Overview 2020
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
Location
- What is an ATAR
- CRICOS: 098158A
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
Turning a passion for design into a physical reality
Thom Port’s Tassie-made furniture creations have featured in business from Hobart's cafe scene to one of Tasmania’s leading boutique hotels.
Designers shape the world we live in; creating the products, environments, services and experiences that tackle a wide range of global challenges.
This exciting new degree offers you the skills, knowledge and experience to meet these challenges head on, through a wide variety of design mediums. A foundation of design thinking teaches you the language and processes of design; the conceptual, experimental and critical skills vital for any design. career.
This is combined with extensive design studio and design practice experiences throughout your degree. Each design studio focuses on a unique real-world problem where you develop, test, refine and apply your design skills using a range of technologies and techniques in collaboration with internationally renowned designers and local community and industry partners.
The highly flexible degree also allows you to customise your learning with a choice of specialised skills across Visual Communication, Spatial Design, Object Design, Creative Technology, and Business and Entrepreneurship.
These experiences will lead to you to become a flexible, adaptive designer, ready to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving design industry, in whatever direction your passion takes you.
Course objectives
The multi-disciplinary Bachelor of Design enables you to develop a diverse and adaptable design skill set, and become a design leader in framing and tackling global challenges in a wide range of contexts. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design have the skills, knowledge and experience to step into roles in both established and emerging creative industries, or pursue their own entrepreneurial activities.
This core knowledge crosses industries and technical skillsets, and enables you to adapt to the ever-evolving design industry. Combined with the significant industry experience, networking opportunities, and range of technical skills you can choose from, you can be prepared to apply your design skills and creative knowledge wherever your interests take you.
Practical experience
Industry leading facilities and technology
Our buildings are part of your creative journey, with award-winning and inspiring environments located in the heart of Tasmania’s cultural precincts at Hobart’s former IXL jam factory in Hunter Street, and Launceston’s historic Western Railway Yard at Inveresk.
Flexible studios and teaching spaces offer creative environments for interactive learning, while state-of the-art workshops are equipped with a full spectrum of manufacturing technologies ranging from traditional fabrication equipment, kilns and printing presses to Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and a Kuka 6-axis industrial robotic arm.
Our computer labs comprise dedicated Mac and Windows PCs, and include a wide range of industry standard software for graphic design, digital fabrication and Augmented and Virtual Reality, including Rhino 6 3D, Fologram, ArchiCAD, Revit, and the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. Students are supported to fast track their digital design skills at their own pace with hundreds of online, e-learning tutorials provided through our Institute of Digital Design Australia subscription.
Inspiring environments for learning and practice
Your learning environment extends well beyond the classroom, and encompasses the wonderful state of Tasmania itself. Environmental and social sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and so you can draw on and be inspired by our World Heritage landscapes, and unique, multi-skilled and accessible creative industry sector that embraces our island state. All facilitated by our collective teaching expertise across the disciplines of Architecture, Design, Fine Art, ICT, and Business.
Overseas study experiences
Our international exchange programs offers you the chance to gain amazing global experiences while you study, with opportunities ranging from two-week study tours, to semester exchanges at partner universities around the world.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, including offering a range of scholarships and financial assistance options. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more at Student Mobility.
Work placement
Work-integrated learning is embedded throughout your studies
From engaging directly with leading designers, industry and communities in the design studio, to placements in a wide range of industries on the ‘Design Island’ of Tasmania. Some of our existing and recent partnerships include the MONA FOMA and Dark MOFO festivals, Junction Festival, and Parks and Wildlife Tasmania, as well as local governments, education departments and not-for-profit organisations.
Our staff are heavily integrated throughout the vibrant and dynamic Tasmanian creative sector and beyond, offering you opportunities to gain exposure to a diversity of genuine work integrated learning opportunities.
Career outcomes
The world is constantly evolving, with designers always pushing the boundaries of what is known, and finding creative solutions to complex problems across a range of industries and contexts.
The Bachelor of Design prepares you a wide range of future careers in this ever-changing work environment. This means your career opportunities are vast, including within industries that didn’t exist when you started your degree!
When you graduate, you will be able to launch your career in both established and emerging creative industries such as:
- exhibition design and event design
- graphic and interpretation design
- furniture, industrial and wearables design,
- digital media design, interaction design and user experience design
- co-design, service design, and design management.
In addition to a world of design industries, the degree also offers opportunities for diverse career paths in future industries such as design for health, food innovation, eco-tourism, social enterprise, and future trend forecasting (design futurist).
Apply today, and chart your own adventure as an agent of change!
Postgraduate study
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Design consists of a major (Design Studio), eight degree core knowledge units, four student electives and a choice of minor (see list below). Students can use their student electives to select a second design minor..
Core units focus on the development of transferable design skills in complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity and their application in design studios addressing real-world challenges and opportunities (50% of the course in first and second year and 75% of the course in third year).
Business and Entrepreneurship (Hobart and Launceston)
Make an early start on developing your professional knowledge and skills and applying your creativity to key areas of business: management, people and organisations, marketing and innovation. Business and Entrepreneurship offers opportunities of future careers as an embedded creative in multiple organisations and industries by applying your creativity to key areas of business including management, people and organisations, marketing and innovation.
Visual Communication (Hobart only)
Engage your creativity in the multi-disciplinary practice of visual communication and develop a repertoire of visual skills and approaches. Visual Communication provides you with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in traditional fields such as graphic design, as well as emerging areas of interpretation design and creative direction.
Spatial design (Launceston only)
Focus on an exciting range of spatial design practices encompassing knowledge and skills from the fields of architecture, interior, landscape and urban design. Spatial Design provides you with knowledge and skills to pursue careers in areas like exhibition design, event design, and work in emerging areas like the design and fabrication of pop-ups.
Object design (Hobart and Launceston)
Pursue your passion for hands-on making and material exploration while developing skills and knowledge in craft and digital fabrication processes. Object Design draws on the expertise of the University in the craft of making, including both traditional and digital fabrication, to pursue careers in areas such as furniture design, industrial design and the design of wearable objects
Creative Technology (Hobart and Launceston)
Combine your creativity and your interests in gaming, coding and technologies that enhance human experience, through design. Creative Technology offers the opportunity for you to pursue careers in web design, game design and new fields such as interaction design through combining creative thinking with knowledge of coding and advanced technologies.
You may also choose to continue your studies with an Honours year (offered based on academic performance), to further develop specialised skills in key areas of interest related to the research strengths of the University, or as a pathway into Higher Degree Research.
Core Components
Design Studio Major
Year 1
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Studios are paired with related Design Thinking units which provide broad theoretical context and essential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Studios are paired with related Design Thinking units which provide broad theoretical context and essential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Studios are paired with related Design Thinking units which provide broad theoretical context and essential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Studios are paired with related Design Thinking units which provide broad theoretical context and essential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Design Studio: Lab A is one of two capstone units where you will demonstrate knowledge…
Credit Points: 25
This unit is currently unavailable.
Design studios form the core of the Bachelor of Design degree where you develop, refine and apply your skills as a designer in real-world contexts. Design Studio: Lab B is one of two capstone units where you will demonstrate knowledge…
Credit Points: 25
This unit is currently unavailable.
Degree Core Knowledge (Compulsory Units)
Year 1
What is design? How does design thinking conceptualise the world, and produce with it new insights? This unit introduces you to the organisational capacity and transformative potential of design thinking as it relates to Islands – environments understood through their…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
What complexities can design address? How can design thinking expand our understanding of the world and its interconnections? This unit introduces you to the organisational capacity and transformative potential of design thinking as it relates to Clouds – systems understood…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
How can design thinking extend our understanding of ecological systems? And how can ecological knowledge be used to extend design thinking? This unit introduces you to key concepts in ecology and explores how design thinking can be employed to gain…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
How can design embrace diversity and difference? Who are we designing for and how can we do design differently to foster greater inclusion? This unit introduces you to participatory frameworks for design. It explores how methodological approaches from social sciences…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 3
Design Practices units provide a foundation for you to develop your confidence as practitioners both now and into the future. They provide both a business-based perspective and look to the future direction of the profession and your role in it.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Design Practices units provide a foundation for you to develop your confidence as practitioners both now and into the future. They provide both a business-based perspective and look to the future direction of the profession and your role in it.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Other
Student Electives (four)
Choice of Minor
Business and Entrepreneurship
Year 1
Organisations are composed of people. The study of human behaviour is, therefore, fundamental to understand organisations and organisational effectiveness. The primary purpose of this unit is to improve the management of organisations through the development of knowledge of human behaviour.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides students with an introduction to management concepts, functions and strategies. The unit outlines the key functions of management. The unit then explores the context surrounding management functioning, including an analysis of the broad environment in which organisations…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 2
Marketing is the practice of managing an organisation’s market offerings to create value-laden customer exchanges. Adopting a market orientation means organisations allow their marketing practices to be responsive to opportunities, and threats presented in the business environment. This responsiveness enables…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Spring school (extended) | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 3 | ||||
Entrepreneurship is a way of looking at business that is focused on opportunities, creativity and innovation. It is also about having a passion for doing the things that are important to you, be they related to business or not. It…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Accelerated Study Period 3 | ||||
| Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hong Kong Universal Ed | Semester 2 | ||||
Visual Communication
Year 1
This unit provides an introduction to digital layout software tools and processes used by print designers for laying out documents. Common commercial software tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign are introduced through this unit, but the emphasis of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This studio introduces the multi-disciplinary practice of Visual Communication.Emphasis is placed on the development and acquisition of a repertoire of visual skills, and approaches. Students are encouraged to explore different mediums and methods while integrating theoretical knowledge through research. Projects…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
Visual Communication is arguably the most ubiquitous of all the visual arts.To be able to communicate clearly and effectively it is essential for visual communicators to have a deep understanding and appreciation for conceptual development, process, typography and image making.The…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Visual Communication as a discipline incorporates many sub-disciplines such as design for print, illustration, title design, identity and branding, exhibition, environmental graphics, way finding, public commissions – just to name a few.Increasingly designers are choosing to craft a hybrid practice,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Spatial Design
Year 1
Materials + Tectonics is part of a suite of four units in the degree core of the Bachelor of Architecture & Built Environments and the Spatial Design minor in the Bachelor of Design. These units introduce you to key ideas,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Visualisation and Fabrication is part of a suite of four units in the degree core of the Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments and the Spatial Design minor in the Bachelor of Design. These units introduce you to key ideas,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 2
Histories and Theories of Built Environments is part of a suite of four units in the degree core of the Bachelor of Architecture & Built Environments and the Spatial Design minor in the Bachelor of Design. These units introduce you…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KDA235 Histories and Theories of Built Environments
Light, Sound, Surface is part of a suite of four units in the degree core of the Bachelor of Architecture & Built Environments and the Spatial Design minor in the Bachelor of Design. These units introduce you to key ideas,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Object Design
Year 1
The 21st century is presenting a revolution in making that is characterised by a departure from the heavy infrastructure of mass production to the bespoke digital design and manufacture of objects. CNC Routers, 3D printers, Laser cutters are revolutionising this…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for FSF102 Introduction to Digital 3D Fabrication
3D Design 1 focuses on developing students' analytical, conceptual and technical skills, enabling them to investigate and produce effective design solutions for a range of directed design problems.Directed by staff and technicians, in the context of a studio/workshop/tutorial curriculum, you…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit focuses on the complex relationships between objects and people including individual user experience and the interactions between objects and broader social relations. Through detailed precedent studies of seminal and contemporary exemplars you will investigate how objects are designed…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces you to concept, form and technique in object design with an emphasis on hands-on experimentation and thinking through making. You will test, transform and connect different materials using a variety of processes and joining techniques. You will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Year 2
3D Design 2A will diversify and broaden your capacity to understand and engage with diverse materials, methodologies and processes associated with contemporary design practice. Through group and individual tasks you will develop your ability to collaborate and experiment with materials,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
In undertaking this unit you will build on your acquired skills to explore sculpture and installation practice through a range of media and techniques, whilst further developing your conceptual approach.You will be guided through more in-depth approaches to observation and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces you to designing 3D objects for batch or multiple production with an emphasis on artisanal and digital fabrication techniques. You will investigate a range of manufacturing processes and production systems and gain insights shared by industry guests.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Winter school | ||||
This unit explores objects as cultural artefacts, critically interrogating the relationship between object and context. A key emphasis will be understanding dimensions of place in relation to history, communities and environments. Through lectures and presentations by leading designers, you will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Creative Technology
Year 1
This unit will provide students with an overview of programming and its role in problem solving and strategies for designing solutions to programming problems with reference to the Java programming language. Beginning with the fundamental characteristics of computers and how…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Games (whether they be video games, console games, computer games, mobile games, or web games) differ from other media as they elevate the viewer to the level of a participant. Games are an ever-growing cultural phenomenon, which has increasing relevance…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Year 2
This unit focuses on the nature of systems design, implementation and testing as phases within the systems development process. The unit develops practical skills in designing, implementing and testing desktop computer programs, focusing on ones having graphical user interfaces that…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit will explore the exciting field of virtual reality, mixed reality and the advanced concepts and technologies for interfacing humans to complex machines. We will discuss their potential impact on the way we think about computers and the way…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KIT208 Virtual and Mixed Reality Technology
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 50.8. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
All other domestic applicants
To be eligible for an offer, you must meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience.
Special consideration
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, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
Credit for appropriate studies completed at TAFE and/or other university courses may be granted, including the Associate Degree in Applied Design offered through the University College and collaboration with the Foundry.
You can apply for advanced standing as part of the application process, or it can be assessed independently via a separate application.
Please contact us for further information
Articulation from
This degree does not formally articulate from another degree. See Credit transfer for information on advanced standing from other qualification and experience, or Alternative entry pathways for pathway options into this degree.
Articulation to
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Alternative entry pathways
If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies or the University Preparation Program.
In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
2020 Total Course Fee (international students): $93,031 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $29,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
Domestic Students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
International students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries