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

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: Adv Dip
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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

Study at the university that developed the first Bachelor of Design degree in the world.
Gain specialised training in graphic design; typography; image design; print and screen publications, design for digital media platforms; brand and identity design; information graphics and package design through user experience awareness, concept development, problem solving and design processes.
Learn to create innovative design outcomes that motivate and inform through design practice and design thinking, contributing to the cultural and social life of the wider community.
Gain in-demand skills in concept development and technical skills that industry are looking for.
Benefit from the opportunity to work on projects addressing real-world issues.
Learn from teachers who are established designers and academics, offering insight into what it takes to create effective visual communications and graphics.
Learn in on-campus studios and workshops in the vibrant west-end creative precinct in the city.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the design industry – locally, nationally and internationally, and gain valuable practical experience.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in communication design is ranked world class¹.
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

Graphic and Communication Design (often referred to as Visual Communication) involves creating innovative identities, messages, ideas and images that inform, motivate and educate across a range of sectors, from logo and identity design, to posters, apps and package design. Graphic and Communication Design contributes to contemporary society through visual strategy, problem solving and design research in various areas of communication.

This degree has been the starting point for many of the country’s leading communication and graphic designers, and it will prepare you for a vibrant career in the design industry. Taught by established academics and designers, you will graduate with an industry-relevant qualification.

A focus on practical learning integrated with design thinking means you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to design stimulating, effective visual communications, and the confidence to create across a range of communication platforms and contexts.

What you'll learn

With an emphasis on practical studio-based learning, creativity and teamwork, you will graduate with the ability to design effective communications applied to diverse contexts. You will:

cover topics including: typography, brand and identity design, packaging, drawing techniques, print and digital image design, information graphics, app layout and communication, user experience design, web and publication design.
learn to design for screen and print platforms, including motion graphics, interaction design, and design strategy.
develop practical and technical skills in a variety of media for diverse outcomes.
learn how to integrate creative skills with design thinking methods to address wide-ranging communication tasks and scenarios

The Bachelor of Design (Graphic and Communication Design) is practice-based, involving creative and critical thinking integrated with craft and technical skills. Throughout this degree, you will learn how to respond effectively to communication problems through design as you develop the skills to articulate ideas and approaches to work independently and in a team.

You will also be required to complete design electives as part of your studies. These provide the opportunity for you to further explore areas and pathways of interest and to build an individual and effective portfolio.

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)
Design Foundation Studio	GRAP 1017	9
Introductory Drawing for Design	GRAP 1019	4.5
Design, Culture and Society 1	GRAP 1023	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication Design Studio 1	GRAP 1020	9
Design, Culture and Society 2	GRAP 2030	4.5
Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design	GRAP 1018	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication Design Studio 2	GRAP 2007	9
Design for Publication	GRAP 2011	4.5
Type as Visual Language	GRAP 2027	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Communication Design Studio 3	GRAP 2008	9
Package Design	GRAP 2017	4.5
Design Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication Design Studio 4	GRAP 3006	9
Design for Web	GRAP 2020	4.5
Design Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Professional Practice Studio	GRAP 3007	9
Critical Design Practice	GRAP 2022	4.5
Undergraduate Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,3,4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Design Electives
Consumer Behaviour	MARK 1008	4.5
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5
Life Drawing	VSAR 2049	4.5
Etching and Intaglio Printmaking	VSAR 2057	4.5
Relief and Alternative Printmaking	VSAR 2058	4.5
Match Studio Projects	ARCH 2027	4.5
Creative Thinking Methods	GRAP 2019	4.5
Commercial and Professional Photography	GRAP 2024	4.5
Type, Image, Motion	GRAP 2021	4.5
Animation Design	GRAP 2028	4.5
Human-Centred Design: Research and Analysis	GRAP 2031	4.5
Professional Development in Marketing	MARK 1015	4.5
Digital Marketing	MARK 3016	4.5
Design for Digital Technologies	COMM 2080	4.5
UO Design for Digital Technologies	COMM 2087	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. Students can select any undergraduate elective across the university depending on availability. Students are encouraged to select electives to best support their final portfolio. See undergraduate elective courses.

2. Students must complete two 4.5 unit design electives. These electives are designed to expand the intellectual and professional capabilities of the students in core and cognate areas of the curriculum and to provide scope for individual development in particular areas of professional academic interest. Design elective courses are listed below. Not every course will be offered every year.

3. Students who wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available from the elective courses offered in any one study period may choose either a research or project-based directed study elective through UniSA Creative Negotiated Study (VSAR 2038).

4. Students should review the prerequisite requirements of their Design elective courses before enrolling and plan the completion of their electives in sequence if required.

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, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

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

studio and client-based projects
design progress and research journals and papers
proposals and reports
presentations
essays and assignments
2D and 3D design outcomes
professional portfolio

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 (Graphic and Communication Design)

If you are interested in graphic design and designing visual communications that make an impact and want to learn from industry professionals in a stimulating, creative environment, this degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work and succeed in industry.

Our teaching is informed by our research, industry experience and expectations. Many of our teaching staff are also professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and highly practical in nature.

On campus, our custom-built workshops, digital printing facilities and design studios allow you to further develop valuable practical skills. You’ll also benefit from our strong industry links, award-winning teaching staff, and academics.

There is also the opportunity to complete further study with a one-year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) degree, a one-year Graduate Diploma or a two-year Master of Design (Communication Design).

Real-world connections

You will benefit from our strong industry links and relationships with the design profession locally, nationally and internationally. You will have the opportunity to engage with real-life design tasks and practising designers and engage in multidisciplinary teams to further strengthen your professional networks and practical experience. 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.

Study Design at UniSA

Hear from UniSA graduates and Designers/Directors of Enoki, Susanna Bilardo and Judd Crush, about their experiences studying Design at UniSA and how it has helped them reach their career goals.

Career outcomes

Your career

This industry is expecting strong growth¹. Designers work within diverse areas of business and community requiring skills and knowledge of graphic software to create still and animated images for use in promotions, branding, advertisements, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and much more.

Graduates enjoy careers in a variety of roles and job opportunities:

communication (graphic/visual) designers are employed in graphic design studios; multi-disciplined consultancies; publishing houses; museums; government and advertising agencies; corporate and local business, digital media studios; printers and new start-ups. They specialise in concept design and strategic planning to coordinate and co-design within multi-disciplined teams and organisations. Communication (graphic/visual) designers generate a variety of design outcomes for corporate and community areas producing digital and/or print outcomes.
art director/creative director: who are responsible for coordinating teams through design direction and co-design as the leading liaison between clients and other disciplines and subcontractors.

There is also strong demand for well-designed and maintain websites, so graduates can secure positions as either in-house designers or freelance designers. There is also design work across the development of 2D graphics and 3D forms for packaging, exhibitions and signage design.

Creativity, curiosity, interpersonal skills, motivation, commitment and, of course, communication skills, are all qualities of a successful Communication Designer.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020

Industry facts

Employment for graphic and web designers, and illustrators in Australia is projected to increase by 13,900 (21.7 per cent) by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

The number of graphic and web designers, and illustrators in Australia is expected to reach 78,100 by 2026¹.

¹Australian Government National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

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:

industry-preferred computers and programs.
design studios and workshops, with a range of traditional and new tech machines and tools.

The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) is based at UniSA’s City West Campus. This location provides great inspiration both on campus and with the many exciting contemporary venues within close proximity.

Your program director

Dr Chris Thornton

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Chris Thornton

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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?

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?

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?

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

What I liked the most about this degree was being able to work on projects for real clients, having opportunities for exposure and the opportunity to join various design associations.

Claudia Fernandez Villasante

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)