Bachelor of Design
at University of Southern Queensland, 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 University of Southern Queensland 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 is studio foundation: design thinking and process, visual communication and typography, drawing and visualisation, digital tools (Adobe Creative Cloud and prototyping software) and design history. UniSQ offers design on campus and online, with online students completing studio work remotely and submitting through digital critique. Second year develops a chosen direction such as graphic and visual communication, interaction and user experience, or web and digital media. Project briefs become more complex and client-style, and you begin building a professional portfolio. Studios emphasise iteration, critique and feedback. Third year is a major design project and a professional-practice subject covering freelancing, client management and the business of design. Many students complete a work-integrated learning placement with an agency or in-house team, and the year culminates in a graduate portfolio and exhibition used to enter the job market.
Example first-year subjects
- Design Thinking and Process
- Visual Communication and Typography
- Drawing and Visualisation
- Digital Design Tools
- History of Design
- Introduction to Interaction Design
How you will be assessed
- Studio design projects and folios (the dominant assessment)
- Design process journals and reflective documentation
- Studio critiques and presentations
- Client-style brief responses
- Major graduate project and portfolio in third year
- Short written reports on design history or theory
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
- Junior UX or UI designer
- Web or digital media designer
- Studio or production artist
- In-house designer at a retailer, council or agribusiness
- Freelance designer or design assistant
- Marketing or content design coordinator
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 designer or UX roles in agencies, in-house teams, government and regional businesses, or build freelance practice. Postgraduate options include masters in digital design, user experience, communication and arts, often studied online while working. Some graduates pivot into design management, product or marketing roles, or add coding skills to move into front-end and product design.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Visually creative people who enjoy iterating on ideas
- Students comfortable with critique and constant feedback
- Self-directed learners who can manage project deadlines
- People who like combining creativity with digital tools
- Online students who can sustain studio discipline remotely
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting structured exams and clear right answers
- Those uncomfortable presenting and defending creative work
- People who dislike software, screens and digital tools
- Students seeking a maths or science-heavy degree
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the University of Southern Queensland handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/usq/bachelor-of-design.