Bachelor of Design/Master of Design (Strategic Design)

Highlights

• Study the first integrated design vertical double degree of its kind in Australia. 
• Graduate earlier with two degrees in just four years with a Bachelor of Design plus a Master of Design (Strategic Design). 
• Develop systems thinking, design‑led innovation, ethical decision‑making and strategic leadership skills 
• Learn from world-leading strategic design researchers in real‑world studios through industry‑informed projects 
• Study at Queensland’s No 1 university for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) 

Why choose this course? 

Design today is about more than making things. It shapes how organisations respond to change, how services support people, and how systems work more fairly and sustainably. Strategic designers use deep discipline expertise to make better decisions, guide interdisciplinary teams and shape outcomes at scale. 

This course is designed for students who aspire to become future design leaders by combining creative design practice with advanced skills in strategy, innovation, and systems thinking. Whether your background is in fashion, industrial design, experience design, strategic design or visual communication, you will build on the strengths of your chosen major and apply that expertise in broader organisational and societal contexts. Through the master degree component, you develop the confidence and capability to lead complex projects, work across disciplines and make ethically informed decisions as a strategic designer. 

By completing a bachelor and master’s degree in four years, you gain a clear advantage. You graduate earlier with advanced skills that are increasingly valued by employers across industry, government and the community sector, particularly as organisations navigate rapid technological, social, and environmental change.  

This is the first integrated design vertical double degree of its kind in Australia, offering a distinctive pathway for high‑achieving students who want to progress quickly into strategic and leadership‑focused roles. 

If you are motivated by challenge, purpose and leadership, this course gives you the competitive edge you need to turn design capability into long‑term influence. 

What you’ll study 

This vertical double degree combines the Bachelor of Design with the Master of Design (Strategic Design), allowing you to complete both qualifications in four years full-time rather than studying them separately. 

You will begin with the Bachelor of Design, choosing one of five design majors to build strong creative, technical and conceptual foundations: 

• Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) 
• Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) 
• Bachelor of Design (Experience Design) 
• Bachelor of Design (Strategic Design) 
• Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) 

During your undergraduate study, selected Master of Design (Strategic Design) units are embedded, introducing you to advanced ways of thinking about design, systems thinking and leadership. Your final year focuses entirely on the master’s coursework. 

Strategic design uses design as a way to shape decisions, organisations and systems. You will learn how to frame complex challenges, work across disciplines, engage stakeholders and apply ethical, evidence‑informed judgement. This course prepares you to move beyond designing objects or visuals to leading innovation across services, policy, technology and communities. 

Professional recognition

Graduates qualify for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), the professional peak industry body for designers in Australia. 

Highlights

• Study the first integrated design vertical double degree of its kind in Australia. 
• Graduate earlier with two degrees in just four years with a Bachelor of Design plus a Master of Design (Strategic Design). 
• Develop systems thinking, design‑led innovation, ethical decision‑making and strategic leadership skills 
• Learn from world-leading strategic design researchers in real‑world studios through industry‑informed projects 
• Top 8 university in Australia and top 150 in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) 

Why choose this course? 

Design today is about more than making things. It shapes how organisations respond to change, how services support people, and how systems work more fairly and sustainably. Strategic designers use deep discipline expertise to make better decisions, guide interdisciplinary teams and shape outcomes at scale. 

This course is designed for students who aspire to become future design leaders by combining creative design practice with advanced skills in strategy, innovation, and systems thinking. Whether your background is in fashion, industrial design, experience design, strategic design or visual communication, you will build on the strengths of your chosen major and apply that expertise in broader organisational and societal contexts. Through the master degree component, you develop the confidence and capability to lead complex projects, work across disciplines and make ethically informed decisions as a strategic designer. 

By completing a bachelor and master degree in four years, you gain a clear advantage. You graduate earlier with advanced skills that are increasingly valued by employers across industry, government and the community sector, particularly as organisations navigate rapid technological, social, and environmental change.  

This is the first integrated design vertical double degree of its kind in Australia, offering a distinctive pathway for high‑achieving students who want to progress quickly into strategic and leadership‑focused roles. 

If you are motivated by challenge, purpose and leadership, this course gives you the competitive edge you need to turn design capability into long‑term influence. 

What you’ll study 

This vertical double degree combines the Bachelor of Design with the Master of Design (Strategic Design), allowing you to complete both qualifications in four years full-time rather than studying them separately. 

You will begin with the Bachelor of Design, choosing one of five design majors to build strong creative, technical and conceptual foundations.

During your undergraduate study, selected Master of Design (Strategic Design) units are embedded, introducing you to advanced ways of thinking about design, systems thinking and leadership. Your final year focuses entirely on the Master of Design (Strategic Design) coursework.

Strategic design uses design as a way to shape decisions, organisations and systems. You will learn how to frame complex challenges, work across disciplines, engage stakeholders and apply ethical, evidence‑informed judgement. This course prepares you to move beyond designing objects or visuals to leading innovation across services, policy, technology and communities. 

Professional recognition

Graduates qualify for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), the professional peak industry body for designers in Australia.