Bachelor of Industrial Design
Design for a changing world.
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Want to design with impact? When you study Industrial Design at UNSW you’ll learn to influence the way we live and enable lives with purpose by designing what we use every day.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Industrial Design
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 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 Industrial Design at UNSW is a three-year full-time degree (plus an optional one-year merit-based Honours year) that prepares you for a career as an Industrial Designer. As an Industrial Designer you’ll influence the way we live by designing the products that we use every day.
Studying this degree, you’ll gain the experience and confidence to turn creativity and critical thinking into real-world solutions through product design, enabling lives with purpose. You’ll explore the technical aspects of design in tandem with user experience, problem-solving as you learn about the design process, technology and materials, visual communication and more.
As part the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), you’ll join an open and inclusive community that will support you as you learn to challenge the way we think about people, place and culture. You’ll balance academics with professional practice from day one, benefiting from ADA’s strong industry connections and career-focused experiences.
You’ll graduate ready for a career through which you seek and solve problems using design.
Key features
The key features of this degree will see you explore industrial design through problem-solving, theory and practice, preparing you for diverse and successful careers. These include:
- Industrial Design Studio
- Work Integrated Learning (internship) program
- Design Communications (digital and analogue communication methods)
- Technologies (Materials and Processes for mass manufacturing)
- Human Factors
- Design Research Methods
- Design Theories
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)
- You’ll be eligible for membership with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA)
- 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.
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Program Code
3387
CRICOS Code
098445E
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
423300
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
87
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
70.9
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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.
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 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.
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.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Industrial Design is a three-year program consisting of 24 courses.
The program includes:
- 8 Design Studio Courses
- 8 Industrial Design Core Courses
- 2 Built Environment Core Courses
- 2 Interdisciplinary Courses
- 2 Open Elective Courses (choose from within UNSW School of Built Environment or other schools)
- 2 General Education Courses (choose from other schools)
Once you’ve completed this degree, you could be eligible for the Industrial Design Honours program. The honours program adds an additional year to your degree, through which you’ll increase your employability by refining and consolidating your industrial design skills.
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. The Bachelor of Industrial Design has eight Design Studio courses and 10 core courses, and six electives.
Some studios and core 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.
First year
- 3 Design Studio Courses
- 3 Level 1 Industrial Design Core Courses
- 2 Level 1 Built Environment Core Courses
Second year
- 3 Design Studio Courses
- 4 level 2 Industrial Design Core Courses
- 1 Elective
Third year
- 2 Design Studio Courses
- 1 Industrial Design Core Courses
- 5 Electives
The optional Honours year program includes:
- Capstone Research
- 1 Advanced Studio Course
- Capstone Project
- 2 Electives
For your full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Future careers
As an industrial designer, you’ll build a career that shapes lives for the better by designing the products we use every day in the home, at work and in public. You’ll graduate with the confidence, imagination, and unique career-ready skills to turn your creativity and critical thinking into real world solutions through design.
Industrial Design is a career choice for you if you’re curious and inventive, able to work with technology, and ready to enlarge your understanding of the social, environmental and commercial contexts of professional design work.
Our graduates are renowned for their employability and go on to successful and diverse design careers.
Potential careers
- Product designer within a consultancy or inhouse team, e.g., consumer products, transport, scientific, medical, retail, furniture, telecommunications, not-for-profit sector
- Digital multimedia design
- Product branding and marketing
- Packaging design
- Service and strategic design
Accreditation
When you graduate you’ll be eligible for professional recognition through membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).
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
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
$41,040*
2021 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$127,800*
*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.
If you are excited to become a visionary and receive the full support required, UNSW is for you.
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