Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Create visual communication that motivates, educates, entertains and inspires

Visual communication is where creative art meets technology and function, transforming words and pictures into powerful designs that persuade, inform and engage specific target audiences. In an increasingly visual world, a range of exciting career paths are emerging in the design and media industries. Guided by industry and discipline experts, you will find design solutions to real life problems and challenges and experience all aspects of the design process.

Study location
  • Sunshine Coast
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
098461E
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Annual tuition fee 2021
A$24,400
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$73,200
Footnotes
  • 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.
Study locations QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 011391
  • Online 015012
Minimum selection threshold
ATAR - 55.00 OP - - Rank - 55
UniSC program code
AR314
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Study mode
Blended Learning
Recommended prior study
English
Fee type 2021
  • Commonwealth supported places
Total courses
24
Total units
288

Visual communication is where creative art meets technology and function, transforming words and pictures into powerful designs that persuade, inform and engage specific target audiences. In an increasingly visual world, a range of exciting career paths are emerging in the design and media industries. Guided by industry and discipline experts, you will find design solutions to real life problems and challenges and experience all aspects of the design process.

In this program you will:

  • Gain a strong foundation of theoretical principles and aesthetic design concepts, and apply what you’ve learnt with real-life design studio practice.
  • Learn the skills you need to convey dynamic ideas and create effective visual communications using colour, texture, typography, imagery, style, and symbols.
  • Specialise in a field or combine multidisciplinary interests in layout design, packaging, advertising, photography, illustration, branding and image management.
  • Undertake real-world industry projects and internships, and produce a professional portfolio to showcase your work, displayed in a graduate exhibition, and retained as a digital portfolio.
  • Benefit from teaching staff, facilities, guest lectures, off-campus excursions, events and workshops that align with current industry practice and trends.
Career opportunities:
  • Visual communication designer
  • Creative director
  • Advertising art director
  • Graphic designer
  • Production designer (theatre/film/television)
  • Packaging designer
  • Printmaker
  • Image designer (illustration/photography)

Program structure

Introductory courses (8) 96 units

CMN101 The Innovation and Technology Effect in TLEM
CMN107 The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E) Industry
DES101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
DES102 Communication for the Creative Professional
DES104 Elements of Design
DES105 Visual Storytelling
DES106 Art, Design and Visual Culture
DES107 Introduction to Design and Concept

Developing and Graduate courses (8) 96 units

DES200 Design in Application
DES211 Drawing Practice
DES212 Design Futures
CMN313 Visual Identity
DES305 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES306 Creativity, Design and Communication Project
DES309 Branding and Package Design

Plus select 1 course (12 units) from:
CMN311 Art of Illustration and Design
CMN312 Design Portfolio

Elective courses (8) 96 units

Select 8 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete courses in the available Design disciplines.

Please note the total number of introductory courses that can be undertaken in this program is 120 units (10 courses).

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 288

Program requirements and notes

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program Notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
  • 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 Student visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses