Computational Design
Bachelor of Computational Design
Apply cutting edge digital technologies to design responsive, interactive spaces
Computational design combines architecture and design, and computer science and engineering to the way design content is imagined, created, fabricated, delivered and displayed.
Advancements in 3D modelling, material science and digital fabrication have created a demand for designers who can use these technologies and unleash the power of computers to produce and present technical and aesthetic solutions to the challenges in the built environment.
With this degree, you will be empowered with a new understanding of digital technologies and their application within the built environment. You will take part in projects spanning across industrial design, architecture, construction, urban design and planning disciplines. You will learn cutting-edge computer design skills and digital technologies including3D modelling through the use of gaming and graphics technology, digital geometry and parametric design, responsive environments, as well as form making and fabrication using 3D printers and laser cutters.
During the 3rd year of study, you will be exposed to working on real-life projects set by industry partners such as Cox, Arup, Hassell, BVN, Bates Smart, PTW Architects, Grimshaw etc. Should your approach to the projects be chosen by our industry partners, you will have the opportunity to explore the project development directly with the firms in question. Many of our graduates have been offered full-time employment upon graduation as a result of these industry connections.
Key Information
The Bachelor of Computational Design is a 3-year program consisting of 22 courses and a graduation project (144 Units Of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
- 2 Design Studio Courses
- 1 Graduation Project
- 14 Core Courses
- 2 Interdisciplinary Courses (BEIL)
- 2 Open Elective Courses (choose from within UNSW Built Environment or other faculties)
- 2 General Education Courses (choose from other faculties)
Key Areas of Study
Computational Design Theory
Optimisation and Decision Support
Smart and Ubiquitous Cities
Responsive Environments
Digital Fabrication and Construction
Gaming and Visual Representation
BIM modelling
For course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
About this course
Completing an honours program gives you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of computational design methods, knowledge and history by undertaking a significant research project. The research project, a thesis, could be a written report or essay, but could also be represented in creative formats that are compatible with the research topic and methods.
During the year you will also undertake research methods courses that assist you to prepare a thesis and will be supervised by an academic.
Following completion of the Honours year, you may apply to undertake a research degree such as the Master of Philosophy, Masters by Research or a PhD.
Program Details
The Computational Design Honours program is a one year program (48 Units of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
- 1 Research Methods Core Course
- 1 Critical Review of Literature
- 1 Thesis
- 2 Prescribed Built Environment Elective Courses
Entry requirements
To be eligible for this program you must have a completed an undergraduate computational design degree with a credit average or above (WAM 65+ or equivalent).
For course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
If you have already gained a degree in a related course you might be eligible for credits that will allow you to gain a Bachelor of Computational Design in one year.
Rapid changes and advancements in digital technology mean that topping up your current degree with a Computational Design degree will keep you globally relevant.
Unique in Australia, UNSW Computational Design offers a Commonwealth supported degree that enhances skills and theory in:
- digital architecture
- parametric design
- computational design.
If you have one of the following related degrees from UNSW or any other university, then you could be eligible.
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Industrial Design.
Click here to read more or contact the Computational Design Discipline Director, Associate Professor Hank Haeusler m.haeusler@unsw.edu.au.
Unique in Australia, this degree will equip you with the skillset to face the challenges and innovative changes of the 21st-century city on the application of digital technologies in the built environment.
Career opportunities
The built environment professions are amongst the most advanced in their use of emerging technologies and your qualifications will be highly sought after to support the leading practices and businesses in this industry.
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Architectural & urban design specialist
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Digital optimisation consultant (Architect/engineering firms)
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Software solutions developer
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Design/production manager (construction firm)
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Smart Cities consultant (planning offices & councils)
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Urban data analyst (business consultancy firms)
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Design technology manager (Architecture design firms)
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Digital fabrication and smart manufacturing specialist
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Animation professional
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Gaming environment developer
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Building Information Model implementer (BIM)
- Benefit from research-informed teaching
- World class alumni connections
- UNSW Australia ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2019)
- UNSW Graduates are the most hired by LinkedIn's top 30 most in-demand employers in 2015
- UNSW has invested over $1.2 billion in student facilities and accommodation
- Member of prestigious Group of Eight (Go8)
- Strong industry links and partnerships
- In the 2015 Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) UNSW was rated as the equal-top university nationally in Built Environment and Design. Its rating in Urban Planning research was also the joint highest in Australia.
Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank calculated from the following:
- NSW HSC and Interstate Year 12 Qualifications
- International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
- GCE A-Levels
- New Zealand NCEA Level 3
- Overseas secondary qualifications considered equivalent to Australian studies
- Post secondary or tertiary studies such as completed TAFE diplomas and other university study
- University preparation programs
Domestic students
For further information on domestic admission requirements, see UNSW Future Students degree finder.
International students
For further information on international admission requirements, see the International Undergraduate Direct Entry Table and the UNSW English Language requirements.
Pathways
If you did not meet the entry cut-off for this degree, please continue on to read about pathways into this degree.
If you have not met the direct entry requirements to this degree, make sure to consider the following:
Adjustment Factors
You may be eligible for Adjustment Factors through one of UNSW’s Adjustment Factor schemes.
HSC Plus
HSC Plus rewards your strong performance in relevant HSC subjects (and equivalents) with up to five points. The points are added automatically, so there's nothing you need to do. Find out more and calculate your points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders
You may be eligible for up to five points through the Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) Program, if you have demonstrated commitment and excellence in sport, music, leadership or academic achievements. To be eligible for EAPL points, you must apply!
Education Access Scheme
Life isn't always smooth sailing. Things like illness, financial hardship, language difficulties and school environment may mean you don't always get your best marks in years 11 and 12. The Educational Access Scheme is designed to assist you.
Indigenous Admission Scheme
Nura Gili provides support and information for future and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNSW. If you are indigeous, you can apply through the UNSW Indigenous Admissions Scheme, which is administred by Nura Gili in conjunction with the Faculties and Schools across the university.
Alternative Admission by Portfolio
We recognise that sometimes your ATAR or equivalent may not reflect your true potential.
We accept portfolios in conjunction with your ATAR (or equivalent) for this degree if you are expecting an ATAR within 10 points of the selection rank.
Any Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian Permanent residents or humanitarian VISA holder, including those who applied straight from high school or who have studied at other universities, TAFE, private college and university preparation programs may submit a portfolio through the Alternative Admission Scheme.
For more information on Alternative Admission Scheme, click here.
Internal Program Transfer
Out Internal Program Transfer (IPT) enables you to move from one program to another within UNSW, without having to apply again through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). This means, if you don’t get into the degree you want, you can start another UNSW degree, and if you meet the academic requirements, can transfer to the new degree you want the following year.
If you gain entry into the new program, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you’ve already completed.
Pathways through other educational institutions
Other Universities
If you did not meet the selection rank of this degree, you might want to consider studying an undergraduate degree at another university and apply to transfer the following year. We consider all university qualifications for entry to UNSW and assess credit for prior learning, even if the qualification is unrelated to what you want to study.
You must complete at least 0.75 of a full time equivalent study load in one degree. (i.e. 2 full-time semesters or 1 full-time semester and 1 part time semester).
To study at UNSW you will need to submit an application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). UAC will calculate a new rank based from your first year of tertiary study results OR your high school ATAR (or equivalent) - whichever is better.
If you gain entry into the new program, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you’ve already completed.
TAFE or Private College
Completing a Certificate IV or higher from institutions like TAFE and private colleges can be a pathway to UNSW. The course must be graded and accredited by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
To study at UNSW you will need to submit an application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
If you gain entry, you can then apply to be assessed for transfer credits for courses you completed at TAFE/College.
Mature Age Pathway
If you’re 20 years or over on 1 March in the year you start the program, and have not attempted university study, you can apply to the UNSW University Preparation Program (UPP). Once you complete the UPP you can use your results to apply for further studies at UNSW.
Domestic students
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, you apply online through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Find out more about applying for a bachelor degree at UNSW.
International students
If you are an international student, and you’re completing an Australian Year 12, the NZ NCEA Level 3 qualification, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia or overseas, you apply online through UAC International.
All other international students apply directly to UNSW.
Transferring within UNSW
You can apply to transfer between UNSW degrees after completing a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC) through UNSW Internal Program Transfer.
Assessment is based on the achievement of a pre-determined average grade.
Alternatively, you can apply for transfer between UNSW degrees through UAC (domestic students) or directly with UNSW (international students) after completing a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC). Assessment is based on your ATAR (or equivalent) and/or studies at UNSW.
If you gain entry into a program at UNSW, you can then be assessed for transfer credit for courses (subjects) studied in your previous degree.
Transferring from outside UNSW
You can apply for transfer into a UNSW degree if you meet the entry requirements for that degree. Assessment is based on your ATAR and/or results from university studies. For your university studies to count towards your new assessment you must have completed a minimum of 6 courses (36UOC) at the other University.
Note: Certificate IV and Diplomas (from TAFE or private providers) are only considered if they are AQF accredited and completed.
Apply online through UAC (domestic students) or directly with UNSW (international students).
If you gain entry into a program at UNSW, you can then be assessed for transfer credit for courses (subjects) studied in your previous degree or diploma.
UNSW Built Environment recognises that your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent may not reflect your potential in creative thinking and making. We are pleased to offer you the alternative admission scheme to give you the opportunity to submit a portfolio of your work to support your ATAR.
Your portfolio submission should be a selection of your best own creations and should describe where your creative imagination and skills lie.
The alternative admission scheme is optional. Applicants who do not submit an application under this scheme will be assessed on their ATAR (or equivalent). Following your submission, assessors will review your portfolio and cover letter and may invite you for an interview.
Please click here for more information on how to submit your portfolio.
Domestic students
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.
Tuition fees for domestic students are charged by the units of credit. You can estimate your annual fees with on our Fee Estimator site.
Most domestic undergraduate students are Commonwealth Supported, which means the government makes a contribution towards the cost of your education. You also pay a contribution amount, which will vary depending on the course undertaken. If eligible, you may be able to pay or defer fees through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
For more information on UNSW fees and fee payment, visit: student.unsw.edu.au/fees
For more information on government assistance, visit: studyassist.gov.au
International students
The UNSW International site will provide you with information on the fees associated with applying and studying at UNSW. Depending on what course you choose, you may also have additional costs, such as textbooks, equipment and materials. You can use the Indicative Fees site to estimate the fees for each degree.
Other costs
Student Activity Fees: When you enrol each year the University asks that you make a financial contribution to help provide services, amenities and representation for all students on campus. These include sporting facilities, subsidised food outlets, campus media, entertainment, student resources and leisure programs.
Books and Equipment: Don't rush out to buy anything before your first class. Academic staff will advise you as to essential equipment and textbooks. In general studio-based programs will have higher additional costs than non-studio based programs. Costs for books, stationery and equipment vary greatly but you should allow approximately $1000 a year for these expenses. This figure excludes computing requirements.
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Built Environment
Bachelor of Computational Design
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