Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBPR

SATAC Code
424551 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

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 #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
 

Snapshot

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

What you 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
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2

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

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.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Design (Product Design)

Why this Degree

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: 

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.

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

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

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.

Student services

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.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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 study spaces

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
Portrait image for Mr Dan McLean
Portrait image for Mr Dan McLean

Mr Dan McLean

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

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

Liam Buggy

Bachelor of Design (Product Design)