Bachelor of Design (Honours)

1 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design (Honours) is a one-year advanced program that takes your creative skills to the next level. It’s perfect if you’ve already completed a Bachelor of Design (or equivalent) and want to dive deeper into independent research, specialised design practice, and develop a standout project that reflects your unique interests and creative voice.

Curriculum Structure

Honours Year:
In this year, you’ll focus on advanced design practice and research. Core components like Design Research Methods and Communicating Research will strengthen both your practical and theoretical skills, helping you approach design challenges with a professional and research-informed perspective. The heart of the program is your Honours Research Project, an individual project where you explore a topic you’re passionate about, combining creative outcomes with analytical and written insights. Throughout the year, you’ll work in purpose-built studios and have access to the software, tools, and equipment you need to experiment and push the boundaries of your design practice.

Focus areas:
Advanced studio practice, design research methods, communicating research, honours research project.

Learning outcomes:
Apply research-informed and culturally aware design thinking; integrate practical and theoretical insights; analyse and solve complex design challenges; produce a professional-level project that demonstrates both creativity and critical understanding.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This honours program builds on a Griffith Bachelor of Design, which is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving your advanced work strong professional credibility.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Griffith University is ranked in the #201–260 range globally for Art & Design by QS, highlighting the quality and international recognition of its creative programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying the Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Griffith is all about putting your creativity into action. From the very start, you’ll be working in professional-quality studios where ideas, experimentation, and collaboration come to life. You won’t just learn theory — you’ll apply it through projects, prototypes, and research, using cutting-edge tools and technologies that real designers use in the industry. The Honours year gives you the freedom to explore your own ideas while being guided by expert staff, preparing you for professional or research-focused careers:

Here’s what that looks like day-to-day:

Collaborative design studios: Work alongside peers and mentors in vibrant studio spaces that encourage sharing ideas, feedback, and collaboration.
LiveWorm professional experience: Take on real-world briefs and present your work in industry-style settings, gaining hands-on experience that mirrors professional practice.
Advanced tools & labs: Use 3D printers, laser scanners, VR labs, and other high-tech equipment to prototype, model, and visualise your designs.
Workshops for material exploration: Experiment with timber, foam, plastics, and metals to understand how your ideas translate into the physical world.
Computer labs with professional software: Access industry-standard design software to create digital models, presentations, and visualisations for your research projects.
Research-focused project guidance: Receive personalised mentorship, studio time, and crit sessions to develop both practical and written outcomes for your Honours project.
Library & research resources: Take advantage of the campus library and online databases to explore design literature, case studies, and research to inform your work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Finishing your Honours year at Griffith isn’t just about adding a line to your CV — it’s about stepping confidently into the design world with a polished portfolio and advanced skills. Graduates often move into roles like Senior Interior Designer, Spatial Research Consultant, Design Strategist, or Creative Project Lead, where they can influence spaces, experiences, and creative projects across 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 with resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and access to CareerHub, giving you guidance both during and after your studies.
Industry mentoring & networking: Connect with experienced design professionals through Griffith’s Industry Mentoring Program, gaining insights, advice, and valuable industry contacts.
Internships & employability tools: Take advantage of internship opportunities and Griffith’s ePortfolio system to showcase your work to potential employers, making it easier to stand out in the job market.
Graduate outcomes: Griffith actively tracks graduates’ employment and career progress, so you know that the skills you’re gaining are valued and relevant in the professional world.
Professional credibility: This Honours degree builds on Griffith’s accredited design programs, signalling to employers that you have advanced design thinking, research skills, and a professional edge.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Design (Honours), you have several options if you want to continue your studies Pursue a Master of Design to specialise in areas like sustainable interiors, digital environments, or creative leadership.Explore research degrees (PhD or postgraduate research) to contribute original knowledge to the design field and develop high-level research skills.Branch into related fields such as Master of Architecture, Creative Industries, or Design Innovation, giving you even more flexibility to shape your career and creative path.