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

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Bachelor of Design and Communication

Specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.

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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.

CRICOS code
074095J
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
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 location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 011031
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 18 Rank - 62
UniSC program code
AR336
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English
Fee type 2013
  • Commonwealth supported places
  • Fee paying places
  • International fee-paying places
Total units
288

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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art 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.

Program structure

Program structure

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 core courses.
  • Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
  • Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
  • Complete 4 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
  • Complete a major 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).
  • 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 (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

COR109 Cell Biology
COR110 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
COR111 Organic Chemistry

Introductory courses (6)

3 required courses:

CMN102 Inorganic Chemistry
DES101 Environmental Chemistry
DES105 Analytical Sciences

PLUS select 1 course from:

CMN116 Physical Chemistry
CMN120 Medicinal Organic Chemistry
CMN130 Biochemistry
CMN140 Teaching Senior Secondary Arts

PLUS select 2 courses from:

DES102 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 1
DES103 Individual Learner Needs
DES104 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
DES106 Teaching Junior Secondary Arts

Advanced courses (12)

1 required course:

CMN213 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 1

PLUS select 5 courses from:

CMN214 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
CMN216 Diversity and Inclusion
CMN218 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
CMN222 The Psychology of Learning
CMN224 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
CMN226 Secondary Assessment and Reporting
CMN227 Using Data for Learning
CMN228 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
CMN229 Communication and Thought
CMN231 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN235 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN237 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN240 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN248 Introduction to Design
CMN249 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN256 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives

PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:

Graphic Design major

DES211 Introduction to Journalism
DES212 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES213 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES214 Digital Photographic Practice
DES215 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES216 Typography

e-Media major

DES221 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES222 Computer-Assisted Reporting
DES223 Crisis and Issues Management
DES224 Media and Community Relations
DES225 Multimedia Advertising
DES226 Advertising Campaigns

3D Design major

DES231 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES232 News Rounds
DES233 The Writer and the Law
DES234 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES235 Communication Campaign Planning
DES236 News Writing: Print and Broadcast

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, 2 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

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Total units: 288