Learn to design through project-based activities using industry-standard equipment, technologies and media platforms.
Course essentialsThe Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.
A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.
If design is your passion, this flexible degree offers a number of exciting majors that will develop your practical skills in a global context, so you can take your career anywhere in the world.
Throughout the three-year program you will learn through project-based activities and have the opportunity to work together with students from other disciplines, mirroring a real industry environment.
You'll use industry-standard equipment and software, and graduate with a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates your skills to future employers.
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR
Select an area that inspires you:
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SPECIALISATION
Choose a Design specialisation*
*You must choose a different Design specialisation to your major.
STEP 3: COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE STRUCTURE
Option 1: Choose a second Design specialisation
Choose a second Design specialisation from the list in Step 2.
Option 2: Choose a non-Design specialisation
Choose a specialisation in another area to gain expertise in a second field.
Option 3: Choose four electives
Choose four elective units in your area of interest in which you meet the unit prerequisites.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
In your final year you will be given the opportunity to complete a capstone unit. You will explore interdisciplinary themes through the creation of design-focused projects, and benefit from strong links with industry across the design majors. The networks and skills you'll develop in this unit will ensure you graduate industry-ready.
Humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers.
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Tailor your degree to suit your career aspirations.
For invitations to events, study tips and info on navigating your way to uni, join the Curtin community.
Professional membership is available with the Design Institute of Australia.
What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.
Recently left high school
Work and life experience
TAFE or apprenticeship
Current or previous University experience
I’m not sure
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
StepUp EntryStepUp 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.
The Special 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.
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.
Overall band score
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.
To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.
You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
The Special 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.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
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.
Overall band score
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
The Special 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.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
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.
Overall band score
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses at Curtin.
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider .
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
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.
Overall band score
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.
You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.
Submit your question via our online form and we’ll get back to you.
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You’ll find Curtin Connect in building 102 on the Perth campus.
8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (Tuesday from 9:30am)
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.
What is a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)?
A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government. They pay part of the course fees directly to Curtin and then the student pays the remainder (referred to as the “student contribution amount”). The student can defer this fee to their HECS-HELP loan.
All Australian students studying an undergraduate degree are automatically awarded a Commonwealth supported place. A limited number of Commonwealth supported places are also available for some postgraduate courses.
Learn more about CSPs and whether you’re eligible by visiting the Australian Government’s StudyAssist website.
Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.
*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.
This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website
To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:
For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.
If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.
There are 3 different categories of acceptance due dates:
Curtin has a duty of care to ensure all international students have sufficient time to have their student visa issued and to arrive in Perth in time for the Orientation Week and the start of classes. The timeframes stipulated above allows Curtin to process your completed documents and for the Department of Home Affairs to issue your student visa in time. For more information on visa processing times, please refer to the Visa Processing Times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Curtin's offering of online coursesYes. A number of courses at Curtin University are available to be studied either partially or fully online.
Fully online courses
Visit the Curtin Online website for more information on Curtin's online undergraduate and postgraduate course options.
Some Curtin courses may be available to study through Open Universities Australia (OUA). If you study a Curtin course through OUA, you will gain the same degree from Curtin University. However, OUA has up to four study periods per year while majority of Curtin have two semesters per year.
Partially online courses
Whilst some courses may not be available fully online, there are some components that can be accessed online. We recommend visiting the Curtin Handbook where you can view the units you will study within a course and their available study modes (e.g. online, partially online, internally).
Units classified as Fully Online may still require students to sit an exam on either the Curtin Perth campus, at a recognised examination centre or at another approved regional/rural location. View the External Examinations webpage for further information.
Curtin also offer Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that allow students to complete short courses on a variety of topics online for free. This is a great way to find out if you enjoy a particular area of study before beginning a full degree. Additionally, Curtin's MicroMasters® programs are graduate-level university courses designed to advance your career. Successful completion of a MicroMasters® credential at the appropriate level allows learners to apply for credit towards the completion of a Masters degree.
Curtin Credentials are flexible courses to further your professional development. These can advance your career, boost your employability and develop your personal abilities. You can complete standalone credentials, or complete courses within a theme to build your knowledge and skills in a specific area. This flexibility means you can curate your learning to your career goals and abilities.
Are there any courses or activities that may be offensive to me, conflict with my culture?It is highly recommended that you read the course and unit information so you are fully aware of the essential requirements of study and can identify if any activities or content would conflict with your culture or beliefs.
Some examples include the following:
If you would like to find out more about the content of your chosen course, you can submit your questions via our webform. Your enquiry will be answered by one of our Curtin Connect Officers.
Curtin offers numerous services on campus that you can utilise if you need support. Visit Personal Support for more information.
Class types you may attendThe class types you may attend will depend on which units you are enrolled in. The main class types delivered at Curtin are:
For further details on the classes required for your units, please refer to the unit outlines.
Do you offer any short courses?Our graduate certificate courses are comprised of four units and can be completed in one semester full-time or the equivalent part-time.
Graduate certificate courses are designed for individuals wanting to develop skills in a specialised area. The majority of our graduate certificates require an applicant to have completed an undergraduate qualification (bachelor degree), however, some are designed for non-graduates and may provide a basis for continuing postgraduate study.
See the online handbook for the full range of graduate certificates available.
Newly onshore international sponsored student needing to meet with their designated Sponsored Student Officer
The International Sponsored Student Unit (ISSU) provides support to sponsored students and their sponsor organisations. There are four dedicated staff members who aim to ensure that students and sponsors are provided with quality support during their studies at Curtin.
Sponsored students who are new to Curtin need to contact the ISSU.
