Designers apply creative and open approaches to defining and solving problems, leading to high-quality decisions. This enables businesses and industries to overcome rigid or outdated ways of doing things.

Design has applications in the creation and improvement of our cities, buildings, transport networks, furniture, websites, processes, bridges, landscapes and environment. Designers are innovators who enhance the way we live and interact with the world around us.

Be in demand

With job markets evolving constantly, gaining skills that transfer across industries is really important. The ability to apply design thinking is now recognised as a specific and desirable skill. As technology drives more and more aspects of our lives, designers are playing an important role expanding the potential of the Internet of Things, such as smart homes, smart cities and intelligent transportation. If you are imaginative, enjoy learning about new fields, and want to play a role in improving the way we live and the places we live in, Design could be a good fit for you.

Civil Systems

Students who have undertaken the Civil Systems major will be able to rigorously integrate fundamental science, tempered by design thinking, to provide accurate information and optimum solutions to practical problems involving civil infrastructure. More specifically, core skills and knowledge that will be developed include: fundamental comprehension that will lead to accurate computer modelling of civil systems, analytical and abstract thinking, problem-solving and design skills, ability to carry out laboratory experiments to eliminate or confirm possible solutions to complex problems. In all levels of this major, we will ensure the development of excellent communication skills that will enable our graduates to deliver complex scientific information in a clear and concise fashion.

The Civil Systems major will provide various pathways for students. These include accredited professional or scientific research careers in civil engineering through further study in the Masters in Engineering (ME) or PhD programs. Professional masters courses in other disciplines such as education, law, or business will be available. Students may also choose to enter the workforce at the completion of their undergraduate degree with employers who value the range of design, technical and problem solving skills graduates will have developed.

Study design if you are interested in working in:

• Architecture and landscape architecture
• Graphic design
• Construction and civil engineering
• Geospatial technology
• Property
• Software design, including games
• Town planning
• User experience
• Virtual reality and augmented reality
• Performance design
• Design for mechanics and robotics.