Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art)
Undergraduate
CUR-DDF-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Illustrate your creative and animated career
Get designs on creating a future in fine art using paint and pixels. Animate interactive experiences. Draw on traditional and contemporary art techniques from painting to visual research. Layout digital design processes and principles.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 18 May 2025,
- 17 Aug 2025,
- 16 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) (Fine Art)
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.
Fine Art
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- apply discipline knowledge of creative production in both studio practice and art critical discourse; contribute to evidence based practice through visual research
- think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within visual research and studio practice
- critically evaluate visual culture, technology and literature relevant to the discipline, synthesise information from a range of sources
- demonstrate effective visual, spoken and written communication appropriate to both studio practice and art critical discourse
- use and discern technologies appropriate to the production of contemporary art
- demonstrate personal awareness of a critically reflective studio practice; apply effective self-directed learning skills; sustain an engagement with visual culture and creative industries
- recognise the significance of international visual arts and cultural practice in the development of local and national professional contemporary visual arts production
- recognise the importance of cultural diversity through visual language; respect individuals from all cultures; develop cross-cultural collaborations that foster innovation and diversity in the visual arts
- work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating art relevant professional practice and leadership skills.
This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Fine Art).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital design and fine art. 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 along with drawing upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist.
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) (Fine Art) - 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)
- VSW13 Fine Art Studio (Fine Art major subject)
- VSW14 Fine Art Studio Methods (Fine Art major subject)
- 2 elective subjects
Level 2 and level 3
Single Major BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Digital Design major subjects
AND
Single Major BA (Fine Art)
Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Fine Art 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) (Fine Art) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- 10 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
- 10 Fine Art major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
- 2 elective subjects
The following criteria also apply:
- The combined Digital Experience and Interaction Design and Fine Art structure only allows two elective subjects.
- 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.
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:
Degree structure changes
The title of the degree Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Fine Art) has been changed to Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art).
From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art) will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.
Level 1:
- 2 Common Level 1 core subjects; APC100 and COM155,
- 2 Fine Art major subjects; VSW13 and VSW14, and
- 2 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects; DIG11 and DIG12, and
- 2 elective subjects
Level 2:
- 4 Fine Art major subjects; VSW210, VSW220, VSW230, and VSW240, and
- 4 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects; DIG21, DIG22, DIG23 and DIG24
Level 3:
- 4 Fine Art major subjects; VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340, and
- 4 Four Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects; DIG32, DIG31, DIG33 and WEB310
Digital Experience and Interaction Design Subject Changes
- Elective subjects may include VIS18 and VAR101 (previously VAR100). Students who have previously completed VIS18 and VAR100 as core subjects will have these credited to their degree of study.
Fine Art Subject Changes
- VSW25, VSW26, VSW27 and VSW28 are no longer offered in 2020. Students who wish to continue studying the sculpture Fine Art stream will be able to do so in subjects VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240. Students who have previously completed these subjects will have them credited to their degree as major subjects.
- VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240 have been developed to allow students to choose either Painting OR Sculpture as their major studio focus.
- VSW330 replaces VSW33. VSW330 will offer a broadening of subject outcomes to include both theoretical and practical perspectives in the production of art. Students who have previously completed VSW33 should not enrol in VSW330.
- VSW340 replaces VSW34. VSW340 is the capstone subject for the fine art major where students present a final body of work that represents the culmination of their fine art specialism.
Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which major structure students choose to stay in or transition into, students will not be disadvantaged in their education. Curtin University is committed to discussion and consultation and would welcome your email or phone contact at any time to ensure you are fully informed and understand the changes.
Students with enquiries please email:
Digital Experience and Interaction Design Major Coordinator: Joel Louie joel.louie@curtin.edu.au
Fine Art Major Coordinator: Moira Doropoulos m.doropoulos@curtin.edu.au
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,881
Indicative total fee $29,644
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.
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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) (Fine Art)
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 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; professional art practitioners; art curators; exhibition coordinators; and arts administrators.
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
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