Bachelor of Design (P3I)

• 1 Develop, interpret and communicate design ideas and information.
• 2 Justify design propositions using diverse knowledge sources.
• 3 Generate and refine design propositions through iterative processes.
• 4 Communicate, collaborate, and critique design work effectively.
• 5 Apply ethical practices considering environmental and social impact.

From your first semester, you’ll engage in immersive, hands-on design studios that mirror real professional environments. You’ll work on projects that respond to genuine community and industry challenges, learning through doing, reflecting, and collaborating.

Your practical experience develops progressively across the degree:

• In your first year, you’ll build the essential creative, technical, and teamwork skills that every designer needs. Through short design sprints and studio projects, you’ll experiment with materials, prototyping, and digital tools while learning to think critically, manage projects, and communicate ideas effectively.
• In your second year, you’ll deepen your learning through applied projects that connect with communities, businesses, and festivals. You’ll develop collaborative design methods, explore social and behavioural change, and gain experience working with real clients and stakeholders.
• In your final year, you’ll take greater ownership of your learning through independent studio projects. These capstone experiences allow you to apply systems thinking and regenerative design approaches to complex challenges. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio or exhibition that showcases your skills, creative process, and career direction.

Your studies are supported by strong local and state partnerships, giving you the chance to collaborate with organisations on real projects and authentic, place-based learning experiences.

Catalyst Program and Dean's Summer Research Scholarship

The Catalyst Program is available to high achieving domestic high school leavers studying a STEM course. It combines your bachelor's degree with scholarships, extracurricular experiences, special events, and networking opportunities. As a Catalyst scholarship recipient, you can participate in the Dean’s Summer Research Scholarship (DSRS) three times throughout your degree, with up to $9,000 in scholarships. Non-Catalyst students may also undertake the DSRS with a scholarship payment of $2,000 per experience.

Additionally, as a Bachelor of Design student, you can take advantage of additional benefits such as access to work-integrated learning opportunities or research projects. Learn more about the Catalyst Program

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Though the Student Ambassador Program or you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our exchange program allows you to spend up to a year of your degree studying overseas. We have over 150 exchange partners throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Tuition fees at the host university are waived, and all your studies can be recognised as part of your degree. A range of scholarships and financial support options are available to help with costs.

Find out more about Learning abroad.

Work Integrated Learning

While there is no compulsory placement in the Bachelor of Design, you’ll have many opportunities to gain real industry experience throughout your studies.

Design studios and project-based units give you authentic exposure to professional practice. From your first year, you’ll build essential workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, ethical practice, project management, and creative problem-solving.

As you progress, you’ll take on more complex design challenges that mirror real industry contexts and client needs. These experiences help you understand how to apply your design skills in professional environments.

In your final year, the Design Futures studio allows you to tailor your learning to your career goals. You can choose to complete an industry placement, collaborate with a client on a live brief, or develop a business or exhibition plan.

You may also choose to complete a Work Integrated Learning elective specific to Architecture and Design, offering hands-on professional experience in a real workplace.

Many units are taught by practising designers or include guest input from industry and community partners. These connections help you graduate with valuable networks and a clear pathway into your future career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure through our work integrated learning opportunities.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the University’s admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for more advice on the application process and the available pathways to enrol and study at the University of Tasmania.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 53.15.  The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

• Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
• Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.  

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.  

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

• Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
• Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

This course does not have any course specific requirements.

How to apply for a credit transfer

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

Bachelor of Design graduates can articulate into an honours program (BEnvDes (D4A), this is shared with the Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments (BABE). This one-year program enables practice-led-research on a topic to be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator. Diploma of University Studies (Science) and (Arts) – 21A Students can articulate to the B.Design after completing Year 1 of DipUniSt and be credited for two Level 100 electives (25cp) in the B.Design. 

TasTAFE Applications for Advanced Standing can be made for students who have successfully completed: Dip. Visual Arts; Dip. Graphic Design; Dip. Screen & Media; and ADV. Dip. Visual Arts. Credit will only be awarded for up to two Level 100 units. University Connections Program (UCP) Subject to continuation of UCP, a credit transfer of 25cp credit is available for students who have completed the UCP Object Design subject.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.