festival is a 10-day program of over 125 interactive events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks.  It aims to increase the awareness of the value of design and showcase how design generates innovation, promote sustainability and add value to business and society. Festival programs demonstrate and communicate how design professions can improve living conditions, create sustainable development opportunities, and generate new and innovative products and services.

In 2010, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part in this world-renowned design festival.  The Festival is divided into four main programs: Design Capital/Business Seminar Series, Design for Everyone/Public & Cultural Program, Design:Made:Trade/Industry Program, and Design Awards.  It seeks to:

• Celebrate and recognise the excellence of Australian designers
• Establish collaborative platforms and networks that could improve the competitiveness of the design sector
• Access and enhance the body of knowledge on how design is used to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits
• Build Melbourne national and international reputation as a center of design leadership
• Increase industry and community awareness of the importance of design
• Generate competitive business focused on design for economic, social and environmental benefits for Victoria
• Strengthen the broader, non-design focused public’s appreciation of good design
  
  

Accommodations

The Melbourne Design Experience will house students in the heart of Melbourne. Students will be a short tram ride away from campus and the State of Design Festival. Students will live in flat/apartment style housing where they will be placed with their fellow peers and share a living space in fully furnished apartment suites. A fully equipped kitchen will allow students to cook their own meals, along with a shared living space ideal for study. High speed internet will be available (additional charges apply). Breakfast everyday and a Melbourne Metro Transportation pass is included in the Program Fees. Students are only minutes away from the Arts and Theatre districts, The Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Tennis Centre and the fashion meccas of Toorak, South Yarra and Richmond - renowned for their designer and speciality shops as well as factory outlets clothing stores - are all just an easy walk down the road. A wide variety of restaurants, shops, markets and grocery stores are also a short walk away.

You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice.

Travel: Group Flights

AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships through Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology is sponsoring one $500 AUD scholarship for the 2010 program. A scholarship application will be available once accepted to the program.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include attendance to the State of Design Festival, excursions and fields trips to culturally significant Melbourne sites, accommodations, daily breakfast, 3 week public transportation pass, tuition, course materials, host university administrative fees, health insurance, ISIC Basic card, lectures, airport reception, and a ticket to an Australian Rules football match. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, housing placements, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.

**Most meals (lunch and dinner), personal expenses and excursions and international airfare are an additional cost.

Fee Semester

Dates

Entry Requirements

University Specific Scholarships

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.