Bachelor of Design

During this course, students will:

1. Learn about latest interdisciplinary design practices and new technologies.
2. Work with industry experts and organisations to deliver projects for diverse audiences.
3. Use problem-solving strategies, creativity, and theory in solving challenges.
4. Apply design thinking, ethical practice, and inclusive design to innovate in diverse contexts.
5. Develop culturally sensitivity, embrace sustainability, acknowledge Indigenous protocols and perspectives.

Discover your creativity and develop your critical thinking through experimentation in an inclusive, exploratory environment. Design plays an increasingly important role in the world, with opportunities to specialise in interactive media, digital culture, game design or visual communication. Become equipped with theory, creative skills, cultural awareness and critical thinking to shape a rapidly changing future.

Recommended study pattern

This program is offered full-time or equivalent part-time. Each study period, you have the choice to switch between full-time and part-time study. Full-time study is enrolling in three or more courses per study period, while part-time study is one or two courses per study period.

The recommended study pattern is subject to change based on study period of enrolment. To learn more about the courses you will undertake in this program please refer to program structure.

Program structure

Introductory courses (6) 72 units

• DES101 Elements of Design
• DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
• DES104 Art, Design and Digital Culture
• DES105 Design Methods
• DES107 Drawing Practice
• SGD102 Introduction to Games Programming.

Graduate courses (1) 12 units

• BCI304 Creative Engagement.

PLUS select 1 course (1) 12 units from:

• BCI302 Work Integrated Learning Project
• BCI303 Work Integrated Learning Placement.

Plus select 16 courses (192 units) towards 1 required major and 1 major from the specified list; or 1 required major and 2 minors: 

Required Major

Select 1 required major from:

• Digital Culture^
• Game Design
• Interactive Media
• Visual Communication.

Majors

• Creative Writing and Publishing
• Digital Culture^
• Game Design
• Interactive Media
• Journalism
• Music^
• Screen Media
• Social Media
• Theatre and Performance^
• Visual Communication.

Minors

• Creative and Interactive Advertising
• Creative Writing and Publishing
• Digital Culture^
• Fashion Studies^
• Game Art and Animation
• Game Design
• Game Programming
• Interactive Media
• Journalism 
• Music^
• Photographic Practice^
• Screen Media
• Social Media
• Strategic Global Communication
• Theatre and Performance^
• Visual Communication.

Elective courses

Select up to a total of 12 to 36 units from the undergraduate elective course options. The number of electives will vary depending on the majors chosen.

Program notes:

• The total number of units required to complete the program is 288 units.
• The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
• Program structures are subject to change
• ^Not currently available at Moreton Bay campus.

Award requirements

To attain the award of Bachelor of Design, students are required to:

• Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses.

Exit points

Diploma in Design Studies.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $42,172

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

University of the Sunshine Coast's teaching has been awarded 5 stars for the past 16 years. They're young, fresh and doing big things with far-reaching impacts, like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni. Innovative thinking that moves everyone forward is their philosophy. Together with their people, community and partners, they're building a supported environment of learning, networking and opportunities.

Learn more about UniSC.

Explore UniSC courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

37

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

36

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent
• Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank: 50.00
• Recommended prior study: English.

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into university, If you:

• have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
• have a TAFE/VET qualification
• have relevant work experience, or
• have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies).

UniSC accepts applications for multiple study periods throughout the year. These include Semester 1 applications which usually close in February, Semester 2 applications which usually close in July, as well as session-based and trimester-based study periods. As part of your application, UniSC will share information about the next available study period for this program.

If you've completed prior study or have relevant work experience, you may, under specified conditions, be eligible for credit towards your UniSC degree.