Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) is a three‑year degree that prepares students to shape how people interact with technology, combining creative design skills with technical knowledge. It is ideal for curious and innovative thinkers who want to create meaningful experiences through apps, digital services, and interactive products while building a strong professional portfolio.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Design
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in design thinking and methods. Units such as Design Process & Methods and Design Theory & Culture introduce the principles of design, while courses like Introduction to Web Design and Design Programming provide essential technical skills. Students also gain hands-on experience in visual communication and interface fundamentals that prepare them for more advanced interaction design projects.

Year 2 – Developing Practical Skills
The second year focuses on applying foundational knowledge to real-world projects. In User Experience Design, students learn to research, prototype, and test solutions for real users, while Interaction Design Studio offers hands-on experience designing interactive projects. Units like Qualitative Research in Design and Professional Practice help students develop both analytical and professional skills, preparing them for collaboration with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

Year 3 – Advanced Studios and Specialisation
The final year allows students to consolidate their learning through advanced studios and electives. Courses such as Information Visualisation Design Studio and Interactive Product Design Studio enable students to tackle complex design briefs independently, while electives allow them to explore specific technologies or design areas. By the end of the year, students graduate with a polished portfolio and the confidence to enter creative and digital industries.

Focus Areas

Human-centred design, user experience (UX), interaction and interface design, information visualisation, interactive product creation, creative technology, and technical skills like programming and web design.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to design engaging and usable interactive systems, apply research insights to design solutions, prototype digital experiences, work creatively across disciplines, and communicate professional design solutions effectively.

Professional Alignment

The degree prepares students for roles in UX/UI design, digital product design, and interactive media industries, with a focus on building practical experience and a professional portfolio that aligns with industry expectations.

Reputation

The University of Sydney is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading universities, offering strong recognition in creative and design-related fields, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this program don’t just study design — they actively practice it from the very first year. Through hands-on studio projects, you’ll tackle real-world interaction design challenges, using the latest industry tools and methods to explore how people engage with technology. The University offers dedicated labs, fabrication spaces, and digital equipment that let you create prototypes, develop interfaces, and test your ideas in a professional-style environment. You’ll also have opportunities for internships and collaborative projects that build practical skills and strengthen your professional portfolio.

These experiences include:

Participating in design studios such as User Experience Design Studio and Interaction Design Studio, where you research, prototype, and test interactive solutions while learning from expert educators.
Accessing dedicated computer labs and fabrication facilities, perfect for developing digital prototypes, interfaces, and interactive products.
Taking an internship elective, allowing you to gain real-world industry experience and make professional connections while you study.
Working on group projects and collaborative assignments that mirror the teamwork and problem-solving processes used in professional design practice.
Using University of Sydney Library resources and digital tools to support research, idea development, and project documentation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) at the University of Sydney leave ready to combine creative design thinking with technical and user-focused skills—an advantage highly valued in the digital and creative industries. This degree opens doors to careers such as interaction designer, user experience (UX) designer, product designer, or creative technologist, giving you the tools to confidently step into roles where problem-solving, innovation, and human-centered design are essential:

Career support & employability services – The University of Sydney Careers Centre supports you from your first year through graduation and beyond, offering personalised career advice, portfolio development, CV and interview preparation, industry networking events, and connections to potential employers.
Strong employment outcomes – Graduates in creative and design fields often secure full-time roles shortly after finishing their degree, with competitive starting salaries reflecting the demand for skilled interaction and UX designers.
Industry engagement & partnerships – Through studio projects, collaborative assignments, and optional internship electives, you’ll build professional connections with tech companies, design agencies, and creative organisations, gaining practical experience that enhances your employability.
Accredited qualification with long-term value – This bachelor’s degree is recognised by employers nationally and internationally, providing a strong foundation for a variety of design careers and further study opportunities.
Graduation outcomes – Alumni go on to work in interaction design, UX/UI design, product development, creative technology, digital media, and other roles where innovation, user-focused thinking, and technical proficiency are essential.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can continue to deepen your expertise through honours programs or postgraduate study, such as a Master of Interaction Design, Master of Human-Computer Interaction, or specialised creative technology programs. Postgraduate study can open doors to advanced design roles, research careers, or academic pathways in interaction and experience design.