Bachelor of Design

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Design is ideal for creative thinkers who want to solve real-world problems through innovative, human-centred design. You'll develop practical skills across design theory, digital technologies and creative practice while exploring specialist areas that prepare you for a wide range of design careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in design thinking, visual communication and creative problem-solving. Through units such as Design Studio 1, Design Thinking, and Visual Communication, you'll learn how to generate ideas, communicate concepts and apply the principles of good design.

Year 2

The second year focuses on strengthening your technical and creative skills through increasingly complex design projects. You'll study units including Design Studio 2, Human-Centred Design, and Digital Design, gaining experience in research, prototyping and user-focused design solutions.

Year 3

In your final year, you'll complete advanced studio projects that reflect professional design practice. Units such as Design Studio 3, Professional Design Practice, and the Design Capstone Project allow you to develop a portfolio, collaborate on industry-informed projects and prepare for employment or further study.

Focus Areas

Design Thinking • Human-Centred Design • Visual Communication • Digital Design • User Experience • Creative Problem Solving • Design Research • Professional Practice • Prototyping • Portfolio Development

Learning Outcomes

Apply design thinking to real-world challenges, develop innovative and user-centred design solutions, communicate ideas effectively through visual and digital media, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, utilise contemporary design technologies, and graduate with a professional portfolio demonstrating creative and technical expertise.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 Bachelor Degree and is designed in consultation with industry to prepare graduates for professional careers across diverse design disciplines.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Curtin University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings.
Curtin is recognised for its strong industry engagement, practical learning approach and graduate employability, with close links to employers across the creative and design sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Curtin University, the Bachelor of Design emphasises learning through creative practice and real-world design challenges. You'll develop practical skills in collaborative studio environments, applying design thinking to industry-relevant projects while using professional digital tools and creative technologies. Throughout the program, you'll build a portfolio that showcases your creative process and prepares you for a career in the design industry:

Work in design studio-based units that encourage collaboration, experimentation and project-based learning.
Develop industry-ready skills using professional design software, including the Adobe Creative Cloud suite for visual communication and digital design.
Complete industry-informed design projects that address real user needs through human-centred design approaches.
Build a professional portfolio through studio projects, presentations and iterative design development across all three years.
Access Curtin's specialist design studios, collaborative learning spaces, digital fabrication facilities and computer laboratories within the School of Design and the Built Environment.
Learn alongside students from other creative disciplines on multidisciplinary group projects, reflecting contemporary design practice.
Make use of Curtin University's extensive Library, digital resources and makerspaces to support research, prototyping and creative development.
Benefit from industry engagement through guest lectures, networking opportunities and professional practice activities integrated into the curriculum.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design are equipped with creative, technical and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across the design industry. Through studio-based learning, industry-informed projects and a professional portfolio, you'll be prepared to pursue careers in diverse creative sectors. Typical career paths include Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, and Design Strategist:

Career support: Curtin's Careers Centre provides personalised career counselling, resume and interview workshops, CareerHub job listings, employer networking events, volunteering opportunities and industry mentoring to help students transition into employment.
Industry engagement: The program incorporates industry-informed projects and collaborative learning, while Curtin's strong partnerships with business, government and community organisations create opportunities for professional networking and real-world experience.
Graduate employability: Curtin is ranked No. 1 among Western Australia's public universities for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes in the Good Universities Guide 2026, reflecting its strong focus on producing career-ready graduates.
Industry recognition: The degree is an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree, providing a nationally recognised qualification that supports employment across a wide range of design disciplines and industries.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni work across design consultancies, technology companies, creative agencies, government organisations and start-ups, applying design thinking to solve complex business and social challenges.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Design, you can continue your studies with a Bachelor of Design (Honours) (where available) or pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Design, Master of Architecture, or other specialised master's programs offered by Curtin University. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, undertake advanced research, or develop leadership skills for senior roles in the creative industries.