C10272v1 Bachelor of Design in Interior and Spatial Design Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Overview

With a strong emphasis on creativity and technology, the Bachelor of Design in Interior and Spatial Design is the first university program of its kind in Australia. While interior design is an established profession, spatial design encompasses a range of connected practices that engage directly and creatively with space, from designing an exhibition to art directing a performance.

The combined degree program in design and international studies provides students with additional practical skills, in particular those that make them aware of the international contexts of design, by providing the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of a language and culture other than English.

The course equips graduates with critical thinking, creativity and the skills to engage across the expanded field of interior and spatial design, to take up leading roles in industry. Uniquely, this course emphasises digital technologies of representation and fabrication, internationalisation and design practice. Students also learn a different language and culture, and travel overseas.

Course aims

Through their study, students develop spatial intelligence and excellence in design practice. The program fosters a creative and explorative attitude toward the design process, underpinned by a reflective and critical engagement. In doing so, students generate a cohesive design approach where research and practice are consolidated in design outcomes.

The course cultivates a collaborative and global vision of design through a variety of interdisciplinary subjects, industry projects and international studios. Students develop the flexibility and confidence to work in the divergent and novel environments of contemporary practice.

The course has:

• an emphasis on creative, innovative spatial practice and international networks
• practice-oriented and research-integrated learning around specific projects
• engagement with innovative and creative technologies
• an emphasis on emerging design practices, and
• close links with creative practitioners.

Students are expected to develop an understanding of their individual design language and theoretical position in relation to historic and contemporary contexts.

The aim of this combined degree is to produce graduates who have developed perspectives and understandings that enable them to meet the professional demands of an internationalised marketplace.

Career options

Career options include commercial and residential interior design, interactive and responsive environment design, museum and exhibition design, production design for film and television, theatre and performance design, and visual and spatial branding.

Career options are enhanced by international experience, making students more marketable to prospective employers.

Assumed knowledge

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a five-year, full-time basis. There are generally up to 20 contact hours a week. Lectures and studios are on campus during semester. Semesters are focused around design studios that incorporate advanced communication and technology skills with innovative design thinking and practice.

Students spend two semesters of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their major.

Course structure

Students must complete 240 credit points comprising 96 credit points of core subjects, a 24-credit-point sub-major, 24 credit points of electives in interior and spatial design, and 96 credit points of international studies subjects.

Course program

An example program is shown below for students commencing in Autumn semester and undertaking the course with the Germany major as the international studies major.

Other information

Further information is available from the Building 6 Student Centre on: