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

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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

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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)

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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:

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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.

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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.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings