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Curtin University

  • 28% international / 72% domestic

Bachelor of Design: Graphic Design Major

  • Bachelor

Graphic designers visually communicate across various media to persuade, inform, and educate. This course addresses industry changes and equips students with skills in areas like user experience design, branding, and data visualization. It is part of the Bachelor of Design, offering opportunities for specialization and an optional honors year.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 semesters full-time
Course Code
MJRU-GRPDS
Study Mode
In person
ATAR
70

About this course

Overview

Graphic designers visually communicate across a range of media to persuade, inform and educate audiences online, in print and within a wider environment.

This major responds to rapid changes in the design and commercial industries, as well as cultural and sociotechnical shifts in retail and media consumption behaviours.

In this course you'll develop a deeper understanding of graphic design and its distinct specialist applications. These include:

  • user experience design
  • design thinking
  • branding
  • data visualisation
  • editorial
  • information design
  • interaction design
  • way-finding
  • packaging design
  • service and experiential design.

You'll learn how to solve complex communication problems through the exploration and application of design theory and practice, whilst developing skills across a range of industry applications.

Graphic Design is offered as part of the Bachelor of Design. You will be able to enhance your degree by selecting to study either two additional specialisations or one specialisation and four elective units to support your career goals.

High achieving students may complete an additional honours year enabling them to undertake their own significant research project.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You're considered a high school leaver if you:
  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren't essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Portfolio entry

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin's ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • UniReady

If you don't meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).

  • Indigenous applicant

If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn't met Curtin's minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin's English proficiency requirements.

Written English, MC Verbal and Quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

What you will learn

What you'll learn

  • apply discipline knowledge to critically review, analyse, consolidate and contribute to evidence-based practice in graphic design
  • demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in both a broad understanding and depth in graphic design
  • use and discern between a range of graphic design technologies and media platforms in the production of graphic design-based solutions
  • demonstrate effective visual, spoken, written and technical communication appropriate to the graphic design discipline and apply effective self-directed learning skills
  • demonstrate personal awareness of a graphic design specific practice and sustain an engagement with contemporary practices, technologies and the creative industries
  • develop a predictive overview of future trends that will influence graphic design and graphic design practices
  • recognise the importance of social, ethical and cultural diversity and consider local and international perspectives in graphic design activities, studio practice and production
  • demonstrate how intercultural awareness and understanding impacts on personal and professional skills and on the ability to lead
  • work independently and collaboratively on graphic design projects and respond to project demands

Career pathways

What jobs can the Graphic Design course lead to?

Careers

  • Graphic designer
  • Design strategist
  • Art director
  • Brand manager
  • Creative director
  • Creative consultant
  • Production manager
  • Illustrator
  • Entrepreneur

Industries

  • Advertising
  • Marketing

Course structure

You can study this course as part of the following degree

Bachelor of Design

Visit the degree page for information on admission criteria, course fees and study locations.

Credit for prior study or work

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

How to apply

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now

  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRU-GRPDS
  • Last updated on: 13 October 2025

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