Bachelor of Industrial Design(honours)

1 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) at Griffith is a one-year, hands-on program that lets you take your design skills to the next level. It’s perfect for students who’ve already completed an undergraduate degree in industrial design and want to dive deeper into creative problem-solving, advanced design research, and real-world projects.

In this honours year, you’ll really get to explore your own design ideas, create a major project from start to finish, and build a strong professional portfolio that showcases what makes your design thinking unique.

Curriculum Structure

Honours Year – Advanced Design and Research

This year is all about taking what you already know and pushing it further. You’ll tackle advanced studio projects that challenge your creativity, plan and complete a major honours research project, and work closely with faculty to explore new ways to approach design problems.

You’ll focus on creative and conceptual development, testing ideas and experimenting with innovative solutions; design research methods, learning how to investigate problems, gather insights, and apply them in your projects; and professional integration, building industry-ready skills like prototyping, digital tools, and presentation techniques.

Rather than splitting into traditional “first year, second year” blocks, this honours program is an integrated experience, giving you a concentrated, immersive year where your skills, ideas, and professional confidence really come together.

Focus Areas

Advanced industrial design practice, design research methods, creative problem solving, digital fabrication and prototyping, user‑centred design strategy

Learning Outcomes

Refined design research capability, advanced conceptual and technical skills, professional portfolio development, critical analysis and reflective practice, readiness for professional or postgraduate pathways

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8, which means it meets high standards for advanced undergraduate study and prepares you for professional design work or further postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Griffith University is known for its practical, hands-on approach to teaching design. Graduates often go straight into roles in design, product development, innovation, and creative leadership, equipped with a portfolio that impresses employers. The university also ranks well internationally for research and graduate outcomes, which adds real credibility to your qualification.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

As a student in the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) at Griffith, you won’t just sit in classrooms — you’ll practice design in real professional environments and use the same tools that designers use in industry. On the Gold Coast campus and through Griffith’s creative ecosystem, you’ll spend time in collaborative design studios, explore advanced prototyping technologies, and take your ideas from concept to physical form with expert guidance. Through project‑based work, you’ll learn by doing, supported by cutting‑edge facilities that encourage experimentation, teamwork, and real‑world problem‑solving.

Key hands‑on opportunities and facilities you’ll use include:

Collaborative design studios at the Queensland College of Art and Design where you work on real design briefs with peers, faculty, and industry partners — taking projects from sketch to prototype under one roof.
Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT) — a high‑tech space equipped with 3D digital design software, metal and polymer 3D printers, CAD suites, and fabrication tools for creating both conceptual and functional prototypes.
Industry‑relevant software and tools such as Materialise design suites (used in advanced studios and specialised courses) and other commercial CAD platforms that support digital modelling and product development workflows.
iLab booking system for ADaPT, letting you schedule time on professional‑grade equipment and manage project milestones — exactly like you would in an industrial design studio or a research lab.
Group projects and studio collaborations where you’ll work closely with fellow designers on briefs that simulate real client challenges, building teamwork and communication skills as you prototype physical models and refine presentations.
Access to Gold Coast campus research and study spaces — including libraries, study zones, and maker areas that support self‑directed experimentation and help you refine your portfolio and research outputs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) sets you up to step confidently into the design world. Graduates often take on roles such as industrial designer, product designer, 3D CAD modeller, or design consultant, working across manufacturing, product development, and creative industries. This honours year equips you not just with technical skills, but with the ability to think creatively, solve complex problems, and communicate your ideas effectively — all qualities that employers value highly.

Here’s how Griffith supports you to transition from study to career:

Career and employability services: personalised guidance, workshops on resumes and interviews, and support to help you present your skills confidently to employers.
ePortfolio development: build a professional showcase of your projects and work, giving you a strong edge when applying for jobs.
Industry mentoring and networking: connect with professionals and alumni to gain insights, advice, and potential opportunities even before you graduate.
Strong employment prospects: industrial designers are in demand, with competitive salaries and opportunities across a variety of industries.
Hands-on industry experiences: internships, collaborative projects, and professional studio practice help bridge the gap between study and the workplace.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this honours qualification provides a direct pathway into postgraduate research. Many graduates move on to a Master by Research or a PhD, especially if they enjoyed the research focus of their honours project. Completing honours shows you can plan, conduct, and communicate an extended research project — a key requirement for higher degree study.