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SAE is now a University College!

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Study Design

If you’re down to make your mark, study Design at SAE.

We’ll provide you with high-tech tools, the design gurus, and the creative environment for you to truly thrive. Start your Design career here.
Enrol for MAY 2024
FEE-Help Available
No ATAR Required

Download the Industry Infopack

Complete the form below to find out what jobs are available in the industry, the skills you'll need, info on SAE courses and how to apply.








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The Future of Design is You

Are you looking for a career that offers ultimate flexibility? Do you see yourself building better brands or perhaps helping to create and establish new brands, products and services?

Whether your interest is in illustration and image making, layout design, concept design, user experience (UX) or communication and marketing campaigns, the career options in design are only limited by your imagination.

If you’re ready to be part of an industry that is continuously expanding and evolving, filled with passionate, motivated and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries, the world of design is waiting for you.

Design helps businesses, communities, and individuals to be innovative, cutting edge and connected with their audiences. At SAE, our design courses are all about preparing you for the industry. You will be taught the fundamentals and pushed to expand the idea of what is possible within the realms of design.

Working on industry-based projects, using the latest software and an opportunity for work placement with one of our industry partners will set you up for the move into a career in design.

At SAE, we teach you how to develop your own brand and how to leverage that creative currency to build your own identity in the market. Our expert mentors provide collaborative, hands-on classes and online study components to ensure you receive the support you deserve.

You’ll become part of an established and intimate online community – a network of creatives with a force that encourages, uplifts and inspires you.

Studying at SAE is flexible. Design courses and degrees are now delivered online with an option to attend your local campus for visits and special events.
Duration(s)
6 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
8 Trimesters Full Time
9 Trimesters Full Time
Part-time option available
We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.
Qualification Bachelor (ONLINE)
Available to Domestic Students
Campus

Online
Design

Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication

SAE’s Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication is much more than visual aesthetics. This multifaceted course provides students with a detailed understanding of design principles, coupled with hands-on experience of design in the contemporary world.

Explore branding and identity design, online and print design, user-centered design and digital image-making. Learn to apply a strategic, entrepreneurial eye to design briefs and become adept at creative problem-solving.

You will engage in virtual collaborative learning in addition to one-on-one mentoring opportunities you may not find in a larger university.

Experience small class sizes that simulate being in a real-world studio, where you’ll apply theoretical knowledge, learn industry best-practices and master the latest design software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite.

Your growth and development will be assessed based on your engagement with and completion of hands-on, industry projects. These projects will form a diverse portfolio of design work, ready to wow your prospective employers and future clients.

Potential career paths may include → Graphic Designer • Content Manager • Print and Digital Designer • Social Media Designer • UX Designer • UI Designer • Creative Director • Branding and Identity Designer • Art Director

Explore this course
Duration(s)
4 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
6 Trimesters Full Time
Part-time option available
We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.
Qualification Associate Degree (ONLINE)
Available to Domestic Students
Campus

Online
Design

Associate Degree of Design & Visual Communication

Our Associate Degree of Design & Visual Communication provides students with the in-demand skills required for long-term success in design roles across a variety of industries.

In this course, you’ll explore branding and identity design, online and print design, user-centered design and digital image-making. You’ll create targeted designs based on real-world project briefs and develop transferable, career-ready skills in creative problem-solving, multidisciplinary collaboration, and critical thinking.

Your growth and development will be assessed based on your engagement with and completion of real-world industry projects, which will form a diverse portfolio of work that will wow your prospective employers.

With an Associate Degree of Design & Visual Communication from SAE, you can work in large corporations or small agencies, as a freelancer, or as part of an entrepreneurial project team in any industry.

You’ll also be equipped with employability skills, providing you with professional strategies in communication and self-promotion, and the confidence to claim your place in the workforce.

Potential career paths may include → Graphic Designer • Content Manager • Print and Digital Designer • Social Media Designer • UX Designer • UI Designer

Explore this course
Duration(s)
2 Trimesters Full Time (Fast Track)
3 Trimesters Full Time
Part-time option available
We understand that things can change, so you'll have the flexibility to change your study load throughout your course if you need to.
Qualification Undergraduate Diploma (ONLINE)
Available to Domestic Students
Campus

Online
Design

Diploma of Graphic Design

SAE’s Diploma of Graphic Design has a strong practical focus, underpinned by key theoretical components to ensure you graduate with a holistic understanding of the design world.

Discover the fundamentals of design and layout, drawing, typography, visual communication and an introduction to designing for the web.

Explore the studio environment, including the different roles involved in larger projects, collaborative creativity, design strategy, project workflows, and how to effectively plan a project lifecycle.

Your growth and development will be assessed through the completion of industry-based projects, where you can showcase your technical skills. You will engage in collaborative virtual learning, producing work in response to client briefs just as you would in the industry.

To complement your technical skills, you’ll also gain employability skills, introductory project management skills, and academic techniques for higher education.

Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication.

Potential career paths may include → Entry-level Graphic Designer • Entry-level Digital Designer • Entry-level Typographer • Graphic Design Production Assistant • Entry-level Digital Illustrator • Entry-level User Experience Designer • Entry-level User Interface Designer

Explore this course

SAE DESIGN ALUMNI, FERNANDA GERDES

“The amazing thing about SAE was the real-life projects that we worked on; it meant I actually had things in my portfolio that really happened and that I was able to showcase to the outside world. And I left SAE with a job, which was pretty amazing.”

Hear more about Fernanda’s journey and how she turned her work placement at SAE into a full-time job as Head Designer at Bluesfest.
Woman sits at desk with pen and paper in hand. SAE DESIGN ALUMNI, FERNANDA GERDES
Cover image for SAE Design Career Kit. Text reads: The Future of Design is You

Download the Industry Infopack

Our Design Industry Infopack contains exclusive content including:
  • The fundamentals of design and the importance of getting them right
  • 5 must-have talents for a successful career in the industry
  • What the future of design looks like and where you’ll fit into it
  • 5 key areas to master to lift your game
  • Career opportunities in the Design industry

You’ll also snag a copy of our Course Guide (PDF) and our Fee Schedule (PDF).

WHY STUDY DESIGN AT SAE?

SAE prepares students for a bright future in the design industry. These courses provide a unique and practical learning experience that’s tailored to interests and aspirations, allowing a seamless transition into a career in design.

Creative collaboration
Work with peers in audio, design, film, games and animation.
Learn now, pay later
FEE-HELP available.
Get career ready
Project work, industry placements and mentoring.
Online and on-campus
Small class sizes, flexible study schedule. Study full time or part time.
Industry mentors
Learn from experienced creative practitioners.
Enhanced reputation
SAE's University College status gives you a competitive edge in the industry.

CAREER OPTIONS

Career opportunities in Design

To build a successful design career, technical expertise and application are as important as raw talent and SAE’s internationally accredited design courses will give you the practical experience and technical knowledge you need to thrive in this exciting and rewarding industry.

  • Digital and print designer
  • Motion graphics designer
  • UX designer
  • UI designer
  • Creative director
  • Branding and identity designer
  • Art director
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What graduates say about SAE

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"Design is something I’m extremely passionate about, so I found it really easy to focus on my studies. Studying in a small cohort, I didn’t feel like just another number."

Elly Waite

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Graphic Designer, Busy Bee Learning
Male portrait image of Montague Monro. SAE graduate Montague Monro
"The lecturers and teachers made the biggest difference for me. They were easy to talk to, helpful, relaxed and fun. They helped me get an internship and work experience."

Montague Monro

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Web Designer
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"The cross pollination of my final project was really valuable. Getting to work with animation students on 3D stuff was awesome - SAE is great for that."

Thomas Hartley

SAE Alumni | Current Job: Creative Designer (CAA Agency & previously at Adidas)

What you can study at SAE

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Animation Animation Animation courses that will render the career you want.
Two students operating an audio desk
Group Audio Audio courses that will give your audio career some serious noise.
Student adjusting the lighting on set
CI Dark Creative Industries Multidisciplinary courses that’ll allow you to be creative with your career.
Student standing and drawing
Group 3 Design Design courses that have the path to your design career laid out.
Man operating camera with green screen in background
Group 4 Film Film courses that have everything from concept to the final cut.
Two students playing video games. Left person has arms up
Group 5 Games Game development and design courses to get your career ahead of the game.
Sound technician fixing a microphone
Group 6 Music Music courses that will get your music career on track.
Person working with a 3D printed dog
Animation Animation Animation courses that will render the career you want.
Two students operating an audio desk
Group Audio Audio courses that will give your audio career some serious noise.
Student adjusting the lighting on set
CI Dark Creative Industries Multidisciplinary courses that’ll allow you to be creative with your career.
Student standing and drawing
Group 3 Design Design courses that have the path to your design career laid out.
Man operating camera with green screen in background
Group 4 Film Film courses that have everything from concept to the final cut.
Two students playing video games. Left person has arms up
Group 5 Games Game development and design courses to get your career ahead of the game.
Sound technician fixing a microphone
Group 6 Music Music courses that will get your music career on track.
Person working with a 3D printed dog

Animation

Overview

Let your imagination run wild as you build on your technical dexterity and practical experience with our accredited Animation courses. With state-of-the-art technology, software (think Autodesk 3DS Max, Maya, Adobe Creative Suite), and professional animators at your side, a career of bringing life to your very own world and characters is yours for the taking.

Two students operating an audio desk

Audio

Overview

Be the boss of beats and carve out your future as an in-demand master of sound and audio through our hands-on internationally accredited training, knowledge transfer, and access to collaboration with our community of artists across industries. You’ll benefit from having the best in the biz leading your classes using top DAWS, and state-of-the-art tech in world-class studios and facilities.

Student adjusting the lighting on set

Creative Industries

Overview

Choose your own adventure with Creative Industries where you'll level-up your game across Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, and Music. From screenwriting to game design, music production and more, develop your artistic voice across these fields, so you not only find your niche but gain the skills and experience to have multiple choices in an exciting career where you design your destiny.

Student standing and drawing

Design

Overview

Rethink the norm and challenge how design affects human behaviour, emotion, and the way we see the world. Master your craft in conceptualizing, illustration, and design in a way where you’ll rise to the top as a business-savvy creative entrepreneur. With our tech and latest software, including the Adobe Creative Suite, you'll be turning your ideas into reality and laying out your path to success.

Man operating camera with green screen in background

Film

Overview

Combine your passion for film with our technology and industry professionals as your mentors, because you are the driving force of our cinematic future. Start practising your Oscar acceptance speech as you’ll thrive within our community of creatives and graduate with award-winning cinematography, screenwriting, and direction skills. The practical experience, technical knowledge, and connections you’ll gain will bring you to the forefront of future filmmaking.

Two students playing video games. Left person has arms up

Games

Overview

Level up your skills in driving the future of the gaming phenomenon. Our courses will ensure you’ll have what it takes to build a successful career bringing life to new worlds, characters and challenges for billions to get addicted to playing on a range of different platforms. Our industry-based teachers will have you mastering advanced techniques and methodologies you can apply with software like Unreal Engine, Unity 3D, and more so you can unlock all levels and win.

Sound technician fixing a microphone

Music

Overview

Master your musical talents and increase your range of skills, knowledge, and technological dexterity to make it big in this industry. You'll gain a competitive edge by immersing yourself in our collaborative creative environment. Get a leg up with the all-important connections and mentors to guide you through fine-tuning your producing, composing, and recording skills whilst building a dynamic portfolio to put you on the map.

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Need more info about studying at SAE?

Fill out the form and we'll be in touch to chat about your creative future.