Bachelor of Design
at Curtin University, Western Australia.
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 Curtin University 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 | TISC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | TISC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official TISC 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 is a shared design foundation: design thinking and process, visual language and typography, drawing and visualisation, design history and an introduction to digital design tools. Most teaching is studio-based, with weekly critiques where you pin up work and defend your choices. You begin building a portfolio from day one. Second year is where you commit to a major such as graphic design, digital and interaction design, photography, fashion or industrial design. Briefs get longer and more open-ended, you learn user-centred and human-centred design methods, and you work with real or simulated client briefs. Software skills (Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping and 3D tools) deepen. Third year is dominated by a major self-directed design project and a professional-practice unit covering freelancing, studios and the business of design. Curtin's design programs culminate in a graduate exhibition and portfolio show that students use to land their first roles.
Example first-year subjects
- Design Thinking and Process
- Typography and Visual Language
- Drawing and Visualisation
- History and Theory of Design
- Digital Design Tools
- Studio: Foundation Design Project
How you will be assessed
- Studio projects and design briefs assessed by portfolio
- Weekly studio critiques and pin-ups
- Process journals and design rationale documents
- Final major project and exhibition
- Short written essays on design history and theory
- Software and prototyping exercises
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 designer
- Digital or web designer
- Junior industrial or product designer
- Photographer or content creator
- Design or studio assistant
- Freelance designer
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $66,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Most graduates move straight into junior design roles in studios, agencies or in-house teams and build a professional portfolio. Postgrad options include the Master of Design, Master of User Experience, coursework masters in digital and creative media, and Honours for students moving toward research or teaching. Many designers also build careers through freelance and contract work rather than further study, using their portfolio as the main credential.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Visual thinkers who like making and iterating
- Students who can take critique and act on feedback
- People who manage their own time across long open briefs
- Those building a strong portfolio rather than chasing grades
- Students comfortable with both creative and digital software work
It is probably not for you if
- Students who want exam-based, clearly right-or-wrong assessment
- People uncomfortable presenting and defending their work publicly
- Those expecting light, fully self-paced study (studios are intensive)
- Students wanting a guaranteed salaried job title at graduation
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the Curtin University handbook and on TISC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/curtin/bachelor-of-design.