Combine your visual design skills with studies in communication.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
- 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.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
Taught by industry professionals, our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. In your final year, complete an internship or professional project to work for real clients. Earn valuable experience while building your design reputation and portfolio.
You’ll exhibit in the USC Art Gallery and the School of Communication – Design online gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers. Open doors to careers in advertising, graphic design, marketing, public relations and web design.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
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
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Introduction to Financial Planning
COR109 Retirement and Superannuation
DES101 Insurance and Risk Management
DES105 Personal Investment Management
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Tax and Estate Planning
CMN120 Financial Plan Construction
CMN130 Business Law and Ethics
CMN140 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Human Development and Learning
DES103 Teaching with Technology
DES104 Professional Experience: Play and Pedagogy in Early Learning
DES106 Engagement and Behaviour in Early Learning
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Creative Expression and Play through the Arts
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Introduction to Diverse Learning Contexts
CMN216 Introduction to Inclusive Practice
CMN222 Foundations of Numeracy
CMN224 English Language and Literacy
CMN226 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN227 Communication and Thought
CMN228 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN231 Introduction to Design
CMN235 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN237 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN240 Introduction to Journalism
CMN248 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN249 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Digital Photographic Practice
DES212 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES213 Typography
DES214 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES215 Investigative and Data Journalism
DES216 Crisis and Issues Management
e-Media Design major
DES221 Multimedia Advertising
DES222 Advertising Campaigns
DES223 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES224 News Rounds
DES225 The Writer and the Law
DES226 Communication Campaign Planning
3D Design major
DES231 News Writing and Reporting
DES232 Online Journalism
DES233 Feature Writing
DES234 Creative Advertising
DES235 Advanced News Reporting
DES236 Graphic Design A
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 level (200 / 300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) 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 your Faculty.
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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty 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.