Bachelor of Computational Design
Design, reimagined.
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When you study Computational Design, you’ll gain unique and in-demand skills applying cutting-edge technologies across architecture, design, computer science and engineering.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Computational Design
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
3 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
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.
Key features
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:
- Optimisation and Decision Support
- Smart and Ubiquitous Cities
- Responsive Environments
- Digital Fabrication and Construction
- Gaming and Visual Representation
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Computational Design Theory
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.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Study at a Built Environment School that ranks 33rd in the world and 4th in Australia (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Gain work experience and connections through strong industry links and partnerships
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Program Code
3268
CRICOS Code
061905J
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
423100
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
98
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2021 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2021 A levels
13
2021 IB Diploma
29
2021 Lowest ATAR
70.55
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- 2021 Lowest Selection Rank
The 2021 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. - 2021 A levels
The 2021 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate. - 2021 IB Diploma
The 2021 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. It is to be used as a guide only. - 2021 Lowest ATAR
The 2021 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
- 2021 Lowest Selection Rank
Alternative entry pathways
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.
- Built Environment disciplines: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Construction.
- Engineering disciplines: Civil Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering.
Read more about the one-year degree option or email Associate Professor Hank Haeusler, Computational Design Discipline Director.
English language requirements
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
International direct entry
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.
Pathway programs
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more about UNSW Global.
UNSW offers a number of other alternative entry schemes which could support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore 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.
- Built Environment disciplines: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Construction.
- Engineering disciplines: Civil Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering.
Click here to read more or email the Computational Design Discipline Director, Associate Professor Hank Haeusler.
English language requirements
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Computational Design is a three-year program consisting of 24 courses.
The program includes:
- 18 Core courses
- 1 Prescribed elective
- 5 Open elective courses (choose from within UNSW Built Environment or another faculty)
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:
- 9 Core courses
- 1 Prescribed elective
- 2 Built Environment electives
Full program structure
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
- 2 Built Environment core courses
- 4 Computational Design core courses
- 1 Built Environment core course
Second year
- 4 Computational Design core courses
Third year
- 3 Computational Design core courses
- 5 Electives
The optional Honours year includes:
- 1 Research Methods course
- 2 Critical Literature Reviews
- 1 Thesis
The one-year degree option includes:
- 9 Core courses
- 3 Prescribed Built Environment electives
- 2 General electives (for non-UNSW grads)
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.
Future careers
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.
Potential careers
- Architectural and urban design specialist
- Software solutions developer
- Smart cities consultant
- Urban data analyst
- Design technology manager
- Digital fabrication and smart-manufacturing specialist
- Gaming environment developer
- Building information model implementer
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.
Ready to apply?
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.
Ready to apply?
2021 Indicative First Year Fee
$7,950*
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.
2021 Indicative First Year Fee
$41,070*
2021 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$127,560*
*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.
Scholarships
Our scholarships help you achieve your potential and enhance the experience of individuals who might otherwise struggle financially to maintain a place at university. The scholarships reward excellence, and encourage international mobility, diversity and equity.
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Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2022.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
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