Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
UndergraduateCUR-DIG-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Design the user experience of the future
Design products and applications using current and emerging technologies in web design, 3D animation, illustration and rendering. Find work in the interactive, mobile, game, user experience (UX) and experiential design fields.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 23 Feb 2025,
- 25 May 2025,
- 24 Aug 2025,
- 23 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
About this degree
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- apply discipline knowledge of creative practice in design application, studio practice and critical discourse, contribute to evidence based practice through visual and technical research
- think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within design research, design practice and contemporary professional/industry practice
- critically evaluate design specific technologies and relevant design literature, synthesise information from a range of sources
- demonstrate effective audio/visual, spoken, written, graphic and technical communication appropriate to digital design within the confines of professional design practice, wroughting and production
- use and discern tools and technologies appropriate and relevant to the design, development, testing and production of digital content and its delivery
- demonstrate personal awareness of a design specific practice, apply effective self-directed learning skills; sustain an engagement with contemporary practices and the creative industries
- recognise the significance of international movements and influences in contemporary design and studio practice, understand and utilise international standards in cultural, regulatory and profession practice
- recognise the importance of cultural diversity and visual language, respect individuals from all cultures, develop cross-cultural collaborations that foster innovation and diversity in design activities, studio practice and production
- work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating design relevant professional practice and leadership skills, use responsible design, sustainable practices and ethical responsibilities within personal judgements.
This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design).
The Digital Experience and Interaction Design major allows you to experience the exciting, creative fields within digital design and interactive media.
This major provides you with a comprehensive theory and practice-based education in digital design, focusing on key principles and techniques in website design, user interaction / experience design (UI/UX) and app design. You will use digital technologies to develop forward-thinking and innovative design solutions to real-world problems.
The major has a strong industry and design research focus, and you will work on real-world projects, facilitated by experienced staff and industry specialists. There is emphasis on concept generation, creative problem-solving, aesthetics and advanced technical skills in digital technologies using the latest digital production software.
Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:- Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Fine Art
- Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Digital and Social Media
- Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Professional Writing & Publishing
- Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Visual Culture
Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.
Recommended study pattern
To complete level one subjects full time - we recommend you enrol in:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- DIG11 Universal Design Principles (major subject)
- DIG12 Digital Design Process (major subject)
- 4 elective subjects
Level 2 and 3:
- study eight major subjects in sequential order along side eight electives
Award requirements
To obtain the award for the BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design), students must complete a total of 24 subjects (600 credits) as follows:
Level 1
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications
- COM155 Culture to Cultures
- DIG11 Universal Design Principles
- DIG12 Digital Design Process
- 4 elective subjects
AND
Levels 2 and 3
- Four Level 2 major subjects AND
- Four Level 3 major subjects AND
- 8 elective subjects
Note: The OUA electives must be completed at an undergraduate level. It is recommended that only 4 of these electives are chosen from 1st year level subjects.
Choose your subjects
Electives
A maximum of four, Level 1 subjects are allowed for enrolment.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2020 Changes
The Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design) has been changed to Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
The common core subjects VAR101 Art and Design Fundamentals (previously VAR100) and VIS18 Introduction to History of Art and Design have been removed and no longer part of this degree. Students can still complete these subjects as optional subjects. Student who have previously completed VAR100 & VIS18 as core subjects will have these credited to their degree of study.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$7,928
Indicative total fee $23,784
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Single subjects
Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this degree. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend starting subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjectsContinue to the Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
- Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)
- Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
- Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
- English language proficiency
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
Graduates will be equipped with relevant industry skills specific to careers in Web Design, App Design, Interaction Design, User Interface and User Experience Design.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators | $75K to $93K | Down 9% |
Multimedia Designers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers | $93K to $120K | Up 22.5% |
Web Designers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
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Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.