The Bachelor of Design requires the successful completion of 23 to 24 subjects (300 credit points). Full-time students usually study eight subjects each year for three years. Most subjects are worth 12.5 credit points, but some are worth 25 credit points.
Depending on your area of interest you could choose to study:
FIRST YEAR
In first year you will be immersed in the world of design and learn new concepts and skills that will carry through for the rest of your degree. You might be helping to bring stage performances to life through the design of space, light and sound, writing code in a computer lab, contemplating design theory and putting it in to practice, or making 3D models.
SECOND YEAR
By your second year you will deepen your understanding of your chosen design disciplines and finalise your selection of majors, minors and specialisations.
Your major
The Bachelor of Design is your degree; your major is the study area you’ll focus on. You don’t need to know which major you want to do from day one.
In most cases, you’ll be able to try a few different study areas in your first year before deciding on your major in second year. Depending on what you want to accomplish in the Bachelor of Design, you can choose to study one or two majors, a major and a minor, or a major and a specialisation. There are 12 majors to choose from.
In the Bachelor of Design, your major is made up of three to four subjects (50 credit points) at third-year level, building on your first and second-year level subjects.
It is possible to complete a double major within the Bachelor of Design. Undertaking a double major can provide you with more career options at the end of your degree, as well as greater flexibility should you choose to go on to graduate study.
Minors
Minors are a shortened sequence of subjects, taken from the existing majors in the degree. They are made up of four subjects (50 credit points) and provide a complementary course of study without committing to a double major. A minor is also an option when a double major combination isn’t available.
Specialisations
A specialisation is a short sequence of subjects that focuses on a particular theme within the Bachelor of Design. Subjects in specialisations do not form part of any existing major but are distinctive and are complementary to your major. A specialisation could support a research pathway, lead to accreditation with industry bodies or increase your employment opportunities.
Electives
Electives are non-compulsory subjects within the Bachelor of Design. You will usually choose elective subjects that complement your major area of study. Most students take one to two electives per semester.
Breadth
Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne curriculum. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside your core area of study, develop new perspectives, and learn to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests – just as you will need to do in your future career.
Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others use breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise. Many discover new passions through breadth, and some even change their career plans!
‘Breadth tracks’ (groups of breadth subjects taken throughout your degree) could qualify you for graduate study in a field that’s very different to your major.
Design students have more than 1000 breadth subjects to choose from, so the opportunities to expand your knowledge are endless. You must take at least four breadth subjects during your degree.
Majors
Your major is your chosen specialisation. You’ll develop a deep understanding of your major study area from first to third year. In most degrees, you won’t need to select your major on day one. In first year you’ll be able to explore a range of subject areas you’re interested in, so by the time it comes to choosing your major, you’ll be well informed. All the while, you’ll also be studying an exciting selection of subjects from both inside and outside your discipline, gaining a breadth of knowledge that will set you apart.
Explore the majors available in this degree below.
