Study Bachelor of Design (Product Design) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
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Degree overview

Learn in custom-built on-campus workshops.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Build working prototypes of your designs in our workshops and dedicated studios.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the product and industrial design industry – locally, nationally and internationally.
Learn from teachers who are practicing professionals with strong links to industry.
Focus on the humanisation of technology.
Get the opportunity to complete some of your study internationally.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in product design is ranked world class¹.
Study at a university that developed the first Bachelor of Design degree in the world.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities², we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
²UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

This practical degree will equip you with the skills needed to design and create products that people use every day, such as electronic devices, domestic appliances, homewares, medical devices, sports equipment, user experiences and interfaces, furniture, mobility solutions and more.

Product designers need to consider human factors, usability, aesthetics, manufacturing technologies, materials and environmental sustainability in their designs, and this comprehensive, practical degree will have you doing just that. During your studies, you will develop fundamental practical skills through design studio classes, model-making and prototyping.

You will learn in our dedicated studios and state-of-the-art workshops fitted with digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers and 3D printers, and virtual reality systems. You can practice skills learned in real-world workplaces when you complete professional placements as part of your study. There is also the opportunity for you to complete some of your studies overseas.

What you'll learn

There is a lot of ground to cover in this degree, starting with a fundamental understanding of the elements and principles of design. Much of this study takes place in the purpose-built design studios located on-campus. You will study basic skills and concepts relating to areas such as sketching and visualisation techniques; design history and theory; human centred design; computer-aided design; and creativity. During your second year you will broaden your knowledge, covering topics such as:

ergonomics and human factors
human centred design principles
advanced 3D computer modelling and manufacturing
sustainable design concepts and methods
materials and processes
manufacturing and engineering principles

In your third year there will be a focus on design for usability, user experience, high volume manufacturing and sustainability, and you will be able to select a range of electives to tailor your study to your individual interests.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Product Design Studio 1 (Foundation)	GRAP 1031	9
Physical Prototyping Techniques for Product Design	GRAP 1021	4.5
Drawing for Product Design	GRAP 1022	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Product Design Studio 2 (Principles)	GRAP 1024	9
Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design	GRAP 1018	4.5
Introduction to Computer Modelling for Product Design	GRAP 1026	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Product Design Studio 3 (Human Factors)	GRAP 2032	9
Low Volume Manufacturing for Product Design	GRAP 1025	4.5
Advanced Computer Modelling for Product Design	GRAP 2029	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Product Design Studio 4 (Materials, Processes and Sustainability)	GRAP 2033	9
Human-Centred Design: Research and Analysis	GRAP 2031	4.5
Product Design: History, Culture and Context	GRAP 2039	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Product Design Studio 5 (Usability)	GRAP 3010	9
High Volume Manufacturing for Product Design	GRAP 2034	4.5
Transdisciplinary Projects	GRAP 3013	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Product Design Studio 6 (Capstone)	GRAP 3011	9
UniSA Creative Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2
OR
Electronics (Theory and Techniques)	EEET 2046	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 3

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students complete either UniSA Creative elective or Electronics (Theory and Techniques) (EEET 2046). UniSA Creative electives may be studied in any study period.

2. Students who have a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or more and wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available in the electives available may choose a research or project-based individual elective with the approval of the Program Director.

3. All students must complete one elective as part of their undergraduate program. Electives may be studied in any study period and may be chosen from any discipline within the University. See undergraduate elective courses

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). Typically there are 15 contact hours a week, with the expectation of 30 hours a week of self-directed study.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

projects involving building physical prototypes and models
essays and assignments
creation of apps and interfaces
technical drawing exercises
journals

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Design (Product Design)

This degree enables you to practice the skills needed for a successful product and industrial design career. Our dedicated design studios and workshops boast digital and analogue equipment enabling students to build their own prototypes, such as:

laser cutters
digital machining, including CNC routers and water jet cutters
3D printers
virtual reality systems
machines for hand fabrication

A large portion of your practical learning will take place in these areas, and Design Studio courses make up a large part of the degree’s curriculum. In these courses, you will design objects and products such as domestic appliances, musical instruments, mobility solutions and furniture. In addition to the on-campus practical experience, you will also benefit from industry placements and our strong industry links. There may also be the opportunity to participate in international and national study tours, competitions and exhibitions.

Real-world connections

Our teaching staff are highly trained industry professionals who bring with them years of experience. They have strong industry links and many hold professional positions with organisations including the Design Institute of Australia, Adelaide Design Network and others. For students this means links to industry and the opportunity to build important networks. There is the opportunity for you to further build on your industry network when you undertake work placements.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

Your career

Job prospects in this field are looking good, with very strong growth in employment expected nationally¹. You can increase your employment prospects when you continue your studies with a Master of Design, specialising in Industrial Design.

Careers to consider:

product designer: develop new designs in a broad range of industries, including consumer electronics, domestic products, medical products, transportation and app design
3D computer modeller: develop designs into 3D models and technical drawings using specialised software in a broad range of industries
User experience designer: responsible for turning applications into experiences that people enjoy using across a broad range of industries.
furniture designer: develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients and build sample models for either mass-produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces
technical illustrator and animation: design and create visual representations for use in marketing content, technical publications and manuals

¹Australian Government, Job Outlook 2020.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible for Graduate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. Graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As a design student, you will have access to:

custom-built on-campus design studios created specifically for product design students
workshops with an extensive range of traditional machines and tools, as well as a digital workshop that includes 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers.

Your program director

Dan McLean is the Program Director of Design, Product Design at the University of South Australia. Dan has worked professionally on Industrial Design projects in fields including consumer electronics, automotive and food and beverage packaging. He has worked in Australia and internationally as a professional Industrial Designer and has extensive design teaching experience, specifically in Design Studio courses, Human Centred Design, Design Drawing and 3D Visualisation.

Dan’s areas of expertise include product styling, branding, human factors, human centred design and design for manufacture.

Mr Dan McLean

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Dan McLean

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I participated in a trip to China to take part in a university workshop as well as two internships at a design consultancy and bicycle company. My involvement with industry has been incredible, giving me opportunities I wouldn’t have had any other way.

Liam Buggy

Bachelor of Design (Product Design)

Liam Buggy

Bachelor of Design (Product Design)

Hear from David Gordon about workshop here at The University of South Australia's City West campus. The workshop gives students the equipment and plenty of space to work through the entire development process from concept, development to production giving them hands on experience with the machinery and materials.