< Back to results

Bachelor of Computational Design (Honours)

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Transform creative thinking into real-life solutions. Gain unique and in-demand skills applying cutting-edge technologies across architecture, design, computer science and engineering. With the Bachelor of Computational Design (Honours) degree, you’ll undertake a significant research project that will set you apart as you kick-start your career.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 4523
CRICOS code 089222F
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
N/A
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$11,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$11,000*
Virtual reality

International application pause for 2025 intakes

Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.

Overview


This Honours degree gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Computational Design methods, knowledge and history by undertaking a significant research project. During the year you will also undertake research methods courses to assist you to prepare a thesis and will be supervised by an academic. Following completion of the Honours year, you may apply to undertake a research degree such as the Master of Philosophy, Masters by Research or a PhD.

 

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • Study at a School that ranks 4th in Australia and #35 in the world for Architecture and Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
  • 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
  • Prioritise career success - UNSW won the Australian Financial Review's Most Employable Students Award in 2024
  • Access world-class alumni connections
  • Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024)
  • Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Program Code
4523
CRICOS Code
089222F
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank
N/A
2024 A levels
N/A
2024 IB Diploma
N/A
2024 Lowest ATAR
N/A

Students must hold a Bachelor degree in Computational Design with the equivalent of a UNSW Credit average.

    1. The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
    2. The 2024 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.
    3. The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2024 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.
  • 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


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 advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer 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. 

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.

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


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

You’ll deepen your knowledge of computational design by undertaking a significant research project. The research project, a thesis, could be a written report or essay, but could also be represented in creative formats.

You’ll graduate with and advanced skills and an extended project that will set you apart as you kick-start your career.

Program structure

Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period.

Below is an example of what you will study in a standard full-time study plan in the The Bachelor of Computational Design (Honours).

The optional Honours year includes:

  • 1 Research Methods course
  • 2 Critical Literature Reviews
  • 1 Thesis

Future careers

Computational Designers work at the intersection of technology and design, and the demand for your skills will continue to grow.

Through the Bachelor of Computational design, you’ll work on real-life projects set by UNSW’s industry partners such as Cox, Arup, Hassell, BVN, Bates Smart, PTW Architects, Grimshaw. This experience, as well as your Honours research experience will equip you with a professional portfolio, professional connections and an in-depth understanding of the discipline that will set you apart upon graduation. 

Potential careers

  • Architectural and urban design specialist
  • Software solutions developer
  • Smart cities consultant
  • Urban data analyst
  • Design technology manager
  • Digital fabrication and smart-manufacturing specialist
  • Gaming environment developer
  • Building information model implementer

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 apply?

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 apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$11,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$11,000*

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.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$45,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$46,500*

*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.


Top 20
Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025.

Most
Employable Graduates

AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

Leading
Innovation

#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
ADA alumni Shirelle Altona

Shirelle Altona

Current Student

What could you be creating at UNSW?

Explore our best student work in an interactive gallery from the School of Built Environment. Luminocity is an atmospheric digital experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Online Exhibition

How to design the future you want

Find out how UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture degrees give you the freedom and support needed to design the future you want.
Our Faculty
opens in a new window

Love what you do

The diverse knowledge, innovative spirit and hands-on experiences of our degrees is a distinct combination that will set you up for life. Meet our alumni and find out why they love what they do.
Our Alumni

Professional experience while you study

Claire Keenan's three-month internship with Sydney Writer's Festival opened doors in the media industry that launched her career.
Career Support

Take action in a complex world

Through UNSW’s Arts degree you’ll hone your interests and dive into the social sciences, arts and humanities fields you’re passionate about.
Our Degrees