Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - edittest.usc.edu.au
This page was archived on 22 February 2010 and is no longer updated.

Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)

Program summary

QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence:  Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E

Program overview

If you are interested in combining computer-based visual design with a career in communications, then the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication) is for you. You will learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats; and will explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

Computer-based design is an integral part of the degree, with three streams—Graphic Design, e–Media Design and 3D Design—to choose from. Each stream provides you with the creative, conceptual and technical skills for a well-rounded career base. Other courses in the program include introductory studies in communication and design, and advanced courses in areas such as journalism, media, public relations and advertising.

You will have 24-hour access to computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms, and will benefit from in-house colour printing facilities. You may also have opportunities to exhibit your design work in the USC Gallery.

Career opportunities

  • 3D design
  • advertising/communication
  • animation
  • computer-based design
  • graphic design
  • information visualisation
  • interpretive design
  • multimedia design/development
  • packaging
  • project management
  • publishing
  • visual communication
  • web design/development 

Special features

  • learn communication skills in addition to computer-based design
  • up-to-date computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms
  • 24 hour, 7 day access to computer laboratories
  • small class sizes—classes are limited to 18 students and are taught by industry professionals
  • in-house colour printing facilities
  • opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory courses

2 required courses:
DES101 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES105 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
Plus select 1 course from:
CMN116 Introduction to Design
CMN120 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN130 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN140 Introduction to Journalism
Plus select 2 courses from:
DES102 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES103 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES104 Digital Photographic Practice
DES106 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History

Advanced courses

Plus select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Typography
CMN216 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN218 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN224 Media and Community Relations
CMN226 Advertising Campaigns
CMN227 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN228 News Rounds
CMN229 The Writer and the Law
CMN231 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN235 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN237 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN240 Online Journalism
CMN248 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN249 Creative Advertising
CMN256 Advanced News Reporting

Plus select 1 major from the following:

Graphic design:
DES211 Research into Journalism
DES212 Graphic Design A
DES213 Graphic Design B
DES214 Graphic Design C
DES215 Graphic Design D
DES216 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN102 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice

e-Media:
DES221 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES222 e-Media A
DES223 e-Media B
DES224 e-Media C
DES225 e-Media D
DES226 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN102 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice

3D design:
DES231 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES232 3D Design A
DES233 3D Design B
DES234 3D Design C
DES235 3D Design D
DES236 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN102 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice

Elective courses

Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education)

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.

Program requirements and notes

  1. No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
  2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or one minor.
  3. Some of the required introductory courses count towards some majors and minors.
  4. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (76 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
  5. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
  6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
  7. Refer to explanation of terms.
  8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
  9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
  10. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Associate Professor Stephen Lamble
Tel: +61 7 5459 4478
Email: slamble@usc.edu.au

* Subject to final approval

Back to top