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Bachelor of Design (Honours)

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
With the UNSW Bachelor of Design (Honours), you'll discover the relationship between theory and practice in contemporary design and the role of design in social challenges. Advance your knowledge and understanding of design, and extend your critical and creative skills by developing a significant, practice-led research project.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Paddington
Codes
Program code 4527
CRICOS code 098000A
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
N/A
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$9,000*
Art and design students discussing work inside the Red Center build enviroment study space.

Overview

Advance your design knowledge and understanding by developing a significant practice-led research project in the Bachelor of Design (Honours). Access leading research labs and a selective professional placement program to explore the potential of contemporary design.

Graduates develop a deeper understanding of design strategy, design methods and research, providing pathways to an array of careers in the design and cultural sectors, as well as to higher-degree research programs such as a Master of Philosophy or PhD.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included from the day you start your degree for the duration of your studies
  • Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
  • Learn through research-informed teaching
  • Prioritise career success - UNSW won the Australian Financial Review's Most Employable Students Award in 2024.
  • Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
  • 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
4527
CRICOS Code
098000A
Campus
Paddington
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 have completed the UNSW Bachelor of Design or other cognate recognised Level 7 qualification. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher (or equivalent) in the relevant Level 7 qualification prior to entry. Entry is subject to resources and the approval of the Deputy Head of School, Design.

    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.

Admission pathways

Not everyone applies to university straight from high school. That’s why UNSW considers a range of qualifications, life experience and pathway programs for admission into our degrees. Find out what you’ll need to apply to UNSW, depending on where you’re at in life.

Find out 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 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.

Students must have completed the UNSW Bachelor of Design or other cognate recognised Level 7 qualification. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher (or equivalent) in the relevant Level 7 qualification prior to entry. Entry is subject to resources and the approval of the Deputy Head of School, Design.

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

Potential careers

  • Graphic designer
  • Interaction and user experience (UX) designer
  • Exhibition, experience and event designer
  • Textile and fashion designer
  • Furniture, ceramics or jewellery designer
  • 3D Visualisation
  • Design strategy
  • Design instructor

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 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.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$9,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$9,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1

*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
$42,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$43,500*

*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

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Career Support

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