Program Details

The world around us is filled with designed objects and spaces. Consider the house that you live in – the car that you drive - the clothes that you wear – and the magazines that you read. It is the job of the designer to bring together the elements of design (purpose and aesthetic) with the social, cultural, ethical and environmental contexts in which design operates.

The study of design involves re-imagining the boundaries of everyday life and bringing new vision to objects, graphics and environments. It also calls for adopting innovative approaches and challenging conventional applications of materials, systems, processes and technologies. Importantly, a designer must develop an independent imagination as well as practical know-how. 

The Bachelor of Design is a four-year full-time program. Eligible students may complete the degree with honours.  The School of Design Studies at the COFA offers an active and integrated program with strong professional and research links to the design industry and wider community.

The Bachelor of Design emphasises an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to design. In the first year of study, students build a thorough foundation in the conceptual and technical skills that underpin design. They are introduced to the speculative, exploratory nature of the discipline as well as approaches to visualisation and communication. Students engage in a comprehensive range of 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-based) investigations, supported by historical, theoretical and computer studies. In the second and third year of the program, students elect study sequences in selected professional studio areas. In their fourth year, students develop and deliver a comprehensive and integrated studio project that demonstrates their emerging individual design path. In addition, they are linked to industry groups through more than 550 hours of professional employment experience that may be taken in Australia or overseas.

Throughout their studies students are guided by a committed team of highly professional staff with outstanding academic and industry-based experience. The School of Design Studies at COFA values its relationship with key art and design institutions overseas, and encourages students to apply for international study opportunities as part of their design degree program.

Specialist studio options available in year two and three of the Bachelor of Design include:
- Applied / Object Studio
- Ceramics Studio
- Environments / Spatial Studio
- Graphics / Media Studio
- Jewellery Studio
- Textiles Studio

Having completed a design degree at the College of Fine Arts, graduates can expect to access jobs across the broad spectrum of the design industry including corporate design offices and design consultancies in Australia and overseas. Alternatively, they may choose to exercise their skills in independent design practice or entrepreneurial design activity. Careers for graduates from the Bachelor of Design include: Graphic Design; Media Design; Film and Television Production and Post-Production; Illustration; Interior Design; Theatre Costume and Set Design; Festival Management and Design; Furniture Design; Ceramics; Textile Design; Jewellery; Product Design; Education and Academia.