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

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Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights
  • Combine computer-based visual design with a career in communications
  • Specialise in either graphic design, e-media design or 3D design
  • Opportunities to exhibit in the USC Gallery

Learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

In this program you combine 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. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

FASS majors: 3D design, communication studies; 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 core courses, 18 required courses including 1 major design area (8 courses), and 4 electives.
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
  • Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
  • Register your selected Majors and 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 .
Program structure

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Digital Photographic Practice
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship


Required courses: (12)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES105 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice


PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Introduction to Design
CMN120 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN130 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN140 Introduction to Journalism


PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES103 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES104
DES106


PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214
CMN216 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN218
CMN222
CMN224
CMN226 Advertising Campaigns
CMN227 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN228 News Rounds
CMN229 The Writer and the Law
CMN231 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN235 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN237 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN240 Writing for the Web
CMN248 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN249 Creative Advertising
CMN256 Advanced News Reporting


Required advanced courses (from your chosen Major study area): (6)

Graphic Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211 Research into Australian Journalism
DES212
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216


e-Media Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES221
DES222
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226


3D Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES231
DES232
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236

Please Note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .

 

Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au

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