Sketch out your future in design
Designers play a pivotal role in the way we communicate, interact, learn, and problem solve. Developed with a strong industry focus, this program encourages you to discover your own creative passions, skills, and style through experimentation in a studio-based environment. You’ll use traditional and leading-edge technical tools to take on a broad spectrum of design challenges.
- 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.
Designers play a pivotal role in the way we communicate, interact, learn, and problem solve. Developed with a strong industry focus, this program encourages you to discover your own creative passions, skills, and style through experimentation in a studio-based environment. You’ll use traditional and leading-edge technical tools to take on a broad spectrum of design challenges.
In this program you will:
- Gain the skills to produce original ideas and design solutions that are both aesthetic, functional, and engaging.
- Learn to think creatively, analytically, and sustainably to solve design-related problems.
- Develop communication skills to deliver your concepts within small classes facilitated by academics with extensive industry experience.
- Build a high level of design expertise in one of the following majors: Animation and Visualisation Design, Interaction and UX Design, Serious Games Design or Visual Communication.
Career opportunities:
- Animation and Visualisation Designer
- Interactive and UX Designer
- Serious Games Designer
- Game Artist
- Game Programmer
- Visual Communication Designer
- Animator
- Visualisation Designer
- Simulation Designer
- Concept Artist
- Photographer
- Fashion Designer
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
COR109 Civil Procedure
CMN102 Administrative Law
DES101 Professional Conduct
DES102 Evidence
DES103 Regulation
DES104 Commercial Law
DES105 Children & the Law
DES106 Law Professional Practice
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
CMN213 Competition and Consumer Law
PLUS select 10 required courses (120 units):
- Select 6 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses (72 units) from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses (48 units) from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Advocacy
DES212 Special Research Project*
DES213 Legal Dispute Resolution
DES214 Planning and Environment Law
DES215 Elder Law and Succession
DES216 Intellectual Property
e-Media Design:
DES221 Communication and Thought
DES222 Creativity and Communication
DES223 The Language of Design
DES224 Visual Storytelling
DES225 Fundamentals of Photographic Practice
DES226 Art, Design and Visual Culture
3D Design:
DES231 Introduction to Design and Concept
DES232 Typography
DES233 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES234 Visual Identity
DES235 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES236 Graphic Design C
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 3 electives (36 units) must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) courses.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- The 6 developing and graduate courses (72 units) from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 developing and graduate courses (48 units) from one of the design streams will constitute a minor in that stream
- Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses (24 units) in that stream
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)