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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 ranked number 1 in SA for art and design1, and we are also 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.
1 2019 QS Subject Rankings
Key features
- UniSA is the only SA university ranked for Art and Design1 and is No.1 for Student Satisfaction in Creative Arts2.
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in design, communication design, product design and illustration and animation is ranked world class3.
- Learn in state-of-the-art 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.
12020 QS Subject Rankings
2ComparED (QILT): Course Experience Questionnaire 2018-19 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
3Results 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. We're number one in South Australia for art and design2. With 100% of our research rated at or above world-class3, you can be confident that you'll learn advanced art and research skills of the highest standard.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals. 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.
UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence.
1 Ranked #26, 2019 THE Young University Rankings. Ranked #30, 2020 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
2 2019 QS Subject Rankings
3 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
UniSA offers 22 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.
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
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit SATAC's website and follow the links.
Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees offered through UniSA Online, applications are submitted directly to UniSA Online. Head to UniSA Online's applications webpage.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit Research Degrees website. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
All applications will have a closing date. Closing dates do vary for each degree, for more information please visit our Apply webpage or contact Future Student Enquiries on 08 8302 2376 or via our online enquiry webform.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry webform. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis once you've received an offer by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
Book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly Future Student Enquiries team on 08 8302 2376 or via our online enquiry form.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page.
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) who can provide you help in finding a private career counsellor. You can contact CDAA on 08 8211 6961.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Liam as he shares his experiences studying at UniSA and his journey as a Bachelor of Design (Product Design) student.
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 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
A five star university
Five stars for research, teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities, social responsibility and innovation.*
*QS Stars rankings 2019