Major Undergraduate

Graphic Design


Study mode
Full Time Part Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-GPH
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Major in graphic design and transform ideas into visual impact

Graphic design shapes how brands communicate, how information is understood, and how audiences experience the digital world, integrating systems thinking  and design strategy to create purposeful, context‑aware visual communication. 

Develop the creative, systems‑aware, and strategic design‑thinking skills needed to communicate ideas effectively across print and digital platforms with the Graphic Design major in our Bachelor of Creative Media

Designed in close alignment with the design industry and taught by practising creative professionals, our graphic design major combines design strategy with hands-on production techniques used across the sector. Working on real‑world projects, you’ll investigate how visual storytelling support strategic communication goals, using design‑thinking methods to craft effective experiences across publications, packaging, websites and mobile applications.  

During your studies, you’ll work on industry-focused projects through our Work Integrated Learning program and student creative consultancy MESH, responding to real creative briefs for clients. These experiences help you develop professional skills such as client collaboration, project management and presenting design solutions clearly and confidently. 

You can also expand your creative media degree by combining Graphic Design with other creative majors such as Games Art and Design, Photography, Screen Production or Sound Design, building complementary skills across visual communication, storytelling and digital production. 

Throughout your major, you’ll curate a portfolio that showcases your ability to apply strategic design thinking across branding, identity, interactive and web projects – preparing you for a graphic design career in the creative industries.
Media student applying makeup under studio lighting

3 reasons to study graphic design at Murdoch University

  1. Gain industry experience through our Work Integrated Learning program and student creative consultancy MESH, working on real client briefs and creative projects.  
  2. Create and experiment in specialised design studios and digital production facilities, equipped with professional tools used across the design industry.
  3. Graduate with professional recognition, eligible to apply for Associate status with the Design Institute of Australia and the Australian Graphic Design Association.

What you’ll learn

  • Apply visual communication and design strategy to solve creative and communication challenges. 
  • Design branding and identity systems for organisations, products and campaigns. 
  • Create layouts and visual concepts for publications and print media, using typography, imagery and composition. 
  • Develop digital design skills for web, mobile and interactive platforms. 
  • Explore information and service design to communicate complex ideas clearly and improve user experiences.
  • Use design thinking methods to identify problems, generate ideas and develop innovative solutions.
  • Conduct user research and apply insights to inform design decisions.
  • Prototype and test concepts for digital, physical and service-based outcomes.
  • Design user journeys and map experiences.
  • Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to deliver design solutions.
  • Apply systems thinking to understand and design for complex organisational and service contexts.
  • Communicate ideas through visual, written and verbal presentations to different audience.

Using life experiences as the basis for projects is something I found had the best outcomes in my assignments and helped me develop my unique voice and brand.

Grayce, Creative Media and Communications

Murdoch University creative media and communications student
Media and communications student in recording studio with microphone

Your future career in graphic design

If you want to become a graphic designer, you’ll need the ability to communicate ideas visually and build strong brands. With our Graphic Design major, you’ll develop the creative and technical skills to pursue a graphic design career across advertising, digital media and communication sectors. Opportunities include roles in advertising agencies, design studios, digital media companies or in-house design teams. 

Potential roles include: 

  • Graphic designer 
  • Digital designer 
  • Web designer 
  • Interaction designer 
  • Service designer
  • Publication designer 
  • Strategic designer
  • Customer experience designer
For more details about our Graphic Design major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Creative Media

Study a Bachelor of Creative Media at Murdoch University and build practical skills for a career in the creative industries. Apply today.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Communication


Bachelor of Creative Media

Gain real-world creative and communication experience with a Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Creative Media at Murdoch University. Apply now.

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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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