bachelor of design

The Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia offers a Bachelor of Design at both the Sydney and Melbourne campuses. It includes integrated core and specialist units, focusing on Fashion Design, Interior Design or Styling and Creative Direction as areas for specialisation.

The three (3) year degree is underpinned by a learning culture which insights innovation and creativity, built on academic imperatives as the foundations for life long learning, and a love of design. Integration of design knowledge and design practice is an imperative of the course.

The degree provides a sound general education and fosters personal growth and the establishment of an individual design identity. The course offers a student a nurturing and progressive learning experience through four strands of study: Design Context, Design Communications, Design Methods and Design Synthesis.

Whitehouse Institute’s commitment to student welfare can be seen through student learning support materials and mentoring programs, and in the learning environments which invite experimentation and creative practice.  Click here to download BDes brochure

NSW
Higher Education Provider No: NSW5082
CRICOS Course Code: 061438J
CRICOS Provider No: 02863C

VIC
Higher Education Provider No: 9515
CRICOS Course Code: 063936G
CRICOS Provider No: 02963K

Core skills of The Whitehouse Institute: Bachelor of Design Graduate

Bachelor of Design students will receive access to instruction and knowledge to help them embark on a career within the professional design industry. They will be able to independently plan, organise, conduct and successfully resolve complex design problems to a professional standard.

Furthermore, students will be encouraged to practically apply both inquisitive and reflective thought to their profession, informed by their intellectual and emotional life. This approach works to develop reflective and creative practitioners who understand a client’s needs. Students will also be equipped with the confidence to critique existing industry practices and provide innovative, cost effective and environmentally responsible solutions.

Bachelor of Design graduates will gain an understanding of the underlying principles that underpin design disciplines including:

• historical, social and cultural contexts
• contemporary issues such as technological developments, social and community concerns
• knowledge of broader fields within the discipline
• concepts and theories of idea generation
• communication needs and requirements
• language and systems of design technology
• operation and purpose of the studio
• role and purpose of the design practice
• understanding of the business context underpinning design practice (budgets, contracts and client relations)
• marketing and entrepreneurship

Bachelor of Design graduates will gain advanced skills, attitudes and values including:

• ability to work independently and in teams
• academic knowledge and skills in research, academic writing, critical analysis, forming logical arguments and sound opinions
• skills in independent learning and planning for life-long learning
• communication, planning, teamwork, and managing work and self
• professional and intellectual attitude and approach to work and study
• honest, ethical and environmentally sustainable professional practice
• independence and creativity

Core Bachelor of Design subjects are:

• COR 101 – Design in Historical Context I – provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to build a critical awareness of design history focusing on philosophies, styles and movements that impact on contemporary practice.
• COR 102 – Visual Design Communications I – provides an introduction to communication systems employed by designers, focusing on illustrative techniques and use of a range of media.
• COR 103 – Design Methods and Processes – introduces students to aesthetics and function as foundation principles in the development of an understanding and appreciation of design process and practice.
• COR 105 – Design in Historical Context II – provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to develop an understanding of the theoretical frameworks within design, focusing on the emergence of the individual designer and identifiable design philosophies, styles and movements.
• COR 106 – Visual Design Communications II – focuses on the development of expression and accuracy in visual communication used by designers in the developmental stage of the design process.
• COR 107 – Design Ideas and Concepts – builds on introductory learning and develops students’ capacity for developing original and innovative ideas.
• COR 201 – Design in Contemporary Contexts – provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to utilise the contextual and theoretical frameworks necessary to develop a critical awareness of societal and technological developments in recent design history.
• COR 205 – Design in Business Contexts – introduces students to the commercial and management frameworks within which design operates, and focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of business principles, labor markets and economics.
• COR 301 – Design in Marketing Contexts – introduces students to the principles and theories of contemporary marketing as they relate to design and designers.
• COR 302 – Advanced Illustration –provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to communicate fully rendered professional illustrations for a variety of purposes.
• COR 305 – Design in Professional Contexts – provides the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to identify and research basic professional practice issues relevant to working as a designer or a design related professional within the creative industry.
• COR 306 – Professional Communication – provides the skills needed to communicate in a professional manner and market ideas with the aim of establishing a personal profile.

domestic students

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overseas students

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