Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media)
Undergraduate
CUR-DDI-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Design your interactive future
Visualise and communicate your talent for designer concepts. Create a digital footprint networking with technology. Critique the complex interaction between people and the internet. Network and browse the human dimensions of online communities.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- 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) (Digital and Social Media)
About this degree
Digital Experience and Interaction Design
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.
Digital and Social Media
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- understand and apply key concepts of Internet Studies and apply trans-disciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication
- think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication
- conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge
- communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences
- use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social
- further develop skills and knowledge through self-directed learning
- understand the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication
- recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information
- act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams.
This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Internet Communications).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital design and internet communications. This degree enables students to understand web-based design, 2-D and 3-D animation design, digital photography, digital illustration and rendering, interactive and experience design, simulations and modelling, and electronic game design. The internet communication component provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the internet: how people network, collaborate and share information through internet communications, media and design.
Recommended study pattern
To complete the degree as a full time student, a maximum of two subjects per Study Period is recommended.
Level 1 BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media) - complete the following:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- DIG11 Universal Design Principles (Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subject)
- DIG12 Digital Design Process (Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subject)
- WEB101 Web Communications (Digital and Social Media major subject)
- NET102 Internet and Everyday Life (Digital and Social Media major subject)
- 2 elective subjects
Level 2 and level 3
Single Major BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
Complete four Level 2 and three Level 3 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects plus 1 elective subject
AND
Single Major BA (Digital and Social Media)
Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Digital and Social Media major subjects
The Bachelor of Arts degree incorporates a progressive structure of subjects designed to build knowledge and enable you to successfully progress through the degree.
Award requirements
To obtain the award for the BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- 9 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
- 10 Digital and Social Media major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
- 3 elective subjects
The following criteria also apply:
- You must complete the degree within 10 years.
- You must complete at least eight Curtin University subjects where Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is applicable.
Choose your subjects
Electives
Students must complete 1 elective subject chosen from any undergraduate subject offered through OUA.
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 title of the degree Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Internet Communications) has been changed to Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media) to reflect current relevancy and recognition within this industry.
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
$12,566
Indicative total fee $37,698
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!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media).
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media)
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. 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 study through OUA – either:
- 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.
- Successful study through OUA – either:
- 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
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 as: website designers; 2D & 3D animation designers; as designers in the field of interactive design for digital simulators; designers in 3D modelling and rendering; character and avatar designers, mobile and computer game designers. Your studies will also lead to careers in more traditional media and information industries that are now moving online, as well as any corporate entity, public or private, that utilise online communications.
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.
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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
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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.
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