Bachelor of Graphic Design in Melbourne

Visual communication has never been more powerful — or more complex. The Major in Graphic & Digital Design gives you the skills to design with intention across every platform where ideas need to land: print, branding, packaging, digital, web, app interfaces, and beyond.

The program builds from the ground up. You'll develop a strong foundation in graphic design fundamentals — typography, colour, layout, image-making, and brand storytelling — before expanding into the digital realm with UX research, UI design, interaction design, and service innovation. You'll learn to think like a visual communicator and a human-centred designer simultaneously, understanding not just how things look, but how they work and feel for the people who use them.

Learning is structured around the Design Laboratory — a studio environment where you apply research, technical skill, and creative thinking to real briefs within your specialisation. Every trimester opens with a combined theoretical lecture shared across all four disciplines, before moving into discipline-specific studio practice guided by academic mentors through lectures, tutorials, technical demonstrations, and self-directed studio time.

Through six trimesters — Exploration, Foundation, Issues, Global, Industry, and Capstone — you'll respond to industry briefs, prototype and test real digital experiences, and collaborate on global projects. A professional placement and dedicated business and communication units ensure you graduate as a well-rounded, work-ready designer.

Purpose-Built Facilities

Students have access to a range of discipline-specific facilities designed to support both graphic and interactive design practice, including a 3D printer, computer lab with industry-standard software, and printing and scanning equipment. You'll gain hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in professional practice, from physical production through to digital prototyping.

Design Laboratories (Major in Graphic & Digital Design)

The core of the degree — studio-based labs progressing through Exploration, Foundation, Issues, Global, Industry, and Capstone themes, culminating in a capstone exhibition of advanced work.

• Design Laboratory: Exploration (LABG101)
• Design Laboratory: Foundation (LABG102)
• Design Laboratory: Issues (LABG103)
• Design Sub Major or Entrepreneurship Fundamentals (ENT01)
• Design Laboratory: Global (LABG204)
• Design Laboratory: Industry (LABG205)
• Design Laboratory: Capstone (LABG206)

Exploration Units

Foundation workshop-based study expanding core design and art knowledge across all disciplines.

• Future Forward Design (ACC111)
• Elective: Brand Strategy (ELE001)
• Elective: Design & Wellbeing (ELE002)
• Elective: Project Management (BUS08)
• Elective: Design Thinking for Business (BUS01)

Contextual Units

Exploring the historical, cultural, and contemporary forces shaping design, communication, and digital practice.

• Design, History & Culture (AXC111)
• Social Trend Forecasting (AXC121)
• Global Design Culture (AXE241)

Professional Practice Units

Real insight from practising creatives, combined with business and communication skills for a sustainable career.

• Design Fundamentals (COM111)
• Digital Communication (COM222)
• Business Principles (ACC241)
• Professional Practice & Systems (BPC351)
• Professional Placement (APE241)
• Professional Communication (BCC351)
• Personal & Professional Practice (BPC361)