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

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Bachelor of Design and Communication

  • 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

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Design and Communication
Award abbreviation: BDes&Comn
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR336
CRICOS code: 074095J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

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

Communication 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.

Admission requirements

Please refer to the English language entry requirements.

Enquiries
  • Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
  • Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

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

Program structure

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 School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
  • 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 .
  • When enrolling, refer to Study Plan.
Core courses 

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109
COR110
COR111

Introductory courses

3 required courses:
CMN102
DES101
DES105

PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116
CMN120
CMN130
CMN140

PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102
DES103
DES104
DES106

Advanced courses

1 required course
CMN213

PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214
CMN216
CMN218
CMN222
CMN224
CMN226
CMN227
CMN228
CMN229
CMN231
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256

PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:

Graphic Design major

DES211
DES212
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216

e-Media major

DES221
DES222
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226

3D Design major

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

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Design and Communication Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Accounting for Business
COR110 Introduction to Informatics
COR111 Strategic Management
Required courses (12)
CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
CMN213 International Marketing
DES101 Consumer Behaviour
DES105 Services Marketing

PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Marketing Communication
CMN120 Sport and Event Marketing
CMN130 Social Marketing
CMN140 Brand Management

PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Communication and Thought
DES103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
DES104 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES106 Communication Theory and Practice

PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN216 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN218 Introduction to Design
CMN222 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN224 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN226 Introduction to Journalism
CMN227 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN228 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN229 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN231 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN235 Typography
CMN237 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN240 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN248 Media and Community Relations
CMN249 Multimedia Advertising
CMN256 Advertising Campaigns
Required advanced courses—from your chosen major study area (6)
Graphic Design major

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES212 News Rounds
DES213 The Writer and the Law
DES214 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES215 Communication Campaign Planning
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 either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288  

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