Bachelor of Computational Design
Design, reimagined.
Design, reimagined.
When you study Computational Design, you’ll gain unique and in-demand skills applying cutting-edge technologies across architecture, design, computer science and engineering.
The Bachelor of Computational Design at UNSW is a three-year full-time degree that prepares you for a career designing future solutions in the built environment through technology.
Studying this degree, you’ll think critically and creatively and see your design solutions brought to life through studio-based classes. You’ll learn to approach challenges differently through design-thinking and apply cutting-edge technologies including 3D modelling, digital geometry and parametric design, responsive environments, form making, and robotic and digital fabrication using 3D printers and laser cutters.
Supported by our open and inclusive Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, you’ll join an interdisciplinary community of practice. Alongside a diverse group of creative and built environment students, staff and industry professionals, you’ll work to solve real-world problems.
In your third year you’ll complete a project set by our industry partners, meaning you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio and the industry connections to launch your career.
The key features and subject areas in this degree will see you explore diverse aspects of computational design through problem-solving, theory, and practice. These include:
Graduate Project
In your final year, you’ll bring your learning and experience together through an extended project that will form part of your professional portfolio and help kick-start your career.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW School of Built Environment, we recognise your creative potential. With BE Portfolio Entry, you can submit a portfolio of your best creative work to showcase your talent and boost your chance of admission. Learn more about BE Portfolio Entry.
UNSW also offers a number of other alternative entry schemes to support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore your alternative entry options
One year degree option
If you have one of the following related degrees from UNSW or any other university, you might be eligible for credit that will allow you to gain a Bachelor of Computational Design in one year.
Read more about the one-year degree option or email Associate Professor Hank Haeusler, Computational Design Discipline Director.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
The Bachelor of Computational Design is a three-year program consisting of 24 courses.
The program includes:
Honours
Once you’ve completed this degree, you could be eligible to undertake the one-year Computational Design Honours program. You’ll deepen your knowledge of computational design by undertaking a significant research project. The research project, a thesis, could be a written report or essay, but could also be represented in creative formats.
You’ll graduate with and advanced skills and an extended project that will set you apart as you kick-start your career.
One-year degree option
The one-year Bachelor of Computational Design is available to students as an additional year to another relevant degree.
The program includes:
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard three-year, full-time study plan in the The Bachelor of Computational Design.
First year
Second year
Third year
The optional Honours year includes:
The one-year degree option includes:
Some courses in the one-year program will need to be taken over the summer term. Find out more.
See our sample degree structure or for full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Computational Designers work at the intersection of technology and design, and the demand for your skills will continue to grow.
During your degree you’ll work on real-life projects set by UNSW’s industry partners such as Cox, Arup, Hassell, BVN, Bates Smart, PTW Architects, Grimshaw. This experience not only equips you with the professional portfolio and work experience needed to kick start your career, it helps you build your industry connections and opens up job opportunities upon graduation.
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2022.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
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