Bachelor of Design
at The University of Queensland, Queensland.
An interdisciplinary three-year design degree at St Lucia that integrates design thinking with studio projects in user experience, innovation and the built environment. The only prerequisite is English (Units 3 and 4, C).
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the UQ Bachelor of Design for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84.45 | qtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 84.80 | qtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through QTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
Students build foundations in design processes, visual communication and fabrication, then apply them in hands-on studio projects tackling challenges such as user experience, business innovation, the circular economy and co-design. The degree pairs design studios with a major from anthropology, architectural studies, environment and society, information environments, innovation and entrepreneurship, media and digital cultures, or urban systems. Fieldwork, work placements and professional practice courses are built in.
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.
Typical first jobs
- Junior UX or service designer
- Design or innovation assistant at consultancies
- Graduate in urban or community planning teams
- Visual communication or digital content designer
- Research assistant in design and social research projects
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Graduates move into design, user experience, innovation and planning roles. The architectural studies major can lead to UQ's Master of Architecture for students who want to become registered architects.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy hands-on making and visual problem solving
- Those happy to defend their work in regular desk crits
- People with a strong existing portfolio or willingness to build one fast
- Students who can manage long self-directed studio hours
- Those willing to invest in their own laptops, software and modelling materials
It is probably not for you if
- Students who prefer exam-based assessment over portfolio work
- Those uncomfortable defending creative choices in front of peers
- Anyone unwilling to spend 20 plus hours weekly on independent making
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the University of Queensland website and on QTAC before applying.