This program is no longer accepting new applications. If you’re interested in studying Design at Western in 2027, please visit the
Bachelor of Design.
This program will provide you with fundamental skills and knowledge to communicate ideas and information across a wide range of visual media. With an emphasis on studio-based practice, you will study areas such as image design, typography, layout design, branding, design history, research methods, and web-based design.
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About Western
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Duration
Full Time: 4 Years (Available Part Time)*
Campuses^
LSR
Parramatta South
UAC 720715
60
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 1571
CRICOS Code: 044773B
Create. Imagine. Make
The world of tomorrow is filled with exciting creative challenges and opportunities.
Work on real community and industry projects. Learn how to interpret design briefs. Gain experience with an extensive range of digital technologies.
There are opportunities to engage with live community or industry projects, and you will choose two practical specialisations from the following pairs: motion design and data visualisation; game and app design; illustration; and photography. You may also choose electives from outside of design such as advertising and media production.
Throughout the program you will engage with individual and team-based projects, develop your conceptual thinking skills, use a variety of traditional and emerging technologies, and expand your creative practice.
In year four, you will take a position in our award-winning teaching design studio where you will gain experience in a professional learning environment, preparing you for work in an exciting and evolving industry.
REGISTER NOW FOR OPEN DAY
Open Day is coming to Western on Sunday 5 July 2026, from 10am–4pm at our Parramatta South Campus.
Explore your study options, attend course information sessions, and meet our academics and students. Experience uni life and see all that Western has to offer!
Ask questions, see things up close, and get a clear sense of where your next step could take you.
Register now for Open Day at Western.
Check out the highlights from Open Day 2025!
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.
Get the chance to take on an elective internship with an actual design company.
Graduate with eligibility for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
If you didn't quite get the required ATAR, or if you're not eligible for early entry through HSC True Reward, you can apply for entry into one of our undergraduate degrees with a interview that shows your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity.
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 at the University’s online booking system.
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.
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:
- Illustrator
- Art director
- Information designer
- Interactive designer
- Web designer
- Design educator
Alumni
"The course at Western really challenged my thinking, and my ability to come up with ideas and be critical about my work. It definitely set me up for success in the future."
— Micah Williams, Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Entry requirements for domestic students
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. Find out more here.
Admission
Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent.
Alternate Entry
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 at the University's online booking system.
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
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 at the University's online booking system.
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.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
Some of the career outcomes between these two programs overlap, including games designer, however this program leads to career outcomes focused on the design of digital media. Careers in this field include user interface designer, graphic designer, web designer, and illustrator, to name a few.
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.