Pathways to the Bachelor of Design
Before exploring your pathways to study, please select the kind of applicant you are via the tabs below. If you have graduated from Year 12 in the last two years, you are considered a recent Year 12 student. If you're unsure, learn more about your applicant type.
I'm a current or recent Year 12 student
Based on last year's rankings, your ATAR doesn't quite meet the requirements for this course. But that doesn't mean it's out of reach - ATARs can change from year to year, and there are plenty of other pathways to make your study goals a reality.
If your Year 12 studies have been impacted by difficult circumstances or other disadvantage, you could quality for Deakin's Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) to boost your ATAR. Otherwise, you can follow an alternate pathway to your dream course:
Gain a qualification from a Deakin partner
Study at a TAFE or RTO
Currently, bachelor degrees at Deakin require a minimum ATAR of 50. But that doesn't mean you can't plan for the future. If you want to pursue study, you can follow an alternate pathway to your dream course:
Gain a qualification from a Deakin partner
Study at a TAFE or RTO
This course is available at the locations indicated above. You can choose from our range of locations across Victoria depending on your preferences and ATAR - giving you the freedom to follow a study path best-suited to your circumstances.
Based on last year's rankings, you meet the ATAR requirements for this course. Your next step is to visit the course page to check you meet any additional entry requirements. Then, you can confidently begin your application.
If your ATAR meets the requirements for the course, but not your preferred campus, you have a few options. You can start your studies straight away and apply to transfer your course after completing a certain number of units. If your Year 12 studies have been impacted by difficult circumstances or disadvantage, you could qualify for Deakin's Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) to boost your ATAR. Or, you can achieve a spot at your preferred campus by following an alternate pathway:
Transfer from a related Deakin course or complete single units
Gain a qualification from a Deakin partner
Study at a TAFE or RTO
ATAR: Eligible ATAR is based on 2024 early and first round VTAC offers, including relevant adjustment factors. ATAR requirements for 2025 are currently unknown. Please use past ATAR only for guidance, as ATAR is subject to increase or decrease.
N/A: Course is not available at this location.
NP: Course is available at this location, but the ATAR is not published.
RC: Admission to this course is based on a range of criteria.
I'm not a current or recent Year 12 student
If you meet one of the minimum course entry requirements below, you can start your application right away. There may be additional course requirements, including English language criteria, so be sure to check the eligibility criteria on the course page before applying. If you don't meet the requirements, you could still achieve your study goals by following an alternate pathway or browsing similar courses.
Alternate pathways to the Bachelor of Design
Transfer from a related Deakin course
Gain valuable skills and knowledge to unlock your study options. With this pathway, you can start studying in a related Deakin course, before applying to transfer once you've achieved the requirements for your preferred degree. Course transfers are subject to availability and meeting the required course transfer guidelines for the degree. In some circumstances, a course transfer may require you to change your campus of study. To ensure you get on the right study path, it's a good idea to speak with a student adviser first and discuss your options. The following degree is a recommended pathway to this course:
Qualification from a Deakin partner
Our partners are a great stepping stone to study at Deakin University.
Many students who have completed a diploma or advanced diploma will be eligible for recognition for their study. Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Deakin University.
Guaranteed RPL
Students who have successfully completed CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design at any Australian TAFE are eligible for 8cp* of guaranteed RPL.
* cp = credit point
- Deakin College
- Bendigo TAFE
- Box Hill Institute
- Chisholm Institute
- Kangan Institute
- TAFE NSW
- South West TAFE
- The Gordon
Fast-track your university study with a Deakin College diploma. Students attending Deakin College will gain a diploma equivalent to the first year of a Deakin University bachelor degree. Once you've successfully completed your Deakin College diploma to meet the required academic and course entry requirements, you can apply for the relevant bachelor degree at Deakin. What's more, you'll gain direct entry into the second year - meaning you can pursue your dream career sooner.
Entry from:
- Diploma of Design - up to 8cp* RPL
* cp = credit point
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Guaranteed RPL
Recommended diplomas are below, students will also receive guaranteed RPL upon successful completion:
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design - 8cp RPL
* cp = credit point
RPL is correct at the time of publishing for the listed diploma and bachelor degree. Course changes and availability may impact RPL in the future.
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Guaranteed RPL
Recommended diplomas are below, students will also receive guaranteed RPL upon successful completion:
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design - 8cp* RPL
* cp = credit point
RPL is correct at the time of publishing for the listed diploma and bachelor degree. Course changes and availability may impact RPL in the future.
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Recommended qualifications are:
- Graphic Design
- Visual Arts
Guaranteed RPL
Students are eligible for guaranteed RPL for select Diplomas:
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design - 8cp* RPL
* cp = credit point
RPL is correct at the time of publishing for the listed diploma and bachelor degree. Course changes and availability may impact RPL in the future.
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Recommended qualifications are:
- Graphic Design
- Visual Arts
Guaranteed RPL
Students are eligible for guaranteed RPL for select diplomas:
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design - 8cp* RPL
* cp = credit point
RPL is correct at the time of publishing for the listed diploma and bachelor degree. Course changes and availability may impact RPL in the future.
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- Any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Recommended qualifications are:
- Visual Arts
Entry Pathways
Entry to your Deakin course is guaranteed if you successfully complete any Diploma or Advanced Diploma at any time in the five years preceding your Deakin application (and you provide proof of completion).
Entry from:
- any Diploma or Advanced Diploma
- Graphic Design
- CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design - 8cp* RPL
However recommended qualifications are:
Guaranteed RPL
Students are eligible for guaranteed RPL for select Diplomas:
* cp = credit point
RPL is correct at the time of publishing for the listed diploma and bachelor degree. Course changes and availability may impact RPL in the future.
Qualification from other TAFEs and RTOs
If you are unable to study at a Deakin partner TAFE, you can choose to undertake similar study at another TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Applications from these institutions do not guarantee entry to Deakin, so be sure to boost your application with your study results, a resume/CV, a personal statement, and/or any other supporting documentation.
Many students who have completed a diploma or advanced diploma will be eligible for recognition for their study. Find out more about recognition of prior learning (RPL) at Deakin University. For more information about non Deakin partner TAFEs and RTOs, visit myskills.gov.au.
Guaranteed RPL
Students who have successfully completed CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design at any Australian TAFE are eligible for 8cp* of guaranteed RPL.
* cp = credit point