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.
- 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.
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 Human Physiology
COR110 Human Anatomy
COR111 Biodiversity and Ecology
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Physics
DES101 Exercise Prescription and Programming
DES105 Performance Enhancement
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Biomechanics II
CMN120 Exercise Physiology II
CMN130 Foundations of Australian Law A
CMN140 Criminal Law and Procedure A
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Torts A
DES103 Contracts A
DES104 Foundations of Australian Law B
DES106 Criminal Law and Procedure B
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Torts B
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Contracts B
CMN216 Property A
CMN218 Constitutional Law
CMN222 Equity & Trusts
CMN224 Property B
CMN226 Corporations Law
CMN227 Civil Procedure
CMN228 Administrative Law
CMN229 Evidence
CMN231 Professional Conduct
CMN235 Regulation
CMN237 Communication and Thought
CMN240 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN248 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN249 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN256 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Introduction to Design
DES212 Introduction to Creative Writing
DES213 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
DES214 Introduction to Journalism
DES215 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES216 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
e-Media major
DES221 Digital Photographic Practice
DES222 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES223 Typography
DES224 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES225 Computer-Assisted Reporting
DES226 Crisis and Issues Management
3D Design major
DES231 Media and Community Relations
DES232 Multimedia Advertising
DES233 Advertising Campaigns
DES234 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES235 News Rounds
DES236 The Writer and the Law
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