Bachelor of Design

Art and design students discussing work inside the Red Center build enviroment study space.

With a future-focused, studio-based and research-led approach, the Bachelor of Design degree produces versatile and adventurous graduates. You'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand how design-led solutions enable people to perform at their best.

Faculty

Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Design

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

This three-year degree emphasises an understanding of how design reflects historical, social and cultural values, and how it can change the future.

You'll learn to combine independent thinking and creativity with practical and technical skills. The degree encourages you to challenge conventional applications of materials, systems, processes and technologies, and to seek new solutions to problems.

The integration of digital and physical production, critical thinking, emerging technologies, design research, management and entrepreneurship provides you with the skills for careers across a range of established and emerging design fields.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
Learn through research-informed teaching
Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020.
Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
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

4822

CRICOS Code

097695F

Campus

Paddington

UAC Code

421100

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

144

Indicative Enrolments

265

Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?

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2021 Lowest Selection Rank

80 + Portfolio Entry Available

2021 A Levels

2021 IB Diploma

29 + Portfolio Entry Available

2021 Lowest ATAR

68.05

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.

Assumed knowledge

Visual Arts

Alternative entry pathways

Portfolio Entry

At UNSW School of Art & Design we look for creative talent. As such, some students are admitted solely on their ATAR, or equivalent, and some are identified by demonstrating their creative potential by preparing and submitting a portfolio of art, design, media or written work. Submitting a portfolio can boost your chances of admission to Australia’s leading school of art and design. For more information and to see specific guidelines and deadlines visit Art & Design's Portfolio Entry page.

UNSW also offers a number of other alternative entry schemes to support you in boosting your admission opportunities.

Explore your alternative entry options

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:

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

I studied in:

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

English language requirements

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:

Program structure

The Bachelor of Design is comprised of three year levels that help you to incrementally develop your design knowledge and skills. Our innovative structure allows you to develop depth, specialising in two design disciplines while also crossing boundaries in a series of core studios. In parallel, you'll also take complementary courses that introduce and expand on historical and theoretical concepts and develop your professional practice skills.

In your first year, you'll explore the fundamental process of design and be introduced to a range of design discipline areas.

In your second year, you'll build on these fundamentals and gain focus and depth in two design specialisations. You'll also engage in real-world projects with our extensive range of industry partners.

In your third year, you'll then develop and deliver a major design project that integrates your studio areas and enables you to individually demonstrate your emerging design practice. You'll also undertake an internship locally or internationally expanding your professional networks and capabilities.

While studying at UNSW School of Art & Design you'll be guided by dynamic design staff with an outstanding depth of international, industry based and academic experience. You'll have access to studios, workshops and making facilities that are among the best in the world to realise your design projects and have chances to share your work in our network of galleries and exhibition spaces.

Study areas

Choose two of the following disciplines to specialise in:

Graphics | Engage with the manipulation of image and type for applications including publications, visual identity and digital spaces.
Textiles | Advance the rich histories of textiles to form an experimental practice in textile design, textile art, interior textiles and fashion textiles.
Object | Bring together ceramic, furniture and jewellery design to explore materiality, form and practice.
Interaction | Learn to design interactive experiences for digital systems, products, websites, environments and services preparing for a career in User Experience (UX).
3D Visualisation | Delve into the computergenerated world learning key technologies such as virtual reality systems.
Experience | Explore the way people experience and interact with space and design for fields such as exhibitions, events and performing arts.

Full program structure

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Potential careers

Graphic designer, illustrator or digital media producer
Interaction and user experience (UX) designer
Exhibition, experience and event designer
Jewellery, wearable and textile designer
Furniture, object, ceramics or lighting designer
Virtual reality, visual communication and 3D Visualiser
Design instructor or design strategist
Film, television and mobile producer

Double degrees

UNSW offers a comprehensive suite of career-enhancing double degree options. The Bachelor of Design can be combined in the following double degrees:

Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Media (Public Relations and Advertising)
Bachelor of Design/ Bachelor of Commerce

How to apply

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?

Apply now

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?

Apply now

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

$37,440*

2021 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$117,000*

*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.

Top 50

Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2022.
Most

Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
Leading

Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.

Shirelle Altona

Current Student

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