Bachelor of Computational Design (Honours)

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth

International

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

ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank: N/A
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $11,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $11,500*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $47,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $48,500*

Research methods
Strong industry links
Pathway to MPhil or PhD

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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 school ranked #1 in Sydney and #23 globally for architecture & built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
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 has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025)
Access world-class alumni connections
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
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)

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank ¹

N/A

2024 A levels ²

N/A

2024 IB Diploma ³

N/A

2024 Lowest ATAR ⁴

N/A

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

See more

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), opens in a new window
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.

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

I studied in:

Qualifications	Direct entry requirement
International ATAR	N/A
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA	N/A
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)	N/A All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)	N/A Entry criteria is based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2024 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)	N/A Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

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:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

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

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

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?

Apply now

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), opens in a new window 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?

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Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$11,500*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$11,500*

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.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$47,500*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$48,500*

*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.

Explore Scholarships