Handbook

Overview

The Bachelor of Design degree program at UNSW Art & Design provides a studio based, critical, research-led education in the overarching discipline of design. We produce graduates who are both versatile and adventurous. The program builds on UNSW Art & Design's strengths in equipping graduates with a commitment to material quality coupled with critical idealism. The 3-year program emphasises a distinctive understanding of how design can change our societies, grounded in a deep reflection on diverse historical, social and cultural values. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design program understand how design-led solutions assist people to perform at their best in agile and rapidly changing environments. We also ensure that the futures that they co-design are diverse and sustainable for all peoples. The merging of making, criticality, technology, research, management and business provides graduates with transferable skills for careers across a range of existing and emerging design fields.

Learning Outcomes

Critically apply design principles, theory and skills across a diverse range of contemporary and emerging design practices.

Scholars
Professionals

Critically reflect on and position their practice, as agile and responsive practitioners within the changing context of design.

Leaders

Work independently and collaboratively as design practitioners, able to effectively communicate with stakeholders and the broader community.

Professionals
Leaders

Conduct scholarly and practice-based research about design and on design in social, historical and contemporary contexts.

Scholars

Respond to global and ethical issues, demonstrating awareness of the impact and engagement potential of design practice.

Global citizens

Graduate Capabilities

For more information on Graduate Capabilities please click on this link

Program Structure

Students must complete 144 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

Disciplinary Component120 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 120 UOC of the following to satisfy the core requirements of this degree

Core Courses36 Units of Credit:

Students must take 36 UOC of the following courses.

Design Disciplinary Studios36 Units of Credit:

Students must complete two studio sequences of Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced level courses (18 UOC each) in two of the following 6 studio areas for a total of 36 UOC: Object, Experience, Graphics, Interaction, Textiles and 3D Visualisation.

Object

Experience

Graphics

Interaction

Textiles

3D Visualisation

Design History & Theory Courses24 Units of Credit:

Professional Practice Courses12 Units of Credit:

Prescribed Studio Electives12 Units of Credit:

Students must take at least 12 UOC of the following courses.

Free Electives12 Units of Credit:

General Education12 Units of Credit:

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:

Admission Requirements

Special Admission Requirements

Portfolio

Students whose ATAR or equivalent falls below the cut-off to gain entry to the program will be able to submit a portfolio as long as their ATAR is not less than 10 points below the cut-off. The portfolio will consist of creative work or essay, information on their background and interest in the program, and two supporting references. Applicants will be selected on the basis of a score given to the portfolio and their ATAR.

For more information about admission requirements for various UNSW programs, visit the following website(s):

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Related Double Degree

Bachelor of Commerce - BCom
Bachelor of Design - BDes3575 - Commerce / Design

Bachelor of Design - BDes
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - BEd (Secondary)4066 - Design / Education (Secondary)

Bachelor of Design - BDes
Bachelor of Media - BMedia4824 - Design / Media (Public Relations and Advertising)

Postgraduate Pathway

Master of Design - MDes9313 - Design

Honours Pathway

Bachelor of Design (Honours) - BDes(Hons)4527 - Design (Honours)

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal

Award of Pass with Distinction

The Award of Pass with Distinction is awarded when a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award Pass with Distinction except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.

For more information, please visit the link above.

Additional Information

Further Information

Contact the Nucleus Student Hub for advice.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Additional Expenses and Resources

Students may be required to purchase equipment or materials to enable them to complete activities and assessment tasks within the program, however every effort will be undertaken for the faculty to provide such relevant equipment and materials as appropriate.

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)

Faculty
Faculty: The primary academic unit in which related disciplines of teaching and research are conducted.

Campus

Paddington

Study Level
Study Level refers to the academic level of a program, specialisation or course.

Undergraduate

Typical duration:

3 Year(s)

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Intake Period

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Academic Calendar

Minimum Units of Credit

144

AQF Level

Level 7

Award Type

Bachelor

Award(s)
Award(s): Qualification upon completion (all awards offered by UNSW are accredited by UNSW and align with the Australian Qualifications Framework).

Bachelor of Design - BDes

UAC Code

421100

CRICOS Code

097695F

Design

4822

144 Units of Credit