Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
3 years full-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Harness your creativity to make an impact in an ever-changing world when you study a Bachelor of Design at Deakin. Design is a tangible way to influence people and solve complex problems. No two days will be the same, you’ll learn the tools, strategies and methodologies required to drive innovation in business, as well as how to utilise cutting-edge technology and the creative practices of design to create memorable work. Develop critical skills across a range of related disciplines – from communications design to interactive UX, to brand and design thinking – and work towards a sustained creative career doing what you love.
Want to build a sustained design career doing what you love?
Design has the power to drive change and enhance the way we function in society. If you’re a creative person who wants to use your flair for design to deliver impactful solutions, then studying a Bachelor of Design is a great first step towards a dynamic and creative future career.
Studying the challenging and rewarding field of design allows your creativity to run free, preparing you to work across all industry sectors, including digital and publishing, packaging, game engines, software and mobile apps, the web, immersive and interactive virtual experiences, and more.
Explore core themes and methods across design thinking and design collaboration labs and discover how to develop positive design solutions for social and cultural change. Be empowered to become an adaptive and agile designer of the future by exploring new mediums and ideas when you combine studies from related disciplines – including photography, animation, Indigenous studies and more.
You’ll learn in a supportive environment from our leading academics and passionate practitioners, who’ll challenge you to take your love for creativity to new levels. Enhance your skills every day by using the same tools and technologies professionals use in our world-class design facilities.
Throughout your degree, you’ll work on real-world projects and learn how to interpret client briefs. You’ll have opportunities to network with industry and share your designs with the public, ensuring you graduate with the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills required to thrive in the rapidly changing field of design.
Build towards a future career in design where you’ll be surrounded by a like-minded community of innovators and creative thinkers, where the possibilities are limitless.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Design
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400311403 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400511403 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- A319
- CRICOS code?
- 109273C Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Design, a student must complete 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
The 24 credit points must include:
- 3 credit points of design thematic core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units
Plus either:
- 2 major sequences of at least 8 credit points
- 1 major sequence of at least 8 credit points plus 2 minor sequences of at least 4 credit points each
The remaining credit points may be used to undertake additional elective units.
One major must be taken from the majors offered in the degree in which you are enrolled. The other major and minor sequences may be taken from Bachelor of Creative Arts, Bachelor of Communication, or Bachelor of Film Television and Animation major or minor sequences.
Students must also ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Design:
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.
6
Design and Employability core units
16
Major or Minor units
2
Elective units
24
Total
Design Thematic Core
Employability Sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
* UX refers to User Experience
Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.
Minor sequences
Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
The first available intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2023
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Prepare for your future by getting real world experience and the employability skills to succeed, while completing your degree. The Employability Stream is tailored to support you to be future ready. Deakin’s suite of Work Integrated Learning programs can connect you with internships, social impact programs and opportunities to extend your skills in settings across the globe.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Senior certificate of education
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE Prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Polytechnic study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the international entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
To learn more about what a Bachelor of Design at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Careers
Career outcomes
Utilise your love for creative thinking and design to solve complex problems in this innovative field. When you study a Bachelor of Design at Deakin, you are working towards a sustainable creative career doing what you love.
Designers work across all industry sectors, including digital and publishing, advertising, online, immersive and interactive virtual experiences, arts organisations, corporate companies, NGOs, and more. Or create your own future freelance career and become an entrepreneurial self-starter.
Graduates are open to many opportunities, including the following design careers:
- AR & VR (mixed reality) designer
- animation/motion designer
- art director/creative director
- brand designer
- communication designer
- digital designer
- game designer
- graphic designer
- illustrator & digital artist
- interactive designer
- motion graphics designer
- social media designer
- systems designer
- UI designer
- UX designer
- web designer
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Deakin’s Bachelor of Design is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), so you’ll be up-to-date with the current industry practices and developments. The DIA also offers student membership and access to some of the biggest design events and experts in the nation.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the forms, functions, processes, languages and materials of communication design to meet client requirements in a rapidly changing industry setting. |
| Communication | Articulate ideas using design-specific language, concepts, and media to initiate, resolve and generate professional outcomes in response to design briefs. |
| Digital literacy | Identify, evaluate and navigate a complex and ever-changing range of digital tools in order to strategically achieve successful outcomes in dynamic industry environments. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse and evaluate design methodologies, concepts, modes and media in order to generate ideas and resolve complex problems to achieve professional industry-based outcomes. |
| Problem solving | Strategically evaluate design research methodologies to identify appropriate approaches to complex and ill-defined problems that generate and deliver diverse communication solutions. |
| Self-management | Critically reflect on professional performance and growth in order to prioritize needs and maintain professional accountability in communication design settings. |
| Teamwork | Lead, deliver and perform respectfully and inclusively within a collaborative and professional team, applying agile and responsive approaches in the delivery of industry standard outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Evaluate and apply design’s capacity to act as an agent of change that is responsive to the social, cultural and ethical needs of diverse communities in global contexts. |
| Approved by Faculty Board February 2022 | |
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