Bachelor of Design / Education (Secondary)

Experience designers transform spaces for people. They design memorable and meaningful environments with the intention of creating connection. Be it social connection or the connection of audiences to content, experience designers draw on human centred design principles to develop unique spatial outcomes, understand and integrate digital technologies and craft atmospheres that move people. With application across a wide range of industries, the design of activations, exhibitions and events relies on critical engagement with cultural contexts, neuroscience, materials and modelling, with a sprinkling of spectacle.  

In this program, you'll experiment with a diverse range of design methods that contribute to a practice that ideates and creates evocative environments that surprise, delight and, ultimately, engage participants.  

Graphic design uses the skills of typography, image making, colour and design systems to develop effective and inspiring visual communications. Apply creative thinking to brand identities, innovative packaging, visually striking publications, and graphic design in 3D spaces. You’ll develop strong portfolio projects that demonstrate your voice as an emerging designer.  

See examples of graduate graphic design works in the A&D Annual.

Explore fascinating emerging technologies – think voice assistants, robots, and mixed reality (for example, animated Instagram or Snapchat filters). Using these emerging technologies, you'll create a project demonstrating your understanding of human capabilities and user needs. But not before learning user experience (UX) fundamentals in web and mobile.  

Gain industry-standard skills to meet people's needs with designing apps, software, products, websites, environments, and services. You'll develop practical and professional design processes through case studies and projects from concept to testing.   

Object design works with different materials to create tangible and meaningful items – including but not limited to jewellery, furniture design, and ceramic homewares.   

Fundamental hands-on classes explore materials before moving on to digital prototypes with 3D printing and cast designs. You’ll also understand different contexts and discover how object design gives people opportunities for social and meaningful interactions.  

Discover the world of 3D technologies including real-time (or gaming) systems and virtual environments. Understand how to create objects and environments before creating a sophisticated and explorable 3D world. Learn through live, hands-on experiences of key technologies and understand how to conceptualise through design thinking. Build the theoretical knowledge for high-level art direction while developing professional skills in 3D modelling, CGI lighting and rendering.

Experiment with creative styles, ideas and cultural influences to develop your unique style in fashion design. You’ll balance theory with practical skill-building, learning the full process of garment creation from design to prototyping. This program has a strong focus on sustainable fashion and its role within the circular economy. It encourages students to examine the contemporary fashion industry and forge an environmentally and socially responsible way forward. For example, Natasha Rodriguez-Hunter’s project ‘Bespoke Footwear’ explores the potential for upcycling discarded fast fashion as tailor-made footwear to reduce textile wastage.

You’ll understand educational psychology, different social and Indigenous perspectives, inclusive strategies for special education, managing the classroom environment, and responding to gifted and talented students. You’ll also be able to choose an elective course in critical issues, motivation, culture, digital literacy, or communication skills. 

This is where it gets real. Bring your Working with Children Check and mandatory anaphylaxis training. Successfully complete two LANTITE (Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students) tests set by NESA as part of your studies before starting your professional experiences.  

The first professional experience is a one-day intensive orientation and online activities followed by a four-week supervised work placement. The second placement goes for nine weeks, and you’ll gradually shift towards more autonomy, responsibility, and accountability. Both placements provide you with real-world experience and supportive feedback to guide your future career. 

Design innovative and engaging lesson plans, incorporated with effective teaching strategies for diverse learning styles. You’ll find out how to create a safe and supportive classroom environment; and discover innovative resources that assess and improve learning. Through self- and peer evaluation you’ll understand how to present yourself in a professional manner. 

These skills will be developed within the context of excellence in teaching visual arts to high school students. You’ll also be able to learn within an additional context of teaching graphics and multimedia technologies.