Bachelor of Design
at CQUniversity Australia, Queensland.
A studio-led design degree spanning visual communication, product, interaction and spatial design. Most programmes culminate in a major design project and portfolio show.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the CQUniversity Australia Bachelor of Design. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official QTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year covers design foundations: design thinking and process, visual communication, typography, drawing and visualisation, digital design tools (Adobe Creative Suite and figma-style interface tools) and design history. CQUniversity delivers studio-based and online modes, with online students using submitted work, recorded critiques and virtual studios, which suits regional and working learners. Second year you specialise toward visual communication, digital and interaction design or product and spatial design. Studio briefs become client-style problems, and you build a body of work for a portfolio. Units cover user-centred design, branding, motion and prototyping. Third year is a major self-directed design project and professional-practice units covering freelancing, briefs, pricing and intellectual property. Work-integrated learning is emphasised, with industry briefs and placements with regional studios, councils and businesses. The degree culminates in a graduate portfolio and exhibition or showcase used to enter the job market.
Example first-year subjects
- Design Thinking and Process
- Visual Communication and Typography
- Drawing and Visualisation
- Digital Design Tools
- Design History and Context
- Introduction to User-Centred Design
How you will be assessed
- Studio design projects and briefs
- Portfolio submissions and critiques
- Process journals and concept-development documentation
- Prototyping and presentation tasks
- Written reflections on design history and theory
- Final major project and exhibition or showcase
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as visual designers, UX designers and industrial designers in agencies and in-house teams.
- Common destinations include digital product agencies, advertising studios and the in-house design teams of major retailers and banks.
- Many alumni progress into design leadership, design strategy and freelance practice within five years.
Professional accreditation
- DIA membership eligible
Typical first jobs
- Junior graphic or visual designer
- UX or UI design assistant
- Junior product or industrial designer
- In-house designer for a regional retailer or council
- Freelance designer or studio practitioner
- Junior motion or digital-media designer
- Design or production assistant at an agency
Graduate starting salary
$52,000 - $64,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Most graduates move into junior design roles at studios, agencies or in-house teams, or set up freelance practice, often serving regional Queensland businesses. The portfolio matters more than the testamur for hiring. Postgraduate options include the Master of Design, Master of Digital Media, Master of User Experience and graduate study in marketing or business for those moving toward design management. A research Honours year is available for students heading to higher-degree research.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Visual thinkers who enjoy making, sketching and prototyping
- Students who can take and act on studio critique
- Self-directed learners suited to online or distance studio work
- People building a portfolio for agency or freelance work
- Curious problem-solvers who like user-centred design
It is probably not for you if
- Students who want exams and clear right-or-wrong answers
- Those uncomfortable presenting and defending their work
- People expecting a high starting salary straight away
- Students who dislike iterative redrafting and feedback
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the CQUniversity Australia handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/cqu/bachelor-of-design.