Combine your visual design skills with studies in communication.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
- 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.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
Taught by industry professionals, our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. In your final year, complete an internship or professional project to work for real clients. Earn valuable experience while building your design reputation and portfolio.
You’ll exhibit in the USC Art Gallery and the School of Communication – Design online gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers. Open doors to careers in advertising, graphic design, marketing, public relations and web design.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
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
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Evidence
COR109 Regulation
DES101 Environment & Planning Law
DES105 Family Law
PLUS select 1 course from:
PLUS select 2 courses from:
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Elder Law
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Taxation
CMN216 Public International Law
CMN222
CMN224
CMN226
CMN227
CMN228 Property Development Feasibility and Analysis
CMN231 Property Research Project
CMN235 Property Development and Project Management Processes
CMN237 Infant Care
CMN240 Advanced Health Assessment
CMN248 Quantitative Research Methods
CMN249 Special Project: Evaluating Practice Knowledge
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Special Project: Translating Knowledge into Practice
DES212 Research Project A
DES213 Research Project B
DES214 Research Project F
DES215 Strategic Management
DES216 Marketing Management
e-Media Design major
DES221 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES222 Accounting for Managers
DES223 Economics for Managers
DES224 Managing Research
DES225 Corporate Finance
DES226 Communication and Thought
3D Design major
DES231 Introduction to Psychology A
DES232 Introduction to Psychology B
DES233 Current Directions in Psychology
DES234 Research Methods in Psychology A
DES235 Research Methods in Psychology B
DES236 Physiological Psychology
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
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty 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.