- 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
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Design and Communication
Award abbreviation: BDes&Comn
QTAC code: 011031
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR336
CRICOS code: 074095J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
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
Communication 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.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice
Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 4 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- Register any selected Majors or 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.
- When enrolling, refer to Study Plan.
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109
COR110
COR111
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102
DES101 Elements of Design
DES105 Design Methods
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Playing with Words: an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CMN120 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
CMN130 News and Reporting
CMN140
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102
DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
DES104 Art, Design and Digital Culture
DES106
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214
CMN216
CMN218
CMN222
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Creative and Interactive Advertising
CMN227
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN229
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication and Culture
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216
e-Media major
DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media
DES222 Responsive Design and Technology
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
3D Design major
DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production
DES232 Visualisation and Sonification
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236
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, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Design and Communication Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Epidemiology and Biostatistics | |||
| COR110 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics | |||
| COR111 Analytical Sciences |
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN102 Functional Anatomy | |||
| DES101 Exercise Physiology I | |||
| DES105 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health |
PLUS select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN116 Special Research Project | |||
| CMN120 Special Research Project | |||
| CMN130 Workplace Learning I | |||
| CMN140 Workplace Learning II |
PLUS select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES102 Communication and Thought | |||
| DES103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| DES104 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| DES106 Communication Theory and Practice |
Advanced communication courses (6)
1 required course:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN213 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice |
PLUS select 5 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN214 Introduction to Design | |||
| CMN216 Introduction to Creative Writing | |||
| CMN218 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives | |||
| CMN222 Introduction to Journalism | |||
| CMN224 Introduction to Creative Advertising | |||
| CMN226 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images | |||
| CMN227 Digital Photographic Practice | |||
| CMN228 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History | |||
| CMN229 Typography | |||
| CMN231 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN235 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| CMN237 Crisis and Issues Management | |||
| CMN240 Media and Community Relations | |||
| CMN248 Multimedia Advertising | |||
| CMN249 Advertising Campaigns | |||
| CMN256 Advertising: Copy and Image |
Advanced design courses (6)
Select 6 advanced (200/300 level) courses from one of the following streams for a major
Graphic Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DES211 News Rounds | ||||
| DES212 The Writer and the Law | ||||
| DES213 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality | ||||
| DES214 Communication Campaign Planning | ||||
| DES215 News Writing: Print and Broadcast | ||||
| DES216 |
e-Media major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media |
| 12 | ||
| DES222 Responsive Design and Technology |
| 12 | Pre: DES221 or (CSC100 and ENG103) | |
| DES223 | ||||
| DES224 | ||||
| DES225 | ||||
| DES226 |
3D Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production |
| 12 | ||
| DES232 Visualisation and Sonification |
| 12 | ||
| DES233 | ||||
| DES234 | ||||
| DES235 | ||||
| DES236 |
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, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288