Develop skills in computer-based design to specialise in visual communication.
Prepare for professional practice in print design, online media and 3D design. Introductory courses focus on developing an understanding of visual communication and computer literacy, and design and practice. Undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses focus study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing and other areas. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
- 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.
Prepare for professional practice in print design, online media and 3D design. Introductory courses focus on developing an understanding of visual communication and computer literacy, and design and practice. Undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses focus study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing and other areas. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
Majors
Communication majors: e-Media design; graphic design; 3D design.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, 3D design, advertising, animation, graphic design, information visualisation, interpretive design, multimedia design and development, packaging, publishing, visual communication, web design.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 7 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 11 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 4 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area and a minor design area.
- 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 any selected Majors or 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Science Research Methods
COR110 Cell Biology
COR111 Discovering Science
Introductory courses (7)
7 required courses:
CMN102 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
DES101 Organic Chemistry
DES102 Inorganic Chemistry
DES103 Advanced Biological Chemistry
DES104 Physical Chemistry
DES105 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
DES106 Environmental Chemistry
Advanced courses (11)
1 required course:
CMN213 Biochemistry
PLUS select 10 required courses:
- Select 6 advanced (200/300 level) courses from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced (200/300 level) courses from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Analytical Sciences
DES212 Organic Chemistry
DES213 Inorganic Chemistry
DES214 Advanced Biological Chemistry
DES215 Physical Chemistry
DES216 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
e-Media:
DES221 Environmental Chemistry
DES222 Analytical Sciences
DES223 Workplace Learning I
DES224 Special Research Project
DES225 Communication and Thought
DES226 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
3D Design:
DES231 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES232 Communication Theory and Practice
DES233 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES234 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES235 Digital Photographic Practice
DES236 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288