Bachelor of Design
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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- Codes
- UAC code 421050
- Program code 4825
- CRICOS code 110651E
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 80.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $10,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $30,500*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $49,500*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $158,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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3 specialisations
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Real-world experience
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Art & Design campus
Join us at Info Day
Thursday, 18 December | 12–4pm | Kensington campus
Join us on campus to get personalised advice on your study options before UAC preferences close. Info Day is the perfect opportunity to get all of your last minute questions answered, the day ATARs are released.
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Design careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Bachelor of Design overview
The UNSW Bachelor of Design is a three-year undergraduate design program that prepares the next generation of designers to transform creative thinking into impactful, real-world design solutions. This design degree at UNSW offers flexible and wide-ranging study pathways across computational design, industrial design and integrated design, giving you the freedom to shape a design career aligned with your goals, the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
You’ll develop practical and conceptual skills through a combination of design thinking, visual communication and user-centred innovation, supported by hands-on, practice-led learning. Our studio-based culture includes access to making workshops, digital facilities and cutting-edge research labs across the Kensington and Paddington campuses. You’ll learn directly from award-winning entrepreneurs, studio-based designers and industry professionals who are shaping the future of design.
Conceptual, technical and theoretical courses will prepare you as a competitive, job-ready graduate – imaginative, insightful and equipped to make a positive impact through creative design education. You’ll graduate ready to embark on a design career across diverse fields, from UX design and digital media to product innovation and emerging creative industries.
Why study the Bachelor of Design at UNSW?
Studying the Bachelor of Design at UNSW means learning at the #2 ranked design school in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). UNSW’s School of Art & Design is a vibrant, industry-connected learning environment with world-class facilities, award-winning academics, strong links to employers and excellent design industry partnerships.
Gain real work experience
Your design career begins before you even graduate. This UNSW design degree includes industry experiences such as internships, work placements, studio projects and industry networking opportunities. You’ll also have access to the latest thinking and workforce insights, with core courses, electives and specialised subjects designed and taught by leading industry professionals.
Learn using world-class technologies
Bring your ideas to life in state-of-the-art facilities with support from our technicians. Through a studio-based curriculum and project-based learning models, you’ll work with cutting-edge design technology to hone your design software skills. Discover the Design Futures Lab and The Making Centre, fully equipped creative workshops and digital studios across our Kensington and Paddington campuses. You’ll also have an Adobe Creative Suite subscription throughout your studies, as well as access to CAD tools, Rhino, Grasshopper, Figma and other leading design software platforms.
Solve real-world problems through creativity
The Bachelor of Design at UNSW encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing you to work alongside architects, engineers and digital media specialists to solve complex, real-world design challenges. You might choose to specialise in industrial design to create innovative products and solutions that improve everyday life, computational design to use code, algorithms and emerging tech to develop forward thinking design solutions, or integrated design to blend multiple design disciplines to solve complex challenges.
No matter which specialisation you choose as your focus, you’ll find out how historical, social, cultural and technological values apply to design. You’ll challenge conventional methods, find innovative solutions to problems, combine creativity and independent thinking with practical and technical skills to unlock a lifelong design career that provides genuine and meaningful impact.
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Bachelor of Design FAQs
Here are some things you might be wondering about studying a Bachelor of Design degree at UNSW.
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With three distinct specialisations, UNSW’s Bachelor of Design equips you with different perspectives, skills and career pathways. Key features and differences include:
- Industrial design: Focuses on physical products that balances functionality, aesthetics and manufacturability (e.g., electronics, furniture, vehicles).
- Integrated design: Combines multiple design disciplines to solve complex problems and considers the full user experience across products, spaces and services.
- Computational design: Uses digital tools, algorithms and data-driven methods which can be applied in parametric architecture, generative design, robotics and interactive systems.
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Yes, designers are in high demand across many industries in Australia and globally. As workplaces and businesses increasingly focus on user experience, innovation, branding and digital transformation, skilled designers are highly sought-after to meet the evolving market needs. According to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), this demand is expected to grow as technology and design thinking become central to business strategy.
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A Bachelor of Design equips you with the skills to launch a variety of design careers across industries, from product and industrial design to graphic and digital media. With specialisations in integrated, industrial and computational design, you’ll graduate ready to apply creative and technical expertise in sectors such as technology, business, health, education, architecture and the built environment.
Learn more about the wide range of career opportunities available to design graduates.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Design
To apply for the Bachelor of Design at UNSW, you’ll need to meet the relevant entry criteria – including the published ATAR cut-off or equivalent, English language requirements . These details outline your application eligibility and the available school leaver pathways for entry into this undergraduate design program.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined.
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. 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 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 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.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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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.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry.
Assumed knowledge
None
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
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
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
TAFE Pathways Program
This degree is eligible for the TAFE Pathways Program. If you've completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you may be eligible for credit transfer. For more details, including this program's TAFE Pathway study plan, visit UNSW TAFE Pathways Program.
University Preparation Program
If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider the University Preparation Program.
The University Preparation Program is a one-year pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
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
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
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.
TAFE Pathways
TAFE pathways are another means to gain access to this degree. You can find out more about Tafe Pathways and also view a sample study plan.
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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study in the Bachelor of Design?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
The Bachelor of Design at UNSW offers a flexible and hands-on learning experience that allows you to specialise in integrated, industrial or computational design. Across all study areas, you’ll engage in design studios client-based projects that build your skills in creative problem solving, collaboration and design-led research. You’ll explore everything from 3D design and digital fabrication to UX/UI frameworks and visual prototyping, gaining the tools to succeed in diverse design careers in Australia and beyond.
Study areas
Pursue your passion and tailor this undergraduate design program to your interests. You’ll focus on one specialisation – integrated design, industrial design or computational design – while developing complementary creative and technical skills that prepare you for real-world professional practice.
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Integrated designers place people at the heart of their work. Drawing from diverse design skills and methods, integrated designers engage with a range of materials, encounters and ways of communicating. Integrated designers create insightful solutions using critical thinking, making skills and an awareness of industry needs.
The integrated design specialisation focuses on cross-disciplinary design and hybrid design practice that respects human diversity and environmental sustainability. You’ll build skills across two fields of your choice, with options including graphic design, object design, textiles, fashion, experience design, interaction (UX/UI) and 3D visualisation.
Working in state-of-the-art design studios, you’ll collaborate through peer critique client-based projects while learning tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Vectorworks and Maya. You’ll develop strong foundations in creative problem solving and design thinking while exploring how design can make meaningful social impact.
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The integrated design specialisation strongly focuses on solutions that respect human diversity and environmental sustainability while building skills in multiple areas of design. You'll choose at least two of these areas from graphic design, object design, textiles, fashion, experience, interaction (UX) and 3D visualisation.
We'll introduce you to this range of design disciplines, starting with the fundamentals. Working in state-of-the-art studios, you'll build core skills grounded in deep reflection on diverse historical, social, cultural and technological values.
Develop knowledge and skills while discovering how design can change society through professional practice.
Start by choosing two design study areas outlined below, then decide which program structure suits your goals. (See 'Program structure' for more information).
See examples of graduate work by integrated designers on the A&D Annual website.
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Graphic design uses the skills of typography, image making, colour and design systems to develop effective and inspiring visual communications. Apply creative thinking to brand identities, innovative packaging, visually striking publications and graphic design in 3D spaces. You’ll develop strong portfolio projects that demonstrate your voice as an emerging designer.
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Object design works with different materials to create tangible and meaningful items – including but not limited to jewellery, furniture and ceramic design.
Fundamental hands-on classes explore materials before moving on to digital prototypes with 3D printing and cast designs. You’ll also understand different contexts and discover how object design gives people opportunities for social and meaningful interactions.
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Textiles tell stories and solve problems, whether applied to fashion, interior, exterior or product contexts. In this highly experimental program, you'll explore creative approaches to making meaningful materials. Journey through hands-on textile making traditions and contemporary technologies to develop your own innovative practice. You will gain knowledge in sustainability and social engagement to analyse contemporary issues and learn how to respond to professional design briefs responsibly, ethically and with cultural acknowledgement.
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Experience designers transform spaces for people. They design memorable and meaningful environments with the intention of creating connection. Be it social connection or the connection of audiences to content, experience designers draw on human centred design principles to develop unique spatial outcomes, understand and integrate digital technologies and craft atmospheres that move people. With application across a wide range of industries, the design of activations, exhibitions and events relies on critical engagement with cultural contexts, neuroscience, materials and modelling, with a sprinkling of spectacle.
In this program, you'll experiment with a diverse range of design methods that contribute to a practice that ideates and creates evocative environments that surprise, delight and, ultimately, engage participants.
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Explore fascinating emerging smart technologies – think voice assistants, robots and mixed reality (for example, animated Instagram or Snapchat filters). Using these emerging technologies, you'll create a project demonstrating your understanding of human capabilities and user needs. But not before learning User Experience (UX) fundamentals in web and mobile.
Gain industry standard skills to meet people's needs with designing apps, software, products, websites, environments and services. You'll develop practical and professional design processes through case studies and projects, from concept to testing.
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Discover the world of 3D technologies including real-time (or gaming) systems and virtual environments. Understand how to create objects and environments before creating a sophisticated and explorable 3D world. Learn through live, hands-on experiences of key technologies and understand how to conceptualise through design thinking. Build the theoretical knowledge for high-level art direction while developing professional skills in 3D modelling, CGI lighting and rendering.
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In fashion design you will experiment with creative ideas to develop innovative garments. Throughout the program you will gain theoretical and practical skills in the fashion creation process, from design to finished prototype.
You'll be encouraged to challenge fashion’s aesthetics, materials and production processes to develop novel solutions for specific fashion markets. As you gain an understanding of sustainability and the circular economy, you will be supported to develop a strong responsible and ethical voice in your fashion practice.
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Influence lifestyles by designing the daily products, people use. Prepare for an industrial design degree with experience and confidence. You'll turn innovative thinking into strategic, user-centred solutions that are functional, meet real market demand
Practical studio classes focus on manufacturing, materials, sustainability, and user empathy. You’ll gain experience with CAD tools, digital fabrication, and visual prototyping to bring ideas to life through product design and physical object innovation.
Through UNSW’s strong design industry partnerships, you’ll test your work through client-based projects and peer critique, collaborating with professionals and refining your ability to translate insights into impactful designs.
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This specialisation approaches design challenges through digital modelling, algorithmic design, and parametric tools. Using computer languages and emerging technologies, you’ll test ideas across architecture, design, computer science and engineering.
In studio-based classes, you’ll develop in-demand skills in 3D modelling, UX/UI frameworks, and interactive systems, and work with Keyshot, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite. You’ll also explore robotic and digital fabrication, using 3D printers, laser cutters, and AR/VR headsets to design immersive experiences.
You’ll bring your designs to life through design-led research, creative problem solving, and collaborative studio practice with peers and professionals. Studying computational design at UNSW prepares you to innovate across the built environment and digital futures.
What it's like to study design at UNSW
Bachelor of Design program structure
The Bachelor of Design is available in two structures: one offers a specialisation alongside free electives, and the other offers a specialisation plus a minor in another study area. Regardless of the structure you choose, there are 24 courses in a degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full-time. You can study part-time and also take advantage of a flexible study load.
What are the different structures?
Specialisation + electives
This program structure offers a specialisation, which is 16 courses in one study area. With the remaining 8 courses, you’ll choose from elective and general education courses. Electives are courses in any approved study area. You can also choose to complete an ADA Professional Placement as an elective. General education courses elevate your study skills to a tertiary competency.
Specialisation + minors
This program structure combines a specialisation (16 courses) with a minor (6 courses) in industrial design or computational design. You’ll also choose two general education courses on any topic that suits your goals and interests.
What are the different minors?
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- Computational Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Integrated Design
- Robotic Fabrication
- Social Robotics
- Textiles and Fashion Design
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- AI in Business and Society
- Animation and Moving Image
- Art History and Theory
- Asian Studies
- Australian Studies
- Chinese Studies/Advanced Chinese Studies
- Communication and Journalism
- Creative Writing
- English
- Environmental Humanities
- European Studies
- Film Studies
- French Studies/Advanced French Studies
- Game Art
- Game Design*
- Gaming and Society*
- Gender Studies
- Geographical Studies
- German Studies
- Global Development
- History
- Indigenous Studies
- Indonesian Studies
- International Political Economy
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies/Advanced Japanese Studies
- Korean Studies/Advanced Korean Studies
- Linguistics
- Media Studies
- Modern Greek Studies
- Music Studies
- Philosophy
- Policy, Power and Government
- Politics and International Relations
- Professional Esports**
- Psychology
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Screen Production
- Security Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies
- Theatre and Performance Studies
- Virtual Production**
- Visual Arts
*New minor available from T1 2026
**New minor available from T1 2027
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With this degree, you'll choose and develop specialist skills and knowledge in one comprehensive area of design (two if you complete a minor), while still having the flexibility to explore courses across other specialisations and electives that match your interests.
Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an internship or fit study around other commitments.
Broaden your horizons with international experiences – UNSW offers design courses in Sydney and study exchanges at more than 300 partner universities in over 30 countries. You’ll also find free UNSW academic skills support, toolkits, tutors and workshops to help you succeed in every stage of your creative design education.
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With this degree, you'll choose and develop specialist skills and knowledge in one comprehensive area of design, while still having the flexibility to explore courses across other specialisations and electives that match your interests.
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Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.
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Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of our 300 partner universities in more than 30 countries. UNSW encourages a global mindset, which means overseas study can count toward your degree with us, and you may also be eligible for financial support to help cover the costs of studying internationally.
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UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it's easy to ask for advice. Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you'll find free UNSW academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors and workshops.
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When you complete a bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes have a look at our student handbook.
Career opportunities with a Bachelor of Design
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway to your first job, the Bachelor of Design sets you up with the professional, creative and technical skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. This design degree at UNSW focuses on graduate employability, portfolio development and industry readiness, preparing you for roles across the creative industries, digital experience, built environment, consumer goods and manufacturing, and design strategy sectors.
You’ll gain valuable professional experience through design internships, live projects and collaborative studio practice — building a portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and practical problem-solving.
Design is one of Australia's fastest-growing creative industries. For example, industrial design projected to grow by 28.4% over the next five years (Seek, 2025). Roles across various industries and levels – from design assistants to design managers – are also plentiful on job platforms like Seek.This growth reflects increasing demand for user-centered design, sustainable innovation and digital transformation across sectors. With average salaries ranging from $80,000 to $90,000, depending on specialisation (Glassdoor, 2025), this undergraduate design program offers creative fulfillment and financial stability.
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- Ceramics designer
- Digital fabrication designer
- Design instructor or design strategist
- Digital media producer
- Design theorist, design critic or design historian
- Design writer or curator
- Exhibition, experience and event designer
- Furniture or lighting designer
- Graphic designer, visual communicator, or illustrator
- Interaction and user experience (UX) designer
- Jewellery and object designer
- Packaging designer
- Publication designer
- Service designer
- Textile designer
- Virtual reality 3D visualiser
- Wearable technology designer
- Web or app designer
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- 3D CAD (three-dimensional computer-aided design) specialist
- Automotive designer or stylist
- Colours, materials, and finishes (CMF) designer
- Commercial furniture designer
- Consumer electronics designer
- Consumer product designer
- Design director
- Design engineer
- Design strategist
- Design thinking and innovation lead
- Electrical appliance designer
- Human factors and ergonomics consultant
- Humanitarian engineering designer
- Industrial design consultant
- Mechanical design draftsperson
- Medical device designer
- Point-of-purchase display designer
- Product branding and marketing specialist
- Product design research coordinator
- Services and systems designer
- Speculative product designer
- Structural packaging designer
- Wayfinding solutions designer
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- Architectural and urban design specialist
- Building information model implementer
- Gaming environment developer
- Design technology manager
- Digital fabrication and smart-manufacturing specialist
- Software solutions developer
- Smart cities consultant
- Urban data analyst
Explore your career options
Many opportunities lie ahead in your future. If you’re still exploring where your strengths fit best, university is the time to test ideas, build professional networks and develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.
Through UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture, you’ll have opportunities to gain work-integrated learning through design internships client-based projects. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical skill and readiness for employment.
You’ll also join a global community of UNSW graduates working across creative industries, digital innovation, and design strategy roles around the world.
Our alumni
Meet Jessica Yu
"One of the most unexpected yet invaluable skills I learnt during my time in university is adaptability and the ability to master new tools. Throughout my studies, I had the opportunity to engage with diverse aspects of design disciplines—ranging from sculpture and digital design to graphic and textile design"
Jessica Yu
Digital graphic designer | Macquarie Group
Meet Pat Younis
Double degrees
Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Design and:
How to apply for the Bachelor of Design at UNSW
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, where you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university. As part of your application checklist, make sure to review all submission requirements and key dates carefully before lodging your application through the UAC admissions portal.
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 higher application 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.
If you are an international student, you can apply directly to UNSW through the UNSW admissions portal. Before applying, check the application checklist for academic entry and English language requirements. Some design courses may also include portfolio preparation or additional submission requirements – for guidance, explore UNSW’s design application support resources.
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 details, visit the international admissions 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. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Your total study costs will depend on your enrolment load, citizenship status and the type of place you receive – either a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or a full-fee-paying place. UNSW offers a wide range of financial aid and scholarships to help make your studies more accessible.
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 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.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
