The Bachelor of Design prepares students to become confident visual communicators, building foundations in visual literacy, design research, and critical thinking.
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
01 March 2027
Closing Date
Campuses^
LSR
Parramatta South
UAC 720716
60
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1949
CRICOS Code: 00917K
Create. Imagine. Make
The Bachelor of Design (formerly 1571 B. Design (Visual Communication)) is grounded in design history and contemporary practice. All students develop capabilities in branding, typography, image-making, design thinking, user experience, and digital storytelling before specialising in one of three areas: Branding and Strategy, Data and Digital Storytelling, or User Experience and User Interface (UX/UI) Design.
Through studio-based learning that rewards curiosity and experimentation, students become powerful communicators equipped to engage with the pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues of our time. Embedded industry partnerships connect students with local and national partners, delivering collaborative studio projects, live client briefs, and portfolio-building tasks that develop hands-on making, creative processes, digital fluency, and essential professional skills. Purpose-built facilities, including industry-specific photographic studios and our award-winning Design teaching studio, close the gap between education and professional practice.
Graduates emerge as advanced visual communicators with the technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and collaborative professional skills employers actively seek. Wherever design is used to communicate, advocate, or create change, our graduates are ready to lead.
Apply Now to start your journey at Western
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As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western Sydney University gives all students complimentary access to the Adobe Creative Cloud, so you can level up your digital skills with FREE access to the Adobe Creative Cloud apps. It's like your very own innovation toolkit, where technology meets creativity!
Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of software tools and services which provide a one-stop platform for professionals and enthusiasts in various creative fields, offering a wide range of applications for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and more!
Access Western’s new state of the art design, illustration and photography studios and media facilities.
Explore the Burrow
The Burrow is a purpose-built design studio that gives you a chance to work on real-life industry projects.
The Bachelor of Design embeds partnership pedagogy throughout the degree, ensuring students build professional capability and portfolio-ready work from the ground up.
Students engage with cultural institutions, community organisations, corporate partners, and social enterprises on authentic design challenges, moving from guided foundational projects through to managing complete project lifecycles in a professional studio environment. Students can access work experience placements through our extensive agency and industry networks, as well as international exchange opportunities.
Graduates don't just have a qualification. They have a portfolio of real work, rigorous process, and genuine professional experience.
Graduate with eligibility for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
We value your creative practice and process. Entry by interview is possible to demonstrate your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity. The interview will allow you to talk with academic staff about your creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work. Applicants who apply for the Design program via UAC or directly, will be eligible to book a portfolio interview through the University's online booking system.
This portfolio pathway is available to all applicants, including if:
- you are a current Year 12 student and not eligible for true rewards.
- you completed the HSC (this year or earlier) but did not receive an ATAR.
- you did receive an ATAR but not what is required for the Design program.
- you are a non-recent school leaver not in one of the categories above.
For current Year 12 students, if your portfolio interview is successful, this will result in an early conditional offer.
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
In the first year, students will have the opportunity for both practical and theoretical learning to ensure they're flexing creative skillsets and using critical thinking to develop their own ideas.
From the second year, students choose from the following majors:
Branding and Strategy: develop the strategic and visual thinking to build, articulate, and evolve brand identities across diverse contexts.
Data and Digital Storytelling: transform complex information into compelling, accessible narratives through visual and digital media.
User Experience and User Interface Design: design intuitive, inclusive, and visually compelling digital interactions.
All three majors combine deep specialisation with collaborative studio practice and a progressive focus on motion design and emerging media, producing adaptable graduates ready for the full range of contemporary design contexts.
Minors: Students may also elect creative minors including (not limited to) photography, animation, Indigenous culture and creative practice, and fashion cultures and sustainability.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Graphic designer
- Web/app designer
- Publication designer
- Art director
- Design educator
- Brand and visual identity designer
- UX/UI designer
- Digital and content designer
- Packaging designer
- Environmental graphic designer
- Motion and digital storytelling designer
- Photographer
- Communication and campaign designer
- Design strategist
- Creative director
- Creative technologist
- Design researcher
Many graduates go on to establish independent practices or work internationally.
The program's emphasis on strategic thinking alongside hands-on making and digital fluency means graduates are equipped for a diverse and shifting employment landscape, wherever design is used to communicate, advocate, or create change.
Alumni
“The mentorship, people I met, and the facilities were instrumental in shaping who I have become within my creative practice.”
— Matt Wilson, Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Entry requirements for domestic students
Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent.
Alternate Entry
Portfolio entry: We value your creative practice and process. Entry by interview is possible to demonstrate your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity. The interview will allow you to talk with academic staff about your creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work. Applicants who apply for the Design program via UAC or directly, will be eligible to book a portfolio interview through the University's online booking system.
This portfolio pathway is available to all applicants, including if:
- you are a current Year 12 student and not eligible for HSC True Reward.
- you completed the HSC (this year or earlier) but did not receive an ATAR.
- you did receive an ATAR but not what is required for the Design program.
- you are a non-recent school leaver not in one of the categories above.
For current Year 12 students, if your portfolio interview is successful, this will result in an early conditional offer.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
Entry requirements for international students
**The Part-time option is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Admission
Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent.
Alternate Entry
Portfolio entry: We value your creative practice and process. Entry by interview is possible to demonstrate your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity. The interview will allow you to talk with academic staff about your creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work.
This portfolio pathway is available to all applicants, including if:
- you are a current Year 12 student and not eligible for HSC True Reward.
- you completed the HSC (this year or earlier) but did not receive an ATAR or equivalent.
- you did receive an ATAR or equivalent, but not what is required for the Design program.
- you are a non-recent school leaver not in one of the categories above.
Please consult the handbook for more information.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
- Not an Australian citizen;
- Not a New Zealand citizen; and
- Not a permanent resident of Australia.
If you are an international student completing the Australian HSC, IB or NCEA, apply direct via UAC International.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
Scholarships
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
Where academic requirements are not met, entry by interview is also possible to show your personal aptitude, design skills, and creativity. The interview will allow applicants an opportunity to talk with academic staff about their creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work.
After applicants have applied, they are required to book an interview using the University's online booking system.
If you are interested in a portfolio interview, please email Head of Discipline (Design and Animation for more details: Michelle Catanzaro, m.catanzaro@westernsydney.edu.au.
We transitioned from a general ‘Visual Communication’ (four year) degree to a Bachelor of Design (three year degree) with specialist majors. This provides clearer alignment to career outcomes and stronger professional recognition on your degree, while maintaining core design foundations.
While studying this degree you gain access to state-of-the-art design, illustration, photography, and media facilities designed to reflect professional practice. End of semester core subjects (from year 1-3) conclude with industry informed workshop where students get to collaborate in teams responding to fast paced real-world design briefs.
As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western gives all students FREE access to the Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and more, so you can level up your digital and creative skills.
Yes, this program embeds work-integrated learning opportunities from your first year of study, where you will have the opportunity to work on live projects, live client briefs and portfolio-building tasks that develop hands-on making, creative processes, digital fluency, and essential professional skills. Students have access to industry placements through agency and industry networks as well as international exchange opportunities.
Design Industry Engagement is an internship/work placement based elective where the teaching and learning experience happens in the professional workplace—design studio, research lab, creative collaboration. Whilst some students find these themselves, our extensive list of industry partners means we often put out an EOI to the student cohort to see who may be interested in available opportunities. This elective can be a replacement for one core major subject, subject to the approval of the Subject Coordinator of DiE.
International Exchange
A variety of international exchange experiences can be used to accrue academic credit:
Short courses over summer and winter breaks, usually equivalent to one equivalent subject or elective.
Semester long exchanges, equivalent to 2–4 equivalent subjects or electives.
ArtBound Initiative, a hybrid course /international internship
We partner with over 80 individual partners to help you build your skills and knowledge relevant to the industry. We have two types of partners, Industry partners who include Creative Directors, studios and agencies who provide creative mentorship, workshop facilitation, and assessment and Project partners: community organisations, NFPs, businesses, galleries, and local councils who set real-world briefs for students to respond to.
Further, we are launching a new initiative where partners sponsor a subject, making sure that content is industry informed and relevant!
Our diverse partners include Powerhouse Museum, ABC, Apparent, Houston, United Nations Australia (Sydney division), Made in the West Film Festival, Show me the Way, Accountable Futures Collective, the Young and Resilient Research Centre and many more.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
There are 3 majors to choose from including Branding and Strategy, Data and Digital Storytelling and User Experience and User Interface Design. Our structure is built around a simple but powerful idea: every graduate gets a broad, versatile design foundation in first year (image making, typography, photography, composition), then you get an introduction to each Major (so you don’t have to know which way you will go until you get to experience them all). This combination directly addresses what employers consistently say they want from design graduates, technical depth and adaptability View the ‘Subjects’ tab to identify which major best suits your future aspirations.
Graduates can pursue a range of careers, including designer (across graphic, web/app, publications, digital and content, UX/UI, packaging, motion and digital storytelling), design educator (with further study), design strategist, design researcher, photographer, creative director, brand identity designer, packaging designer, motion designer, web designer/developer, UX/UI systems designer, interaction designer, AI-assisted design specialist, data visualisation designer, digital storyteller/producer, motion graphics designer or content strategist.
The degree also prepares students for launching their own practice or work internationally.
The future of the creative industries is changing rapidly and we anticipate many of our graduates will contribute to a changing career landscape where creative and critical thinking is a highly sought after attribute.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
International students
+61 2 9852 5499
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.