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

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Bachelor of Design and Communication

  • 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
DES105

PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116
CMN120
CMN130
CMN140

PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102
DES103
DES104
DES106

Advanced courses (12)

1 required course:
CMN213

PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214
CMN216
CMN218
CMN222
CMN224
CMN226
CMN227
CMN228
CMN229
CMN231
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256

PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:

Graphic Design major

DES211
DES212
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216

e-Media major

DES221
DES222
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226

3D Design major

DES231
DES232
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:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Management and Organisational Behaviour
COR110 Marketing Theory and Practice
COR111 Accounting for Business
Introductory courses (6)

3 required courses:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 Introduction to Informatics
DES101 Strategic Management
DES105 Project Management

PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Applied Research Methods
CMN120 Cross-Cultural Management
CMN130 Leadership and Team Dynamics
CMN140 Small Business and New Venture Management

PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
DES103 Managing Organisational Change
DES104 Advanced Strategic Management
DES106 Communication and Thought
Advanced communication courses (6)

1 required course:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN213 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN216 Applied Research Methods
CMN218 Introduction to Economics
CMN222
CMN224
CMN226
CMN227
CMN228
CMN229
CMN231
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256
Advanced design courses (6)

Select 6 advanced (200/300 level) courses from one of the following streams for a major

Graphic Design major

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211
DES212
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216

e-Media major
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES221
DES222
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
3D Design major
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES231
DES232
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  

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