Sketch out your future in design.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
- 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.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
Today’s designers must be able to easily cross over the borders of art, design and technology – both multidisciplinary and internationally, which is why at USC we believe in an integrated, cross-media design program. You will learn to think creatively, independently and analytically, solve design related problems, conceptualise and effectively communicate your ideas within small classes taught by academics with extensive industry experience. You will have many opportunities to work across various disciplines through our hands-on approach.
Our strong industry focus ensures our teaching staff, guest lectures, workshops and alignment with industry bodies, including AGDA and Analogue Digital, introduce you to current trends in the design industry. The advanced editing course and hands-on experience with industry standard software will fine-tune your design skills.
Choose elective courses to focus your study in the areas of creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing and other areas. In your final year, complete an internship in a design related business or work on a professional project for a client. Gain valuable real-world experience while building your design portfolio and reputation with client commissioned works. Your work will be exhibited in the USC Art Gallery to give you exposure to the industry and potential employers.
Majors
3D design; e-Media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Advertising, animation, information visualisation, special effects (FX), packaging, publishing, visual communication or 3D, graphic, interpretive, multimedia, photography or web design.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
CMN102 Counselling for Crisis, Trauma and Loss
DES101 Working with Victims and Offenders
DES102 Communication and Thought
DES103 Cell Biology
DES104 Biodiversity and Ecology
DES105 Chemistry
DES106 Science Research Methods
Advanced courses (11)
CMN213 Discovering Science
PLUS select 10 required courses:
- Select 6 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Introduction to Mathematics
DES212 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
DES213 Introductory Calculus
DES214 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
DES215 Communication and Thought
DES216 Creativity and Communication
e-Media Design:
DES221 The Language of Design
DES222 Visual Storytelling
DES223 Fundamentals of Photographic Practice
DES224 Art, Design and Visual Culture
DES225 Introduction to Design and Concept
DES226 Typography
3D Design:
DES231 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES232 Visual Identity
DES233 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES234 Graphic Design C
DES235 Graphic Design D
DES236 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 3 electives must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
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
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)