Bachelor of Design
Domestic
International
Design is a vast and fluid field leading to countless career paths. As a designer, you have the potential to shape the way we think about the world and how we can influence it going forward.
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)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Whatever your interests, at UNSW our ‘thinking through making’ approach helps you take your career in a meaningful direction where you can make a real impact.
This three-year degree emphasises a conceptual 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?
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
- 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?
Entry requirements
2021 Lowest Selection Rank
2021 A Levels
13
2021 IB Diploma
2021 Lowest ATAR
68.05
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
Assumed knowledge
Visual Arts
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission 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.
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.
Admission pathways
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
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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
Different from other more rigid and narrow degrees, our interdisciplinary approach supports you to develop your own degree and solve problems your way. You’ll nurture your creative identity and grow confident in celebrating work that is impactful, innovative and rewarding. This will culminate in deciding on the right combination of studio specialisations for you – one that naturally evolves with your passion and process to kickstart your design career.
Full 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.
Future careers
The Bachelor of Design helps you to develop a robust set of skills that are framed within a strong ethical context. You’ll have the best opportunity to become a nimble and entrepreneurial designer who can adapt to real global issues.
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:
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 start your application?
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 start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2022 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,140*
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.
2022 Indicative First Year Fee
$39,580*
2022 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$120,690*
*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
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.
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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.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
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