Students specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
The program combines 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. 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.
The program combines 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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; 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.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 core course.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major 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).
- 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 course (1)
COR109 Communication and Thought
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES105 Introduction to Design
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN120 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
CMN140 Introduction to Creative Advertising
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES103 Digital Photographic Practice
DES104 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES106 Typography
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN222 Multimedia Advertising
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN227 News Rounds
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235 News Writing and Reporting
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN248 Creative Advertising
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN256 Research into Journalism
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Graphic Design A
DES212 Graphic Design B
DES213 Graphic Design C
DES214 Graphic Design D
DES215 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES216 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
e-Media major
DES221 e-Media A
DES222 e-Media B
DES223 e-Media C
DES224 e-Media D
DES225 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES226 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
3D Design major
DES231 3D Design A
DES232 3D Design B
DES233 3D Design C
DES234 3D Design D
DES235 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES236 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 2 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