Shape a creative career with passion, purpose and business knowledge. Bring design thinking into business to innovate for the future.  

 

Faculty
UNSW Business School
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration (Full Time)
4 Year(s)

Overview

The UNSW Bachelor of Commerce/Design is a double-degree that can be completed in 4 full-time, or the part-time equivalent.  

Through the Bachelor of Design, you can explore where your creativity takes you. The design skills you’ll learn can be applied across diverse contexts - to shape user experience, create furniture or jewellery, re-invent manufacturing machinery, write code to test industry-changing ideas, and more. 

Through the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), you’ll learn in the classroom and the boardroom. You’ll gain essential business knowledge and professional experience, and build a digital portfolio to kick-start your career as you study. The program has been designed alongside industry to ensure you have what takes to thrive in the careers of the future. 

Through this unique combination, you’ll graduate with the confidence to succeed in diverse careers, and design a future with purpose.  

Key features

Integrated First Year
The BCom’s first-year courses are designed to reflect the nature of real-world business, and we call it the Integrated First Year. Traditionally, first-year business courses are a series of ‘introduction to’ or ‘fundamentals of’ courses, which are separate introductions to different business disciplines. However, we know that in reality, business problems are complex, multi-layered and span several disciplines. Our integrated curriculum reflects this. You'll gain a breadth of experience and nuance of understanding across a range of disciplines, preparing you to tackle real challenges in the workplace.  

Tailor your specialisations 
You can choose from 12 commerce specialisations, and three design specialisations, tailoring your degree to suit your passions and ambitions. You’ll have the flexibility to explore what interests and engages you before you decide on your specialisations. See ‘What will I study’ for further information.  

MyBCom portfolio 
MyBCom portfolio is an award-winning interactive platform and assessment tool for BCom students. You'll use MyBCom to guide your studies, develop a tailored career plan, and collate a portfolio of professional experiences to showcase future employers.  

Real work experience  
Work experience is built into the BCom, meaning you can undertake internships in Australia or internationally as part of your degree. You’ll also have access to work integrated learning, such as industry consultancy projects, online practicums, placements or collaborating on real social entrepreneurship projects. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Design combines professional development, internship experiences, specialist facilities and industry-standard technologies with experienced, well-connected design educators. 

World-class creative technologies  
Bring your ideas to life in state-of-the-art facilities with support from our technicians. Discover the Design Futures Lab, The Making Centre, 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.  

Why study this degree at UNSW?

 

UNSW Business School is ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

Our strong industry connections ensure the knowledge, skills, and experience you gain will be relevant and in-demand. Alongside a rigorous education, you'll grow professionally and socially through Career Accelerator networking, mentoring and internship opportunities and diverse student-led societies.  

With the flexibility to design a degree that suits your unique interests in business and design, access to state-of-the-art design production facilities and Adobe Creative Cloud will help you thrive within a supportive, diverse and inclusive community while studying.

*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings

 

Program Code
3597
CRICOS Code
110679D
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
424100
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192

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Entry requirements

Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following: 

  • Australian interstate Year 12 qualifications (e.g., OP rank)

  • New Zealand NCEA Level 3

  • Equivalent overseas qualifications e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels

  • Post-secondary or tertiary qualifications

  • An alternative entry qualification

     

2023 Lowest Selection Rank
93
2023 A levels
17
2023 IB Diploma
36
2023 Lowest ATAR
81.2*
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. 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.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 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.
  • 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

Mathematics Advanced

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. 

HSC Plus 
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. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
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.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
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 and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
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. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
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. 

If you did not meet the entry cut-off for this degree, consider applying only for the Bachelor of Design. UNSW Art, Design and Architecture will consider a Portfolio Entry to complement your ATAR. After a year of good grades you can then apply to transfer into the full double degree. Visit UNSW Future Students to find out what other options may be available.

English language requirements

 

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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs 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 contact us for more information.

Please contact us 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. 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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs 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

Program structure

The Bachelor of Commerce /Design is a 4 year double degree program, consisting of 32 courses (making 192 Unit of Credit (UOC)). You’ll complete 16 courses for Commerce and 16 courses for Design.   

The program includes: 

  • Commerce Integrated First Year Courses 
  • One Commerce major 
  • One Design specialisation 
  • Three Design collaboration studio courses 

Professional development courses and experiences: 

  • Professional practice courses – Learn how to navigate different workplaces and get real-world work experience to explore your career options within the creative industry.  
  • Final Year Synthesis – Synthesise your learning by applying and integrating the knowledge and skills gained throughout your Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). 
  • Design Capstone – Develop a portfolio-ready project that showcases the breadth and depth of your capabilities as an emerging design professional. 
  • myBCom – A digital portfolio that includes a personal career plan. You’ll build a work showcase for future employers, starting from your first year of study to graduation. 

For further details please view the Commerce/Design Handbook. 

Once you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes have a look at our student handbook

Study areas

This flexible double degree can be tailored to your interests and passions in business and design. Choose your specialisations and explore other areas of your choice through individual courses in your degree.  

Future careers

This degree will set you up with the business and creative skills to take your learnings and turn them into something that celebrates your passion and purpose each day. Create with confidence, drive innovation and business success, and design the future you want.    

 UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.

You’ll be set up for diverse and exciting career opportunities, that move with industry developments, technology, and creativity, including:  

    • Accountant/auditor

    • Business analyst

    • Consultant

    • Customer experience designer 

    • Cyber security analyst

    • Data analyst

    • Entrepreneur/start-up founder

    • Economist 

    • Financial adviser

    • Human resource consultant

    • Investment banker

    • Digital media and marketing strategist 

    • Marketing/public relations 

    • Brand manager

    • Tax adviser

    • Graphic designer, visual communicator, or illustrator  

    • Interaction and user experience (UX) designer 

    • Exhibition, experience, and event designer 

    • Jewelry, wearable, and textile designer  

    • Furniture, object, ceramics, or lighting designer 

    • Virtual reality 3D visualiser or digital media producer  

    • Design instructor or design strategist 

    • Film, television or mobile producer  

    • Packaging designer 

    • Colours, materials and finishes (CMF) designer 

    • Consumer electronics, home appliance or medical device designer 

    • Automotive designer  

    • Architectural and urban design specialist 

    • Software solutions developer 

    • Smart cities consultant 

    • Urban data analyst  

    • Design technology manager 

    • Digital fabrication and smart-manufacturing specialist 

    • Gaming environment developer 

    • Building information model implementer  

    • Consumer product designer 

    • Design strategist 

    • Digital multimedia design 

    • Furniture designer  

    • Packaging designer 

    • Product branding and marketing 

    • Product design consultant 

    • Not-for-profit product designer  

    • Retail industry product designer 

    • Transport industry product designer 

    • Service designer 

    • Scientific industry product designer  

Honours

Take your Commerce studies to the next level with an additional one-year Honours degree, where you'll gain advanced knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of business. You'll have the opportunity to be mentored by top-tier researchers and work on industry relevant projects while undertaking a significant research thesis. Graduate with advanced knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and research skills that are highly sought after in business and government. Learn more about BCom Honours.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Commerce can give you professional recognition and accreditation in industry governing bodies, including the Australian Human Resources Institute, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, ACCA, Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) and Institute of Public Accountants.

How to apply

 

To apply for this double degree combined with the Bachelor of Commerce, you will need to apply for Double Commerce (424100) through the UAC application portal. Upon receiving an offer to for this degree, you will choose the second degree to pair with Commerce during the acceptance process.


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 UAC website and 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 UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online 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 commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$13,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$48,500*

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.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$51,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$225,000*

*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 the UNSW fees website.

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, visit UNSW International.

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.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

The learning culture at UNSW, which challenges the status quo, helped set me apart from others.
Alumni, Harry Goldberg

Harry Goldberg

Founder

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