Design degrees in WA are offered at Curtin (largest), Edith Cowan University, and (in limited form) Murdoch. Common specialisations include Communication Design (graphic design, branding), Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Photography and Spatial Design.
Most design degrees have flexible ATAR prerequisites but require a portfolio for entry. The right ATAR subject combination supports your ATAR and your portfolio readiness.
What each WA university requires
| University | Required ATAR subjects | Portfolio? | Typical ATAR cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtin Bachelor of Design | None specified | Yes (most specialisations) | ~70 to 75 |
| ECU Bachelor of Design | None specified | Yes | ~70 |
| Curtin Bachelor of Arts (Fashion) | None specified | Yes | ~70 |
| Curtin Bachelor of Arts (Photography) | None specified | Yes | ~70 |
The optimal 5-subject combination
For students aiming at Curtin or ECU Design, the strongest combination is:
- English (mandatory for WACE).
- Mathematics Applications (sufficient for design; Methods is unnecessary unless you might switch pathways).
- Visual Arts (builds your portfolio; demonstrates creative engagement).
- Design (directly aligned subject; scales near neutral).
- One subject of stretch or interest: Photography, Modern History, Psychology.
ATAR projection: 75 to 85 for competent students.
Year 12 Visual Arts and Design: the dual track
Both Visual Arts ATAR and Design ATAR scale near neutral (typically -1 to neutral at the median). Their primary value is portfolio building, not ATAR scaling.
The work you produce in Year 12 Visual Arts (paintings, drawings, sculpture) and Design (concept boards, prototypes, branding) directly populates your university portfolio submission. Most successful Curtin Design students submit work created during these subjects.
Why portfolio matters more than ATAR
For most design degrees in WA, ATAR is one of two equally weighted components: the ATAR itself (around 50%) and the portfolio submission (around 50%). A 90 ATAR with a weak portfolio loses to an 80 ATAR with a strong portfolio.
What goes in a portfolio:
- 10 to 15 polished pieces of work demonstrating range.
- A coherent visual style or design philosophy.
- Evidence of process (sketches, iterations, design rationale).
- Some work that shows you can take feedback and revise.
Start your portfolio in Year 11. By Year 12 Term 4, you should have a draft portfolio of 10 pieces ready for refinement.
Communication Design vs Industrial Design vs Interior Design
| Specialisation | Useful Year 12 subjects | Portfolio focus |
|---|---|---|
| Communication (Graphic) Design | Visual Arts, Design, Photography | Branding, typography, layout |
| Industrial (Product) Design | Design, Physics, Materials | 3D models, prototypes, sketches |
| Interior Design | Visual Arts, Design, Geography | Spatial drawings, mood boards, materials |
| Fashion Design | Visual Arts, Design, Textiles | Garment design, technical drawings, fabric studies |
| Photography | Visual Arts, Photography, English Literature | Photo series, conceptual work, technical mastery |
Career outlook
Design graduates in WA enter roles including graphic designer, brand designer, product designer, interior designer, fashion designer, photographer, UX/UI designer (digital design), and creative director. Starting salaries in Perth typically run $50k to $65k for entry-level design roles.
WA has design employment in advertising, mining and resource sector branding, government communications, hospitality and retail.
What to actually do this week
- Decide on a design specialisation. The portfolio focus changes significantly between communication, industrial and interior design.
- Open the Curtin Bachelor of Design and ECU Bachelor of Design admission pages. Read the portfolio requirements.
- If you take Visual Arts or Design at Year 12, save high-resolution photos of every major work in a portfolio folder. By Year 12 Term 4 you will have material to submit.
- Visit a local design studio if possible. Most design firms in Perth welcome short tours for prospective design students.
If you want to talk through design pathway and subject choice, book a free trial at our centres.