Bachelor of Design (B-DES) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

Graduates of a Bachelor of Design will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge of design as a concept, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of at least one discipline in the areas of built environments, performing and visual arts, engineering, and relevant technologies as a basis for independent lifelong learning.

Graduates of a Bachelor of Design will have:

• cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge about their discipline;
• cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of design with depth in at least one discipline;
• cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving design problems with intellectual independence; and
• communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.

Graduates of a Bachelor Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

• by applying a broad knowledge of design across a range of disciplines with in-depth knowledge in at least one area of study;
• through the application of knowledge of the local and global contexts in which their discipline is practised;
• through the application of project based learning, incorporating critical, analytical and methodological skills relevant to the identification and resolution of problems in practical and creative ways;
• by applying appropriate methods of research and investigation in addressing problems;
• by demonstrating an understanding of the social, professional, historical and theoretical contexts of the appropriate discipline;
• by evaluating the role of design in addressing current issues facing local and global communities;
• through an understanding of principles of sustainability and ethics appropriate to the discipline;
• by demonstrating skills and use of technologies to enable production of designed outcomes appropriate to the relevant discipline; and
• through communicating clearly and convincingly about design, technology, practice and future contributions to expert and non-expert audiences.

Generic skills

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design degree will have the capacity to:

• Work collaboratively and productively in groups and across disciplines;
• Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification, evaluation and resolution of problems;
• Engage confidently in self-directed study and research;
• Communicate ideas effectively in written, graphic and oral formats;
• Operate effectively in multicultural and diverse environments;
• Use appropriate technologies;
• Critically evaluate new ideas, research findings, methodologies and theoretical frameworks in their discipline; and
• Recognise and understand the ethical responsibilities of individuals and organisations in society.

Graduate attributes