Note: Last intake Semester 2, 2011; refer to the Bachelor of Design and Communication for entry in 2012.
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Highlights
- Combine computer-based visual design with a career in communications
- Specialise in either graphic design, e-media design or 3D design
- Opportunities to exhibit in the USC Gallery
Learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.
In this program you combine computer-based design with studies in communications. The computer-based design component covers practical and theoretical studies in graphic design, e-media (web and multimedia), 3D design, visual communication and information visualisation. Communication courses include public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.
Majors
FASS majors: 3D design, communication studies; creative advertising; creative writing; e-media design; graphic design; journalism; public relations.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, multimedia design, packaging, public relations, publishing, web design.
Study Plan
This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.
For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:
- Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
- Select the program in which you are enrolled.
- Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses, 18 required courses including 1 major design area (8 courses), and 4 electives.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
- Register your selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream.
- Some of the required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1, following the successful completion of DES105 .
Program structure
Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Applied Research Methods | |||
| COR110 Economics for Business | |||
| COR111 Business Law and Ethics |
Required courses: (12)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN102 Management and Organisational Behaviour | |||
| CMN213 Accounting for Business | |||
| DES101 Introduction to Informatics | |||
| DES105 Analysis and Project Management |
PLUS select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN116 Database Design | |||
| CMN120 Telecommunications and Networks | |||
| CMN130 Software Development 1 | |||
| CMN140 Advanced Network Topics, Management and Security |
PLUS select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES102 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | |||
| DES103 Software Development 2 | |||
| DES104 Database Programming | |||
| DES106 Architecture and Systems Integration |
PLUS select 5 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN214 ICT Professional Practice | |||
| CMN216 Communication and Thought | |||
| CMN218 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| CMN222 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| CMN224 Communication Theory and Practice | |||
| CMN226 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN227 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice | |||
| CMN228 Introduction to Design | |||
| CMN229 Introduction to Creative Writing | |||
| CMN231 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | |||
| CMN235 Introduction to Journalism | |||
| CMN237 Introduction to Creative Advertising | |||
| CMN240 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images | |||
| CMN248 Digital Photographic Practice | |||
| CMN249 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History | |||
| CMN256 Typography |
Required advanced courses (from your chosen Major study area): (6)
Graphic Design Major:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES211 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| DES212 Crisis and Issues Management | |||
| DES213 Media and Community Relations | |||
| DES214 Multimedia Advertising | |||
| DES215 Advertising Campaigns | |||
| DES216 Advertising: Copy and Image |
e-Media Major:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES221 News Rounds | |||
| DES222 The Writer and the Law | |||
| DES223 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality | |||
| DES224 Communication Campaign Planning | |||
| DES225 News Writing: Print and Broadcast | |||
| DES226 Online Journalism |
3D Design Major:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES231 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing | |||
| DES232 Creative Advertising | |||
| DES233 Advanced News Reporting | |||
| DES234 Research into Journalism | |||
| DES235 Graphic Design A | |||
| DES236 Graphic Design B |
Please Note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).
TOTAL UNITS 288
The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.
Enquiries
How to apply
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au