What you can study - industrial design
The School of Art, Architecture and Design offers
industrial design at undergraduate and
postgraduate level, including
research degrees
Undergraduate
To do an undergraduate degree
Go to Future students to see if you are eligible to do an undergraduate degree at UniSA. For specific entry requirements (including English language requirements), application procedures, fees and program structure go to the Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) (DBPR) program page.
Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) (DBPR)
3 year full-time program or part-time equivalent
The
Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) is the foundation degree for the
profession of Industrial Design. Industrial Designers create the form and
function of the thousands of products people use every day including
consumer electronic devices, appliances for the home, more efficient
workplace products, tools for safer and more effective industrial
applications, sports equipment to improve safety and performance, fashion
accessories, new car concepts, toys and game designs, furniture and
medical equipment.
Industrial designers are concerned with the aesthetics, function, usability and social significance of manufactured objects and play a key role in determining how products are made, the materials used and environmental sustainability.
Industrial designers discover the practical issues that influence product
design−such as ergonomics, manufacturing technologies, trend forecasting,
sustainability−and how this knowledge informs the design of products that
make people’s lives safer, happier, and more efficient.
The degree has a strong emphasis on hands on practical experience through
design studios, model making and prototyping, work experience and the
opportunity for international study.
What will I study?
In first year, students will be introduced to elements and principles of design in project-based studios. This is supplemented by studies in the basic skills and concepts in design theory, creativity, environmental awareness, communications and technology. In second year, students will broaden their knowledge with courses such as design history and ergonomics, and gain an understanding of design methods, materials, manufacturing processes and introductory engineering principles. In third year, students will focus on design for usability and design for manufacture and sustainability and can choose from a range of elective courses. Students will apply this knowledge in studios where increasingly complex and sophisticated projects will be completed.
What
does it take?
Industrial designers balance creative design with technical practicality, and therefore require both technical and creative skills as well as an interest in making things. Industrial designers must also have strong written and verbal skills in order to communicate ideas and designs to clients and colleagues.
Most design work occurs in collaborative teams, so industrial designers need to work well with groups of diverse people and be able to provide leadership to manage projects. They must have sound problem-solving skills, patience and creativity, as well as the ability to approach tasks practically and logically.
Who will employ me?
Graduates can work in diverse areas including technical illustration, exhibition design, 3D computer aided design, modelling and drafting.
Graduates of this degree are eligible to enter the Master of Design (Industrial Design) which leads into the Industrial Design profession. Industrial designers work in manufacturing, industry research and development team (such as sports equipment or toy and game design) or fashion houses. They may also work for themselves as designers/makers or entrepreneurial product inventors
Alternatively, other areas of further postgraduate study and employment include sustainable design, education and journalism.
Professional recognition
Graduate of the Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) are eligible for Associate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia.
Postgraduate
UniSA postgraduate programs are offered either by coursework or by research.
- Research degrees are offered at Masters by research and PhD degree levels. Students engage in an intensive individual program of research under the guidance of an experienced supervisor with research expertise in a specific area. Further information on postgraduate research degrees can be found at Research Degrees.
- Postgraduate coursework degrees are offered at Graduate Diploma and Masters degree levels. To do a degree by coursework you will enrol in selected courses, attend lectures and tutorials, and be assessed progressively. Information on eligibility and applying for a postgraduate coursework degrees can found on the relevant program pages - Master of Design (Industrial Design) (DMSP), Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design (DGSU) or Master of Sustainable Design (DMSU).
Postgraduate coursework degrees
Master of Design (Industrial Design) (DMSP)
2 year full-time program or part-time equivalent
The Master of Design (Specialisation) with specialisations in Visual Communication Design or Industrial Design advances students through a more in-depth understanding of the changing contexts in which they are designing as they develop the professional skills required to respond to contemporary issues relative to their specialisation.
During this degree, students will develop and refine their critical, creative, communication and technical skills, and respond to increasingly complex problems through the application of skills and knowledge developed through integrated studies.
The core program focus is in Design Studio courses as the major site for integration and application of other knowledge streams within the program. The Design Studio courses allow students to undertake design studies in their specialisation, individual and interdisciplinary projects, internal consultancy and external projects. The program enables students to develop specialised knowledge in areas such as graphic design, illustration, product design, ergonomics, interaction design, information design, digital media, sustainability and entrepreneurship relative to specialisation.
Student-directed learning is integral to the program, which offers students extensive opportunities for specialisation according to individual preferences. Students can pursue specific areas through the design research components of the program and through advanced electives in consumer culture, sustainable design, global communications, design theory, business practice, marketing and entrepreneurship. Through their major Masters project students have the opportunity to consolidate their studio project work and its integration with professional design practice.
Master of Design flyer (PDF 542 kB)
Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design (DGSU)
1 year full-time program or 2 years part-time equivalent
The Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Design is an interdisciplinary postgraduate coursework program which can be taken full time over one year. The program combines theory-based courses with design studio projects to explore multidisciplinary design challenges grounded in both current and future contexts.
More information
Master of Sustainable Design (DMSU)
1.5 year full-time program or part-time equivalent
The Master of Sustainable Design is especially
relevant to working practitioners and researchers in industrial design,
furniture design, packaging design, interior architecture, automotive
design, transport and systems design, architecture, urban design and
landscape architecture.
More information