Second Major: Design

Please note

This page is presenting future information for the 2027 version of this course. Any information provided is subject to change.

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Planning your enrolment

This information will assist to plan your studies and complete your enrolment in HiQ. Read the information under the Course Structure tab for a recommended study program and unit details.

If you need further enrolment advice use the contact details listed. For more information about enrolling visit the enrolment section.

Course Details

Total credit points:	96
Course contact:	Phone: +61 7 3138 2000, Email: askqut@qut.edu.au
Faculties:	University Wide Faculty of Business and Law Faculty of Science Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice Faculty of Health

Study areas

A second major is a set of related units in a particular study area. You may be able to choose one from another area of the University if your course rules allow. To find out, go to your study plan: if you have a complementary studies option block, search using the code in brackets above the unit list and if it exists you will be able to select it on plan.

Second majors can consists of 72 or 96 credit points. The credit points for this study area is listed on the Overview tab.

The introductory units in each second major have no prerequisites. Later units may have earlier units as prerequisites. Depending on class timetabling it may not be possible to complete all units in a university wide second major. Consult with your course coordinator and relevant discipline coordinators prior to undertaking interfaculty studies.

Individual units completed in a university wide second major will appear on your academic transcript but it will only be recorded as a successfully completed study area if you have a). selected it as an option on your study plan and b). completed the correct number of credit points.

Course Structures

Unit Lists

Fashion Communication

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-FASHCOM
Description: This second major reflects the professional diversity of fashion careers, where communication is fundamental to the dissemination of fashion globally. It provides you with knowledge of the industry, to prepare you for potential careers in merchandising, branding, buying, fashion and style journalism, and fashion styling.
Assumed Knowledge: There is no specific prior knowledge required as a prerequisite to undertaking this second major.
SELECT	48cp from the Fashion Communication Unit Options list
DFB102 Equivalents: KFB103	Introduction to Fashion Communication
DFB104	Design and Sustainability	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2
DFB204 Equivalents: DFB406	Fashion Product Development	Online Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 2	Introductory fashion visualisation skills are assumed knowledge.
DFB205 Equivalents: DFB304, KFB210, DFB308	Fashion Media	Last offered in 2024	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study DFB102 is assumed knowledge - broad introductory understanding of the breadth of the fashion system and fashion cultures.
DFB206	Fashion: Histories and Cultures	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1	Prerequisites: Completion of 48 credit points of study
DFB208	Fashion Textiles	Kelvin Grove Semester 2
DFB209	Design History and Culture	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1
DFB305	Design Policy and Social Justice	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Prerequisites: 48 credit points of completed study.
DYB122 Equivalents: DYD122	Design Visualisations	Online Semester 1, Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 1, Semester 2
DYB222	Design Study Tour	Online Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
DYB223	Design Project Unit	Online Semester 1, Semester 2	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
Note: DFB207 Fashion and Style Journalism is permitted to count towards this study area if completed in 2022 or earlier.
Note: KKB345 Creative Industries Project 1, KKB346 Creative Industries Project 2, KKB350 Creative Industries Study Tour are permitted to count towards this study area if completed in 2024 or earlier.

Industrial Design Studies

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-INDDESN version 2
Description: You will learn about the foundations of how industrial designers create innovative, attractive, sustainable and user-friendly products and systems. Depending on the unit selections you make you will underake industrial design projects in practical studio settings to learn about the product design process, visualisation, presentation, ergonomics, design and culture, design criticism, manufacturing technology and computer-aided industrial design.
SELECT	12cp from the Design Foundations Unit Options
DYB121	Introducing Design Fabrication	Kelvin Grove Semester 1
DYB123	Emerging Design Technology	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2
DYB124 Equivalents: DEB202, DED202	Design Consequences	Online Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 2
SELECT	84cp from the Industrial Design Studies Unit Options
DNB110	ID Studio: User Centred Design	Kelvin Grove Semester 1
DNB111	ID Studio: Aesthetics and Visualisation	Kelvin Grove Semester 2
DNB210	ID Studio: Interaction and Experience	Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DNB110
DNB211	ID Studio: Manufacturing Technology	Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DNB110. DNB110 can be enrolled in the same teaching period as DNB211
DNB212 Equivalents: DNB404	ID Studio 5: Applied Technology	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: DNB211 or DNB304
DNB310	ID Studio: Sustainability	Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DNB212
DYB122 Equivalents: DYD122	Design Visualisations	Online Semester 1, Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 1, Semester 2
DYB222	Design Study Tour	Online Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
DYB223	Design Project Unit	Online Semester 1, Semester 2	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
Note: KKB345 Creative Industries Project 1, KKB346 Creative Industries Project 2, KKB350 Creative Industries Study Tour are permitted to count towards this study area if completed in 2024 or earlier.

Interactive and Visual Design

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-INVISDN
Description: This second major will provide you with the design concepts and principles, practical skills and working methods needed by a contemporary designer of visual and interactive media. You will learn how to design effectively for print and electronic media, web and mobile media and computer games and become equipped with a versatile set of design practices to support you to enter careers in graphic design, marketing, web design, electronic publishing, interaction design and the creative aspects of game design.
Assumed Knowledge: There is no specific prior knowledge required as a prerequisite to undertaking this second major.
It is recommended that you review the requisite requirements for units to ensure your unit selection enables you to successfully complete the requirements of this major.
SELECT	96cp from the Interactive and Visual Design Unit Options
DVB101	Visual Communication Design	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1, Summer	It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser
DVB102	Image Design and Production	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop and Illustrator skills are assumed knowledge
DVB201	Typographic Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DVB101 Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills are assumed knowledge
DVB203	Theories and Methods of Visual Communication	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Prerequisites: DVB101 Experience with basic visual communication and image design approaches is assumed knowledge
DVB302	Data Visualisation and Information Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: Completion of 36 credit points of Visual Communication or Interaction units (DVB% or DXB%) Antirequisites: CCN104, CCN205 Experience with basic visual communication and image design approaches is assumed knowledge
DXB110	Principles of Interaction and UX Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser
DXB111	Introduction to Web Design	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), you can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor and web browser and you can install and update software
DXB205	Interactive Narrative Design	Online Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 2	Prerequisites: Completion of 24 credit points of study
DXB210	Critical Experience Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DFB104 or DXB110 or DYB123 Foundational knowledge of interaction design principles and practices is assumed knowledge
DXB211	Creative Coding	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: 36cp of previous study It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser
DXB212	Tangible Interaction Design	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Prerequisites: DXB110 and DXB111or IFB104 A basic knowledge of the principles of computer programming, and computational processes and techniques is assumed knowledge
DYB222	Design Study Tour	Online Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
DYB223	Design Project Unit	Online Semester 1, Semester 2	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
Note: KKB345 Creative Industries Project 1, KKB346 Creative Industries Project 2, KKB350 Creative Industries Study Tour are permitted to count towards this study area if completed in 2024 or earlier.

Strategic Design

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-STRTDES
Description: The Strategic Design (Interdisciplinary) second major introduces students to design as a flexible, systems-oriented approach to problem-solving across diverse fields.
DFB104 Equivalents: DFB203, KFB104	Fashion Sustainability	Available for enrolment in 2026
DFB209 Equivalents: DFB303, KFB109	Global Fashion History	Available for enrolment in 2026
DFB305 Equivalents: DFB602, KFB305	Fashion Justice	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 48 credit points of Fashion units (DF% coded)
DVB305	Design for Health Innovation	Available for enrolment in 2026
DYB101	Impact Lab: Place and Context	Available for enrolment in 2026
DYB123	Emerging Design Technology	Available for enrolment in 2026
DYB124 Equivalents: DEB202, DED202	Design Consequences	Available for enrolment in 2026
DXB210	Critical Experience Design	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: DXB110 or DXB201 Foundational knowledge of interaction design principles and practices is assumed knowledge

Visual Communication

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-VISCOMN
Description: In this second major you will develop both practical and theoretical skills in multiple visual communication design specialisations, including graphic design, typography, image making, information design, experience design, motion design and branding. You will build your expertise in professional studio settings and through a focus on both contemporary and emerging design practices. Through authentic design projects and a strong foundation of creative experimentation and critical thinking, you will graduate fully prepared for future-focused and innovative positions across communication design fields and related industries.
SELECT	96cp from the Visual Communication Unit Options
DVB101	Visual Communication Design	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1, Summer	It is assumed that you are computer literate - which means you know how to use a typical computer (Mac and/or Windows), and can use standard desktop applications such as a word processor, email and web browser
DVB102	Image Design and Production	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop and Illustrator skills are assumed knowledge
DVB201	Typographic Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: DVB101 Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign skills are assumed knowledge
DVB202	Visual Design for Storytelling	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1	Prerequisites: DVB101 or DVB102 or KZB104
DVB203	Theories and Methods of Visual Communication	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Prerequisites: DVB101 Experience with basic visual communication and image design approaches is assumed knowledge
DVB301	Kinetic Image and Text	Kelvin Grove Semester 1 Online Semester 1	Prerequisites: Completion of 36 credit points of Visual Communication units (DVB%) Basic visual communication skills, basic Photoshop and Illustrator skills are assumed knowledge
DVB302	Data Visualisation and Information Design	Online Semester 1 Kelvin Grove Semester 1	Prerequisites: Completion of 36 credit points of Visual Communication or Interaction units (DVB% or DXB%) Antirequisites: CCN104, CCN205 Experience with basic visual communication and image design approaches is assumed knowledge
DVB303	Experimental Visual Communication	Kelvin Grove Semester 2 Online Semester 2	Prerequisites: Completion of 60 credit points of Visual Communication units (DVB%)
DYB122 Equivalents: DYD122	Design Visualisations	Online Semester 1, Semester 2 Kelvin Grove Semester 1, Semester 2

PHASING OUT STUDY AREA(S): continuing students only

The following study areas have been discontinued. Students who have already commenced one of these second majors will be permitted to complete it.

Architectural Studies (v2): discontinued end 2023

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-ARCSTUD version 2
Description: This second major will give you insight into architectural practices and knowledge to enable transference to your own discipline or to work more closely and effectively with architects in professional practice. You will learn about the foundations of how architects design buildings and structures that contribute to improving the human experience in the built environment. You will undertake architectural design projects in practical studio settings, learn about architectural technology and cultural factors.
DYB111 Equivalents: DAB103, DTB103, DEB103, DLB103	Create and Represent: Form	Last offered in 2023
DYB113 Equivalents: DAB203, DTB203, DEB203, DLB203	Create and Represent: Materials	Last offered in 2023
SELECT	72cp from the Architectural Studies Unit Options list
ABB101 Equivalents: DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101	Design 1: Space and Scale	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB102 Equivalents: DAB102, DLB102, DTB102, ADB102	Design 2: Site and Context	Gardens Point Semester 2
ABB213 Equivalents: DAB200	Modern Architecture	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: ABB105 or DYB112 or ABB108 or DYB114 or UXB130 or ABD105 or ABD108
ABB211 Equivalents: DAB201	Architecture Design 3	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: ABB101 or DAB101 or ABD101
ABB212 Equivalents: DAB202	Architecture Design 4	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: (ABB101 or DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101) and (ABB102 or DAB102 or DLB102 or DTB102 or ABD102)
ABB105 Equivalents: ABD105, DYB112	Spatial Materiality	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB108 Equivalents: DYB114, UXB130, ABD108	Spatial Histories	Available for enrolment in 2026
*You may select a maximum of two units from KKB345, KKB346 and KKB350 and only if projects or tours suitable for Design students are being offered.
KKB345	Creative Industries Project 1	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
KKB346	Creative Industries Project 2	Last offered in 2024	Prerequisites: KKB345 (can be enrolled in the same teaching period) This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/WorkIntegratedLearning-CI
KKB350	Creative Industries Study Tour	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is an immersive learning unit. Enrolment by application only.
*Note: ABB104 and ABB106 replace DYB111 and DYB113 from 2024
*Note: DYB111 and DYB113 are permitted to count towards this Second Major if completed in 2023 or earlier
*Note: DAB101, DAB102, DAB200, DAB201, DAB202, DAB211, DYB112 and DBY114 are permitted to count towards the Architectural Studies Unit Options list if completed in 2023 or earlier

Interiors (v1): discontinued end 2023

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-INTERIO
Description: This second major will give you insight into interior design practices and knowledge to enable transference to your own discipline or to work more closely and effectively with interior designers in professional practice. You will learn about the foundations of how interior designers create beautiful, useful and comfortable tailored environments. Depending on the unit selections you make you will undertake interior design projects in practical studio settings to learn how to conceptualise and develop interior designs using models, full-scale material constructs and digital animations.
SELECT	96cp from the Interiors Unit Options
ABB101 Equivalents: DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101	Design 1: Space and Scale	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB102 Equivalents: DAB102, DLB102, DTB102, ADB102	Design 2: Site and Context	Gardens Point Semester 2
ABB104	Create and Represent: Presentation	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB106 Equivalents: DYB113, ABD106	Create and Represent: Documentation	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB233 Equivalents: DTB200, DTB303	Interior Access and Assemblies	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: ABB106 or DYB113
ABB231 Equivalents: DTB204	Interior Design: Inhabitation	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: (ABB101 or ABD101 or DTB101) and (ABB102 or ABD102 or DTB102)
DTB306 Equivalents: DTB402	Interior Systems	Last offered in 2024	Prerequisites: DTB200 or DTB303 or ABB233
ABB333 Equivalents: DTB306, DTB402	Interior Systems	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: ABB233 or DTB200 or DTB303
*You may select a maximum of two units from KKB345, KKB346 and KKB350 and only if projects or tours suitable for Design students are being offered.
KKB345	Creative Industries Project 1	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
KKB346	Creative Industries Project 2	Last offered in 2024	Prerequisites: KKB345 (can be enrolled in the same teaching period) This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/WorkIntegratedLearning-CI
KKB350	Creative Industries Study Tour	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is an immersive learning unit. Enrolment by application only.
*Note: DTB202 Interior Technology 1 is permitted to count towards this second major if completed in 2019 or earlier.
*Note: DTB101, DTB102, DTB200, DTB204, DTB205, DTB210, DTB304, DYB111 and DYB113 are permitted to count towards this second major if completed in 2023 or earlier.
*Note: ABB333 to replace DTB306 from 2025

Landscape Design (v1): discontinued end 2023

Code	Title	Offered In	Requisites
DEBXSMJ-LNDDES
Description: In this second major you will learn to combine art and science to create long-lasting and meaningful outdoor spaces. It will give you insight into landscape architecture practices and knowledge to enable transference to your own discipline or to work more closely and effectively with landscape architects in professional practice.
SELECT	96cp from the Landscape Design Unit Options list
ABB101 Equivalents: DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101 or ABD101	Design 1: Space and Scale	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB102 Equivalents: DAB102, DLB102, DTB102, ADB102	Design 2: Site and Context	Gardens Point Semester 2
ABB103 Equivalents: DYB111 or ABD103	Create and Represent: Process	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB104	Create and Represent: Presentation	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB105 Equivalents: ABD105, DYB112	Spatial Materiality	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB106 Equivalents: DYB113, ABD106	Create and Represent: Documentation	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB108 Equivalents: DYB114, UXB130, ABD108	Spatial Histories	Available for enrolment in 2026
ABB247 Equivalents: DLB201	Landform, Technology and Techniques	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: (ABB101 or ABD101 or DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101) and (ABB106 or ABD106)
ABB242 Equivalents: DLB202	Landscape Design 4: People and Place	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: (ABB101 or DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101) and (ABB103 or ABB104 or ABB106 or DYB111 or DYB113)
ABB241 Equivalents: DLB204	Landscape Design 3: Planting Design	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: (ABB101 or ABD101 or DAB101 or DLB101 or DTB101) and (ABB103 or ABD103 or ABB104 or ABB106 or ABD106 or DYB111 or DYB113)
DLB301 Equivalents: DLB420, DLB330	Landscape Ecology	Last offered in 2024
ABB246 Equivalents: DLB301	Landscape Ecologies	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: 36 credit points of completed Landscape Architecture study (ABB24% or DL% units)
ABB248 Equivalents: DLB302	Landscape Materiality and Constructs	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: ABB247 or DLB201
*You may select a maximum of two units from KKB345, KKB346 and KKB350 and only if projects or tours suitable for Design students are being offered.
KKB345	Creative Industries Project 1	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study relevant to the specific project This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only.
KKB346	Creative Industries Project 2	Last offered in 2024	Prerequisites: KKB345 (can be enrolled in the same teaching period) This is a professional project unit. Enrolment by application only. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/WorkIntegratedLearning-CI
KKB350	Creative Industries Study Tour	Available for enrolment in 2026	Prerequisites: Completion of 72 credit points of study This is an immersive learning unit. Enrolment by application only.
*Note: DLB211 is permitted to count towards this second major if completed in 2020 or earlier.
*Note: DLB320 is permitted to count towards this second major if completed in 2019 or earlier.
*Note: DLB101, DLB102, DLB201, DLB202, DLB204, DYB111, DYB112, DYB113 and DYB114 are permitted to count towards this second major if completed in 2023 or earlier.
*Note: ABB246 to replace DLB301 from 2025.