Students develop skills in computer-based design to specialise in visual communication and prepare for professional practice in print design, online media and 3D design.
Introductory courses focus on developing an understanding of visual communication and computer literacy, and design and practice. Students also take an advanced editing course, while elective courses focus study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing, and other areas. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Introductory courses focus on developing an understanding of visual communication and computer literacy, and design and practice. Students also take an advanced editing course, while elective courses focus study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing, and other areas. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
Majors
3D design; e-Media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Advertising, animation, information visualisation, packaging, publishing, visual communication or 3D, graphic, interpretive, multimedia or web design.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 required core course.
- Complete 7 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 11 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area and a minor design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including the core course.
- 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).
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from one of the design streams will constitute a minor in that stream.
- Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream.
- 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.
- 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.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core course (1)
1 required core course:
COR109 Genetics
Introductory courses (7)
7 required courses:
CMN102 Dynamics 1
DES101 Manufacturing Technology
DES102 Mechanical Design 1
DES103 Mechanical Design 2
DES104 Communication and Thought
DES105 Communication Theory and Practice
DES106 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
Advanced courses (11)
1 required course:
CMN213 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
PLUS select 10 required courses:
- Select 6 advanced (200/300 level) courses from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced (200/300 level) courses from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Digital Photographic Practice
DES212 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES213 Introduction to Design
DES214 Typography
DES215 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES216 Graphic Design A
e-Media:
DES221 Graphic Design B
DES222 Graphic Design C
DES223 Graphic Design D
DES224 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES225 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES226 e-Media A
3D Design:
DES231 e-Media B
DES232 e-Media C
DES233 e-Media D
DES234 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES235 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
DES236 3D Design A
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288