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)

Why UniSA?

Building your career is our business. With 100% of our research rated at or above world-class1, 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.

12018 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.

Your career

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
Your Career

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

job-listings

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

column-chart-growth

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

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.

Learn more

Ask UniSA

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

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

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

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

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

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

    You may be eligible to receive credit 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 credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

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

    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.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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).

UniSA Video

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)

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)

Placeholder image

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:

ipad-tablet-ebook-reading-studying-learning-ebook

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-cap

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.

ribbon-blue-commerce

A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings