Bachelor of Design (Graphic and Communication Design)
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Undergraduate
2025
113884H
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
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.
OR
Higher education study
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board | 6 |
Vietnam | 7 |
Australia | 65 |
IB (best 6) | 26 |
Bangladesh HSC | 3.5 |
Canada High School (OSSD) | 60 |
Eynesbury FSP | 310 |
German Abitur | 3.8 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1050 |
India (best 4) State Board | 70 |
India (best 4) Central Board | 60 |
HKDSE | 15 |
Nepal NEB | 2.41 |
Kenya KCSE (average) | B |
Malaysia STPM (best 3) | 6 |
Malaysia UEC | 32 |
Norway GPA | 2.8 |
Pakistan HSSC | 75 |
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) | 6 |
Sweden GPA | 12.5 |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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).
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.
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:
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
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
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:
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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.
As a design student you will have access to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hear from Claudia as she shares her experiences studying at UniSA and her journey as a Bachelor of Design (Communication) graduate.
Aaron Casiero
Aaron Harvey
Claudia Fernandez-Villasante
Laura Noto
Lucinda Penn
Lucille Robinson