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 will 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 are 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 will 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 will work on real-world projects and learn how to interpret client briefs. Plus you will 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 will be surrounded by a like-minded community of innovators and creative thinkers, where the possibilities are limitless.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Design
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
Design: 1400311991 - Regional Access Scheme - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design: 1400311401 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design: 1400511401 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design: 1400611401 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)Design (Communication Design major): 1400312171 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design (Communication Design major): 1400512171 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design (Communication Design major): 1400612171 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design (Interactive and UX Design major): 1400312181 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design (Interactive and UX Design major): 1400512181 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Design (Interactive and UX Design major): 1400612181 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- A319
- CRICOS code?
- 109273C Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- 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 requirements for the Bachelor of Design, students must complete 24 credit points including:
- 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 (at least one major must be chosen from the Bachelor of Design listing)
- 1 Bachelor of Design major sequence of at least 8 credit points plus 1 minor sequence of at least 4 credit points
Remaining credit points may be used to undertake elective units or to undertake an additional minor sequence.
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 and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
A major or minor sequence is a group of units in a particular area of study taken over the three levels of your course. Each unit is usually worth 1 credit point.
A major sequence is made up of 8 credit points, and a minor sequence is made of 4 credit points.
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
Thematic Core
Employability Sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
All Bachelor of Design students are required to complete at least one major sequence from the following list:
Bachelor of Design major sequences
^ UX refers to User Experience
Students may choose to complete a second major sequence from the following list:
School of Communication and Creative Arts major sequences
- Advertising
- Animation
- Dance
- Digital and Social Media
- Journalism
- Photography
- Producing Screen Content
- Public Relations
- Screen Production
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Writing
Please check the rules of each major sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Refer to the details of each major sequence availability and sequence notes relating to incompatibility.
Minor sequences
- 2D Practices in the Visual Arts
- 3D Practices in the Visual Arts
- Analogue Practices (Photography)
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Brand Design
- Creative Advertising
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Design for Social Media
- Digital Media
- Digital Practices (Photography)
- Film Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Indigenous Studies*
- Interactive Design
- Journalism
- Literature
- Photojournalism
- Producing Screen Content
- Professional Writing
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Strategy
- Publication Design
- Screen Content Production
- Scriptwriting
- Social Media
- Strategic Advertising
- Theatre
- Theatre Production
- UX Design^
- Visual Effects and Virtual Production
^ UX refers to User Experience
Please check the rules of each minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
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
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Art Creative Practice, Drama, Product Design And Technology, Literature, Media, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the 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. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
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
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
To learn more about what the Bachelor of Design at Deakin have to offer, download our course flyer.
You can apply for this course through the Deakin Regional Access Scheme, which is offered to current Year 12 students looking to study at our regional campuses. We want to know all about the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for university study.
To apply, complete the online application form and preference your chosen course in your VTAC application, using the Deakin Regional Access Scheme VTAC code.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Design with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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 and VR (mixed reality) designer
- animation/motion designer
- art director/creative director
- brand designer
- communication designer
- digital designer
- game designer
- graphic designer
- illustrator and 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 will 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 prioritise 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