Major overview
Graphic designers visually communicate across a range of media to persuade, inform and educate audiences online, in print and within a wider environment.
This major responds to rapid changes in the design and commercial industries, as well as cultural and sociotechnical shifts in retail and media consumption behaviours.
You'll learn how to solve complex communication problems through the exploration and application of design theory and practice, whilst developing skills across a range of industry applications.
High achieving students may complete an additional honours year enabling them to undertake their own significant research project.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Degrees
Career outcomes
Jobs for graphic designers, web designers and illustrators are expected to grow by more than 19% by 2035.¹
Careers
- Graphic designer
- Design strategist
- Art director
- Brand manager
- Creative director
- Creative consultant
- Illustrator
Industries
- Advertising
- Marketing
¹ Source: Job Skills Australia – Employment Projections.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates may convert student memberships of professional design organisations, such as the ,Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý,Ìýinto full professional memberships following qualification and professional experience.
Why study at Curtin?
Transferable skills
Our humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers.
Learn from the experts
You will be taught by industry practitioners who will provide employability, design entrepreneurship and design leadership skills.
Professional recognition
Gain professional membership to , , and .
Course and career advice
Get guidance on choosing your course and planning your career with advice written to support your next step
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Major structure
What you’ll learn
In this course you'll develop a deeper understanding of graphic design and its distinct specialist applications.
These include:
- user experience design
- design thinking
- branding
- data visualisation
- editorial
- information design
- interaction design
- way-finding
- packaging design
- service and experiential design.
This course offers you a distinctive student experience that focuses on leadership, industry linkages and global citizenship. You will be taught by industry practitioners who will provide employability, design entrepreneurship and design leadership skills.
You will learn about social innovation and the role of design in society, with opportunities to study abroad and undertake work-integrated learning.
Our focus on design action (sustainability, community, human-centred) and design ethics ensures you graduate industry-ready with global perspectives.
Throughout the three-year program, you’ll learn through project-based activities and be able to work with students from other disciplines, mirroring a real industry environment.
Graphic Design is offered as part of the . You will be able to enhance your degree by selecting to study either two additional specialisations or one specialisation and four elective units to support your career goals.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our .
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Degrees
Explore more
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