What courses are available?

We’ve got a range of courses, check out the Course overview page.

Are the courses accredited?

Raffles College of Design and Commerce is accredited to deliver higher education and vocational courses. We also sometimes offer non-accredited short courses in specialised areas or as an introduction to a field of study.

How long are the courses?

That depends on what course you’re doing, and whether or not you’re eligible for credit transfer. Go to the course you’re interested in to see specific information about course length.

What is the normal course timetable?

There are no standard timetables, but generally you can expect to have classes scheduled for about 12-20 hours per week, depending on major and study load.

In general, vocational and undergraduate classes run in the following blocks:

9am - 12noon
1pm - 4pm
with some classes from 4.15pm - 7.15pm

The Master Degrees have more flexible timetable options and are usually delivered during the early evening.

Individual timetables are available during the Orientation days at the beginning of each term.

How much homework do I have to do?

For every class contact hour, you should be planning at least another 2 hours homework to do your assignments.

How long is a semester?

There are 2 semesters per year, each made up of two 9-week terms. See Dates for more info.

Are courses full-time or part-time?

All courses are full-time. However Australian students can alter their study mode for Bachelor and Master Degree programs and choose to do less subjects at any one time, thereby prolonging the study length of the program.

How many subjects are there per semester?

Have a look at the subject outline info for your chosen course.

Can I study by distance / correspondence?

No, all classes are held on campus.

Do I have to buy my own computer?

It’s not necessary, but some students find it easier to manage their workload if they’ve got access to a computer at home. The campus is wireless, so it makes it easier to work anywhere on campus if you have a laptop with wireless connection.

What kinds of software do you use?

We have a range of software on our computers to cater for all the design specialities. The list includes: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, FinalCut Studio Pro, Dreamweaver, Maya, AutoCAD, Flash and loads more.

I can’t draw, can I still study design?

Drawing is a skill and, like other skills, can be taught. There’s a lot of drawing involved in the design bachelor degrees, but not everyone can draw when they first arrive. In the first year you’ll be doing quite a lot of drawing classes. If you’re worried that you can’t draw very well, the answer is to practise, practise and then practise some more.

Is there any work experience included in the courses?

Yes, the Bachelor Degrees all include an Internship in the final semester.

How much of the courses are theory and how much are practical?

The Bachelor Degree courses are a blend of theory and practical. You do a combination of core subjects (theory) and subject-specific subjects (mostly practical) and have a choice of elective subjects as well.

Can I also study at other campuses?

Yes, as we are part of the Raffles Education group, you can choose to study at any one of our participating Associate College campuses. See About us for more info about the Raffles network.

Do I have to do exams and assessments?

Yes, there are assessments and exams throughout our courses. See the information for your specific course to find out the details.

What happens if I fail a subject or assessment?

If this happens, you can repeat the subject (and incur additional fees) when it is next delivered or, if applicable, appeal the assessment grade; or apply for a supplementary assessment under exceptional circumstances; or apply for a resubmission of the assessment. There are different procedures for each of the above applications - they are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Is it possible to fast track my course?

If you’re doing a Masters Degree and you are an Australian student, yes. You’ll need to talk to your Discipline Head to find out if this is suitable for you.

What happens if I don’t finish my course, can I still get a qualification?

If you’re doing a Bachelor Degree, you can exit with a qualification after the first two years (Associate Degree). Also, if you’re doing the Certificate IV in Art and Design, you can exit after the first semester with a Certificate II. The Master of Commerce also includes two qualifications as exit points: Graduate Certificate in Commerce and Graduate Diploma of Commerce.

What if I have more questions about the course?

Contact us! We’re always happy to help out with any questions you may have.