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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Design?
Our highly specialised design degrees will give you skills and techniques you can apply directly to work in the creative industries. In our custom-built workshops and design studios you will develop valuable hands-on skills that can be used in a wide range of fields such as:
- brand identity
- industrial design
- design and construction
- sustainable design
- interior design
- contemporary art
- web design
- print publications
- communication design
- product development
- manufacturing
While you study you will benefit from our strong industry links, and you'll make connections and build networks that can last a lifetime. UniSA is one of only two universities in Australia to combine art, architecture, design and planning principles, making us a great choice for students with a specific interest in these creative, innovative fields.
Key features
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in design, communication design, product design and illustration and animation is ranked world class1.
- Study at a university that developed the first Bachelor of Design degree in the world.
- Learn in custom-built workshops and studios, located on-campus.
- Access a library with the largest collection of art, craft and design resources in South Australia.
- Benefit from our networks and relationships with industry – locally, nationally and internationally.
- Learn from teachers and academics who are established, practicing artists and designers.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, 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.
Building your career is our business. With 100% of our research rated at or above world-class2, you can be confident that you'll learn advanced art and research skills of the highest standard.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals at a university that developed the first Bachelor of Design degree in the world!
Our academics have a very practical approach to learning and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real-world projects.
We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces.
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
UniSA offers the following Design degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Meet the Unstoppables
Meet some of UniSA's unstoppable graduates and explore how you can unlock your unstoppable career in Design with our world-class degrees.
Our design degrees will equip you with the skills and confidence to take on roles in the creative industries such as:
- visual communication designer: specialised graphic designer that uses software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
- illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
- animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
- art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
- communication designer: specialised graphic designer that uses software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
- typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
- web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding
- 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: design and create visual representations for use in technical publications and manuals
- animator: use sequential images to produce moving pictures
- industrial designer: develop concepts and designs for manufactured products, such as cars
- product designer: use your design skills to make existing products more effective
- ceramicist: create ceramic objects or artwork
- arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
- sculptor: manipulate hard materials to make three-dimensional artworks
- art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating art
- photographer: capture everything from portraits and landscapes to architecture, fashion and editorial. You can choose to be self-employed or to work for a range of industries as an in-house photographer
- artist: create original artwork; fine artists are usually self-employed, but some artists may produce work during artist residencies or may be commissioned by an individual or organisation
- jewellery and glass designer: design, repair and create jewellery
- printmaker: create prints using a range of medium, including film, paper or wood
Global networks
We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Industry facts
UniSA's leading art museums and galleries
UniSA's SASA Gallery
An outreach and exhibition facility for art, architecture and innovative design that fosters teaching and learning opportunities.
Ask UniSA
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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.
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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.
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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.
Study at UniSA
Curious about studying Design? Hear about the study journeys of three UniSA Design students: Tim (Product design), Sam (Illustration & Animation Design) and Matilda (Communication Design).
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)
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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)
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
