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

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - edittest.usc.edu.au
This page was archived on 16 July 2013 and is no longer updated.

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 2023 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 Becoming a Teacher
COR110 Learning about Learning
COR111 Introduction to Indigenous Australia

Introductory courses (6)

3 required courses:

CMN102 Language and Literacies in Education
DES101 Curriculum A Middle Years 4-10: Pedagogies for New Times
DES105 Curriculum B Middle Years 4-10: Assessment for Learning

PLUS select 1 course from:

CMN116 Dimensions of Learner Engagement
CMN120 E-Learning Leader
CMN130 Learning for Sustainability in Schools
CMN140 Human Development and Early Learning

PLUS select 2 courses from:

DES102 Teaching Reading and Writing
DES103 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies
DES104 Contexts of Disability and Differences
DES106 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory

Advanced courses (12)

1 required course:

CMN213 Communication and Thought

PLUS select 5 courses from:

CMN214 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
CMN216 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
CMN218 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN222 Becoming a Teacher
CMN224 Learning about Learning
CMN226 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
CMN227 Language and Literacies in Education
CMN228 Curriculum A Middle Years 4-10: Pedagogies for New Times
CMN229 Curriculum B Middle years 4-10 Assessing Learning
CMN231 Science Teaching in the Early Years
CMN235 Individual Learner Needs
CMN237 Valuing Children's Play and Inquiry
CMN240 Teaching Technologies: Curriculum and Pedagogy
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 (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

Back to top

Total units: 288