Bachelor of Industrial Design

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Industrial Design at Griffith is all about turning your creative ideas into real-world products. It’s perfect for students who love blending creativity with practical problem-solving — from sketching and prototyping to using the latest digital tools and 3D printing technologies to bring concepts to life.

Curriculum Structure

First Year:
Your first year sets the foundation for everything to come. You’ll explore Industrial Design Fundamentals and Engineering Design Practice, learning how products interact with people and environments. You’ll also get hands-on with 3D Modelling for 3D Printing, giving life to your sketches and ideas in physical form.

Second Year:
In your second year, your projects become more complex, and collaboration is key. Courses like Industrial Design Studio 2 and 3 challenge you to work in teams on real design problems. You’ll also dive into Digital Design and Modelling and 3D Digital Modelling for Manufacture, mastering industry-standard software and techniques used by professional designers.

Third Year:
Your final year is all about pulling it all together. The Industrial Design Capstone Project and Industrial Design Studio 4 let you lead a design challenge from concept to prototype. You’ll also study Human-Machine Interfaces, learning to design products that are not only creative but ergonomic, practical, and user-friendly.

Focus areas:
Industrial design fundamentals, 3D modelling, digital design and modelling, advanced studio practice, human‑machine interfaces, capstone project.

Learning outcomes:
Develop design solutions from concept to prototype, confidently use industry tools and software, apply engineering and human-centred principles, and strengthen creative problem-solving skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), meaning your qualification meets professional standards and gives you credibility in the design industry locally and globally.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Griffith University is highly regarded in Australia and internationally, particularly for its hands-on approach and strong graduate outcomes in design and creative disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying the Bachelor of Industrial Design at Griffith is all about learning by doing. You won’t just be listening to lectures — you’ll be designing, prototyping, and testing your ideas in real studios with real tools. From sketching concepts to creating 3D models and physical prototypes, you’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors how professional industrial designers work. Griffith’s creative and technical facilities, along with guidance from experienced staff, give you the confidence to tackle complex design challenges and build a professional portfolio from day one:

Here’s what your practical experience looks like:

Creative, collaborative studios: Work in purpose-built design studios at the Queensland College of Art and Design, where you can experiment, get feedback, and collaborate with your peers on real projects.
Advanced prototyping tools: Access 3D printers, digital modelling software, and model-making equipment — the same tools used by professionals in industry.
Hands-on making & engineering: Apply skills in mechanics, electronics, and human‑machine interface design to bring your ideas to life.
Real-world design projects: Take on industry-style challenges guided by experienced staff, helping you connect your learning directly to professional practice.
Team-based collaboration: Many studio projects are group-based, reflecting how industrial designers work alongside engineers, makers, and marketers in the real world.
Library & research support: Griffith’s libraries and digital resources give you access to design theory, case studies, and research to support your practical projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Industrial Design at Griffith means you’re not just leaving with a degree — you’re stepping into the design world with real skills, confidence, and a portfolio that shows what you can do. Many graduates go on to roles such as Industrial Designer, Product Designer, 3D CAD Modeller, or Furniture and Product Development Designer, putting their creativity, technical know-how, and problem-solving abilities to work in a variety of industries. Here’s how Griffith supports you in turning your studies into a career:

Personalised career support: Griffith’s Careers and Employment Service helps you polish your resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job market. You’ll have access to tools like CareerHub, and support continues even after graduation, so you’re never on your own.
Industry mentoring & networking: Connect with practising designers through Griffith’s Industry Mentoring Program, getting advice, insights, and contacts that give you an edge when applying for jobs.
Internships & real-world experience: Griffith encourages internships and employability projects, giving you hands-on experience to strengthen your resume and prepare you for professional practice.
Graduate outcomes & earning potential: Industrial design is a field in demand, with typical graduates earning around AUD 1,373 per week, reflecting strong career opportunities in Australia.
Professional accreditation: The degree aligns with standards set by the Design Institute of Australia, giving your qualification credibility and recognition both locally and internationally.
Strong employability culture: Griffith continually tracks graduate outcomes to ensure its programs and career services give you the best possible preparation for life after university.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio, industry experience, and a network of contacts, ready to launch your career in design studios, product consultancies, manufacturing, engineering, or even your own creative ventures.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Industrial Design, you have several pathways to keep learning and growing:Pursue a Master of Design to further specialise and refine your creative practice.Explore postgraduate programs like Master of Industrial Innovation, Master of Engineering, or Design Research, if you want advanced technical skills, innovation leadership, or research expertise.Consider a PhD or research degree to dive deep into design challenges and contribute original knowledge to the field.