The Design (Honours) degree is a one-year advanced undergraduate degree for high-achieving students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Design and wish to extend their critical and creative skills. 

 

Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Design (Honours)
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration (Full Time)
1 Year(s)

Overview

Advance your design knowledge and understanding by developing a significant practice-led research project in the Bachelor of Design (Honours). Access leading research labs and a selective professional placement program to explore the potential of contemporary design.

Graduates develop a deeper understanding of design strategy, design methods and research, providing pathways to an array of careers in the design and cultural sectors, as well as to higher-degree research programs such as a Master of Philosophy or PhD.

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 2023.
  • Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
  • Access world-class alumni connections
  • Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2023)
  • Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Program Code
4527
CRICOS Code
098000A
Campus
Paddington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

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Entry requirements

Students must have completed the UNSW Bachelor of Design or other cognate recognised Level 7 qualification. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher (or equivalent) in the relevant Level 7 qualification prior to entry. Entry is subject to resources and the approval of the Deputy Head of School, Design.

Admission pathways

Not everyone applies to university straight from high school. That’s why UNSW considers a range of qualifications, life experience and pathway programs for admission into our degrees. Find out what you’ll need to apply to UNSW, depending on where you’re at in life.

Find out 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 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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Students must have completed the UNSW Bachelor of Design or other cognate recognised Level 7 qualification. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher (or equivalent) in the relevant Level 7 qualification prior to entry. Entry is subject to resources and the approval of the Deputy Head of School, Design.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Potential careers

  • Graphic designer
  • Interaction and user experience (UX) designer
  • Exhibition, experience and event designer
  • Textile and fashion designer
  • Furniture, ceramics or jewellery designer
  • 3D Visualisation
  • Design strategy
  • Design instructor

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. 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 and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

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.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$8,300*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1

*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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$37,180*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$37,180*

*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 here.

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.