Students specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
The program combines 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.
The program combines 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; 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 7 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- 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 your Faculty.
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.
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Diversity, Crime and Justice
COR109 Social Research
DES101 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
DES105 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CMN120 Professional Placement
CMN130 Crime Research Methods
CMN140 Working with Victims and Offenders
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Introduction to Cyber Crime
DES103 International Justice and Human Rights
DES104 Communication Theory and Practice
DES106 Communication and Thought
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Introduction to Design
CMN216 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN222 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN224 Introduction to Journalism
CMN226 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN227 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN228 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN231 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN235 Typography
CMN237 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN240 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN248 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN249 Multimedia Advertising
CMN256 Advertising Campaigns
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES212 News Rounds
DES213 The Writer and the Law
DES214 Communication Campaign Planning
DES215 News Writing and Reporting
DES216 Online Journalism
e-Media Design major
DES221 Feature Writing
DES222 Creative Advertising
DES223 Advanced News Reporting
DES224 Research into Journalism
DES225 Graphic Design A
DES226 Graphic Design B
3D Design major
DES231 Graphic Design C
DES232 Graphic Design D
DES233 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES234 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES235 e-Media A
DES236 e-Media B
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288