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

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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
COR110
COR111

Introductory courses

2 required courses:
DES101
DES105
Plus select 1 course from:
CMN116
CMN120
CMN130
CMN140
Plus select 2 courses from:
DES102
DES103
DES104
DES106

Advanced courses

Plus select 5 courses from:
CMN214
CMN216
CMN218
CMN224
CMN226
CMN227
CMN228
CMN229
CMN231
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256

Plus select 1 major from the following:

Graphic design:
DES211
DES212
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216
CMN102
CMN213

e-Media:
DES221
DES222
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
CMN102
CMN213

3D design:
DES231
DES232
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236
CMN102
CMN213

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

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