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Queensland University of Technology

Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Design

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

  • Level

    Diploma

  • Duration

    3F , 6-P

  • Campus

    Kelvin Grove (QLD)

  • Intl. Tuition

    A$28,200 (2027-28)

  • Home Tuition

    A$13,800 (2027-28)

  • Intake

    February 2027

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Course Overview

Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Design at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia is a diploma programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.

Student life (indicative)

Brisbane offers a sunny, outdoorsy student lifestyle with a rapidly growing food and arts scene, easy access to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and a relaxed, friendly pace compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

52,423

Staff Ratio

18.0:1

International

18.0%

Career Prospects

Employment Rate

78.0%

of graduates employed

Avg Starting Salary

£33,970

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

A$28,200

per year, 2027-28 Official fee page

Home Tuition

A$13,800

per year, 2027-28 Official fee page

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Design
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Design topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Design
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

Subjects

  • Applicant must be 16
  • Completion of Year 12 or attained age 18 years | For additional information about the admissions criteria for QUT and for this course, refer to QUT's website.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

52,423

Total students

Staff Ratio

18:1

Students per staff

International Students

18%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Mild coastal

Safety Index (indicative)

8.0/10

Transport

Good (close to station or regional airport)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle | Entrepreneurial / start-up culture

Student Life & City (indicative)

Brisbane offers a sunny, outdoorsy student lifestyle with a rapidly growing food and arts scene, easy access to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and a relaxed, friendly pace compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

  • Brisbane offers a sunny, outdoorsy student lifestyle with a rapidly growing food and arts scene, easy access to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and a relaxed, friendly pace compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

What Students Love

  • Beach lifestyle
  • Outdoor & nature activities
  • Vibrant nightlife & bars
  • Great café culture

University Stats

Total Students52,423
Student-to-Staff Ratio18:1
International Students18%
Safety Index (indicative)8.0/10

Career & Outcomes

Graduate Employment

78%

Employed after graduation

Avg Starting Salary

£33,970

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.

  • Arts and design graduates build portfolio careers as practitioners, educators, creative directors and arts administrators, combining creative practice with commercial and community-facing work.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

A$28,200

per year, 2027-28 Official fee page

Home Tuition

A$13,800

per year, 2027-28 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

A$84,600

For full 3F , 6-P

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)A$28,200per year, 2027-28 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)A$13,800per year, 2027-28 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£821/mo
Food & Groceries£331/mo
Transport£86/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,429
Annual living costs£17,158/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

Like most major Australian cities, Gardens Point carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110). A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.

  • Like most major Australian cities, Gardens Point carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $1,810/month (housing $1,040, food $420, transport $110).
  • A comfortable lifestyle at costs below Australia's major east-coast cities.