Bachelor of Design

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, experiences, 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. Take advantage of our strong industry connections to grow your professional network and employability with internship opportunities here and overseas.

The combination of skills and theory with real-world projects and industry experiences will prepare you for a career beyond your first job.

Start by choosing two design study areas outlined below, then decide which program structure suits your goals. (See 'Program structure' for more information.)

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. 

See examples of graduate graphic design works in the A&D Annual.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

This program structure offers a specialisation, which is 16 courses in one study area. With the remaining eight courses, you’ll choose from elective and general education courses. Electives are courses in any approved study area, and general education courses elevate your study skills to a tertiary competency.

This program structure combines a specialisation (16 courses) with a minor (six courses) in industrial design or computational design. You’ll also choose two general education courses on any topic that suits your goals and interests.

With this degree, you'll choose and develop specialist skills and knowledge in one comprehensive area of study. You'll have the freedom and flexibility to complement your specialisation with a minor or elective courses from other approved study areas.

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.

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.

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.