Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
Undergraduate
CUR-DDP-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Futureproof your career when you build your digital toolbox.
Double down on your options when you combine digital design with the ability to adapt your writing for a variety of platforms. Become a one stop shop for digital content creation, able to work individually or collaboratively to engage audiences.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- 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) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
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.
Professional Writing and Publishing
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing
- integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication
- access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing
- effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purposes
- use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills
- use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts
- acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing
- recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
- work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts.
This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Professional Writing and Publishing).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital design and professional writing & publishing. 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 preparing students for writing careers in the private, public and creative sectors through the study and practice of a range of different writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, history, humour, writing for the internet, promotional writing, creative non-fiction and media releases.
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) (Professional Writing and Publishing) - 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)
- PWP110 Introduction to Writing (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
- PWP121 Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
- Two Level 1 elective subjects
Level 2 and level 3
Single Major BA (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Digital Experience and Interaction Design major subjects
AND
Single Major BA (Professional Writing and Publishing)
Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Professional Writing and Publishing 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) (Professional Writing and Publishing) 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 Professional Writing and Publishing 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 Professional Writing and Publishing structure allows only 2 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.
2024 Changes
The following Subjects will be part of the degree from 2024:
- PWP230 Publishing (new subject)
- PWP240 Workplace Writing (new subject)
- PWP330 Publishing Studio (new subject)
- PWP323 Professional Writing Placement and Project (existing subject)
They will replace the following, which will no longer be offered in 2024:
- PWP221 Writing Feature Articles
- PWP220 Tricks of Truth and Authenticity
- PWP322 Advanced Editing and Publishing
- PWP324 Portfolio Development for Writers
Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees.
For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via the Ask Connect Webform.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$13,081
Indicative total fee $39,244
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) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
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).
Study method requirements
PWP323 has a practicum placement requirement.
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. Opportunities exist in research, writing, editing and publishing in government and industry as well as the not-for-profit sector, arts organisations and the magazine and book industries.
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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