COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Design requires completion of 144 units and is structured to combine studio practice, theoretical learning, and interdisciplinary exploration. Students may complete a maximum of 60 units at the 1000-level and must include at least 12 units in Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses. A minimum of 84 units must be completed from specified design-related course lists. This includes 42 units of compulsory core courses such as DESN1002 Visual Communication: Design and Production, DESN1003 Contemporary Design in Context, DESN1004 The Past as Prototype, DESN2008 Design Thinking: Human-Centred Methodologies, and advanced studio-based capstone courses DESN3010 Design Studio: Independent Practice, DESN3011 Design Studio: Engagement and Collaboration, and DESN3012 Design Studio: Professional Practice. Students also complete at least 6 units from foundational courses such as observational drawing, contemporary art practices, or model making. A further 24 units are chosen from design-focused subjects including digital fabrication, creative coding, data visualisation, web design, design fiction, typography, physical computing, and ethical or sustainable design practices. In addition, students complete at least 12 units in Visual Arts (ARTV) courses and may take up to 12 units from interdisciplinary subjects such as Anthropology, Philosophy, Sociology, Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Psychology, or Environmental Science. The remaining 48 units are flexible electives offered by ANU. Overall, the program blends creative practice, critical thinking, and technical skills to prepare students for diverse careers in contemporary design fields and creative industries.