Bachelor of Design

Disrupt, innovate, and work with industry as you design your way to success 

With majors in Interior Design, Product and User Experience Design, and Visual Communication Design, the Bachelor of Design addresses the global need for designers who can navigate the complexities of contemporary society, creatively, ethically and sustainably. 

Our studio-first program, registered by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), cultivates high levels of design expertise. Our teaching staff are award-winning design professionals and educators, with experience across a wide range of design practices. Learn in innovative, creative studio spaces at the Queensland College of Art and Design and leverage unique opportunities in our world-class facilities, including galleries and purpose-built design studios. 

In partnership with leading experts from the design industry, you'll gain the skills to tackle real design challenges and devise leading-edge strategies and solutions. Advance your critical and strategic thinking and learn to present your ideas clearly and powerfully. 

You'll have the opportunity to integrate internships and innovative studio incubator experiences into your degree, enhancing your practical capabilities and professional networks. 

With the option to apply via portfolio submission, you can showcase your creative potential upfront. Accessible to all, this degree welcomes individuals with curiosity and passion for making a difference. We firmly believe that tackling our most pressing challenges requires a dedication to social justice and a deep understanding of First Nations culture and perspectives.  

Majors 

Visual Communication Design 

Explore many different forms of visual and graphic communication and branding and understand the social contexts and environmental responsibilities of design. You'll learn to develop design solutions, which inform, persuade, provoke, or entertain your audience. You'll focus on your passion, but also learn how to effectively present and communicate your ideas within this evolving industry. 

In studio classes, you'll have the creative freedom to explore topics that matter to you and will gain industry-informed skills in:  

• print media 
• screen-based interfaces (UI/UX) 
• brand identity 
• motion 
• creative entrepreneurship 
• graphic design solutions.  

LiveWorm-our award-winning design studi-provides an opportunity to kick-start your career by working with real clients and building a professional portfolio under the guidance of experienced teaching staff.  

This major prioritises intercultural perspectives and inclusive world views while building your understanding of our responsibilities as global design citizens. 

 Interior Design 

Prepare to explore diverse spaces and societies, crafting imaginative interiors and public urban spaces across various scales and domains.  

With a strong focus on social and environmental justice, sustainability, liveability, diversity, and inclusion, this major integrates theory with hands-on practice. Gain a comprehensive toolkit of technical skills, from architectural to digital design programs, while honing your abilities in analysis and critical thinking.  

An emphasis on creativity ensures you're equipped to tackle complex challenges with innovative and creative solutions, fostering meaningful contributions to the built environment and society at large.  

Product and User Experience Design 

Passionate about using cutting-edge digital technology to design unique products and experiences? This major equips you with hands-on skills in additive manufacturing (3D printing), virtual modeling, simulation, laser cutting, and CNC fabrication.   

You'll cultivate future-ready skills that seamlessly bridge the physical and digital realms, while examining the environmental and societal implications to ensure your designs make a positive impact. Your creations will merge user experience design methods with iterative digital processes¿not just shaping innovative products, systems and services, but transforming how people interact with and experience the world. 

Work-integrated learning 

The Bachelor of Design has a range of high quality work-integrated learning opportunities across all majors. These experiences will build your disciplinary knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare you for a career in the design industry.  

Courses within this degree include work-integrated learning experiences such as: 

• professional practice/work placements with industry partners or in our in-house design studios LiveWorm and LiveSpace;  
• industry projects embedded in the curriculum; 
• volunteer work for organisations such as not-for-profit organisations; 
• learning activities within virtual and simulated work environments. 
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To experience this type of learning, you need to enrol in specific courses that may be either core or elective to your degree. 

To complement your work-integrated learning, you may wish to undertake work experience. This is normally arranged by you with an employer you select, with approval from the Program Director. 

Global mobility 

Expand your knowledge and your world-view through our mobility courses. Inspiring overseas study opportunities, ranging from a few weeks to a year, are available for students in this degree. Visit Go Global Griffith for more information.