Bachelor of Design / Education (Secondary)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422145
- Program code 4067
- CRICOS code 110686E
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $37,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $43,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $190,500*
Fees
Fees
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Work experience
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NESA accredited
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Art & Design campus
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is a four-year double degree that transforms creative thinking into the confidence to guide future generations. You’ll develop professional design skills and be prepared to teach visual arts to high school students.Ìý
Discover the different ways students learn and the best ways to teach according to current research. Use your education knowledge to strengthen your own creative design discipline in graphics and either objects, experiences, interaction, or 3D visualisation.Ìý Ìý
Inspire students to never stop learning, with practical tools and interpersonal experience developed during 80 days of teaching work experience. You'll build extensive creative skills and knowledge, learning from experts in practical and theoretical classes. And with solid opportunities for industry connections, you'll develop your future career throughout the entire degree.Ìý
Key features
Work experienceÌýÌý
Practise teaching for up to 80 days under expert supervision in at least two different high schools. The design component of this degree offers industry experiences such as internships, work placements, studio projects and networking opportunities.Ìý
Professional standardsÌýÌý
Learn to teach to professional standards in a program accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Graduate ready to teach visual arts to high school students – with the added option of a second specialisation in teaching graphics and multimedia technology.ÌýÌý
Integrated design skillsÌý
Integrated design combines two specialisations to build a creative skillset unique to your passions. Pursue your interest in graphic design paired with your choice of object design, 3D visualisation, experience design, or interaction design.ÌýÌý
World-class technologies Ìý
Bring your ideas to life in state-of-the-art facilities. Discover the , , fully equipped creative workshops, and digital studios across our Kensington and Paddington campuses. You’ll also have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription throughout your studies. Ìý
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- NESA accredited programÌý
- 80 days supervised work experienceÌýÌý
- 2D and 3D integrated design skillsÌýÌý
- A supportive, diverse and inclusive communityÌýÌý
- State-of-the-art design production facilitiesÌý
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
For Bachelor of Education (Secondary) any Band 5 or higher in any 2 units of English
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.Ìý
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This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.Ìý
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This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below andÌýÌýwith our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.Ìý
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.Ìý
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.Ìý
UNSW Prep Program
If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider UNSW Prep.
UNSW Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.
Please for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
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Designers place people at the heart of their work. Understanding how a person might interact with an innovative app, hold a ceramic mug, or experience an exhibit takes a combination of skills drawn from different methodologies. Designers integrate different creative skillsets and critical thinking to produce insightful solutions.ÌýÌý
To meet NESA accreditation as a visual arts teacher, you’ll study graphic design along with your choice of either object design, experience design, interaction (UX) design, or 3D visualisation.ÌýÌý
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Experience designers transform spaces for people. They design memorable and meaningful environments with the intention of creating connection. Be it social connection or the connection of audiences to content, experience designers draw on human centred design principles to develop unique spatial outcomes, understand and integrate digital technologies and craft atmospheres that move people. With application across a wide range of industries, the design of activations, exhibitions and events relies on critical engagement with cultural contexts, neuroscience, materials and modelling, with a sprinkling of spectacle. Ìý
In this program, you'll experiment with a diverse range of design methods that contribute to a practice that ideates and creates evocative environments that surprise, delight and, ultimately, engage participants. Ìý
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Graphic design uses the skills of typography, image making, colour and design systems to develop effective and inspiring visual communications. Apply creative thinking to brand identities, innovative packaging, visually striking publications, and graphic design in 3D spaces. You’ll develop strong portfolio projects that demonstrate your voice as an emerging designer. Ìý
See examples of graduate graphic design works in the A&D Annual.
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Explore fascinating emerging technologies – think voice assistants, robots, and mixed reality (for example, animated Instagram or Snapchat filters). Using these emerging technologies, you'll create a project demonstrating your understanding of human capabilities and user needs. But not before learning user experience (UX) fundamentals in web and mobile. Ìý
Gain industry-standard skills to meet people's needs with designing apps, software, products, websites, environments, and services. You'll develop practical and professional design processes through case studies and projects from concept to testing.  Ìý
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Object design works with different materials to create tangible and meaningful items – including but not limited to jewellery, furniture design, and ceramic homewares.  Ìý
Fundamental hands-on classes explore materials before moving on to digital prototypes with 3D printing and cast designs. You’ll also understand different contexts and discover how object design gives people opportunities for social and meaningful interactions. Ìý
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Discover the world of 3D technologies including real-time (or gaming) systems and virtual environments. Understand how to create objects and environments before creating a sophisticated and explorable 3D world. Learn through live, hands-on experiences of key technologies and understand how to conceptualise through design thinking. Build the theoretical knowledge for high-level art direction while developing professional skills in 3D modelling, CGI lighting and rendering.
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Experiment with creative styles, ideas and cultural influences to develop your unique style in fashion design. You’ll balance theory with practical skill-building, learning the full process of garment creation from design to prototyping. This program has a strong focus on sustainable fashion and its role within the circular economy. It encourages students to examine the contemporary fashion industry and forge an environmentally and socially responsible way forward. For example, Natasha Rodriguez-Hunter’s project ‘’ explores the potential for upcycling discarded fast fashion as tailor-made footwear to reduce textile wastage.
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You’ll understand educational psychology, different social and Indigenous perspectives, inclusive strategies for special education, managing the classroom environment, and responding to gifted and talented students. You’ll also be able to choose an elective course in critical issues, motivation, culture, digital literacy, or communication skills.Ìý
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This is where it gets real. Bring your Working with Children Check and mandatory anaphylaxis training. Successfully complete two LANTITE (Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students) tests set by NESA as part of your studies before starting your professional experiences.ÌýÌý
The first professional experience is a one-day intensive orientation and online activities followed by a four-week supervised work placement. The second placement goes for nine weeks, and you’ll gradually shift towards more autonomy, responsibility, and accountability. Both placements provide you with real-world experience and supportive feedback to guide your future career.Ìý
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Design innovative and engaging lesson plans, incorporated with effective teaching strategies for diverse learning styles. You’ll find out how to create a safe and supportive classroom environment; and discover innovative resources that assess and improve learning. Through self- and peer evaluation you’ll understand how to present yourself in a professional manner.Ìý
These skills will be developed within the context of excellence in teaching visual arts to high school students. You’ll also be able to learn within an additional context of teaching graphics and multimedia technologies.Ìý
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Program structure
This program is structured to meet NSW Education Standards Authority requirements for secondary teacher accreditation in visual arts teaching and consists of 31 courses. If you study full-time, you’ll typically complete eight courses a year over four years. (Note that double degrees usually have 32 courses – in this program, the second internship is worth two courses in one.)Ìý Ìý
To meet NESA accreditation requirements for teaching visual arts, you must choose one 2D (graphics) AND one 3D/4D disciplinary studio (object (3D), 3D visualisation, experience or interaction (4D)), for the design component of this double degree.Ìý
For detailed information on the full program structure, .  Ìý
Future careers
Pursue a teaching specialisation in visual arts, with the option of a second teaching specialisation in graphics and multimedia technology. Alongside the theoretical aspects of education, we place great importance on practical experience. In your final two years, you will develop skills in classroom competence and spend up to 80 days in supervised teaching in at least two secondary-school contexts.
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- High school visual arts teacherÌý
- High school graphic design teacherÌý
- High school multimedia technology teacherÌý
- High school principalÌý
- Corporate trainer Ìý
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- Graphic designer, visual communicator, or illustrator Ìý
- Interaction and user experience (UX) designerÌý
- Exhibition, experience, and event designerÌý
- Jewellery, wearable, and textile designerÌý
- Furniture, object, ceramics, or lighting designerÌý
- Virtual reality 3D visualiser or digital media producer Ìý
- Design instructor or design strategistÌý
- Film, television or mobile producerÌý
- Packaging designerÌý
- Colours, materials and finishes (CMF) designerÌý
- Consumer electronics, home appliance or medical device designerÌý
- Automotive designer Ìý
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by NSW Education Standards Authority as an initial teaching qualification for both government and non-government secondary schools throughout Australia and is widely accepted as a teaching qualification internationally.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the Ìýand you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the  for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. .
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
