Combine visual design skills with communication.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
Last intake Semester 2, 2018
- 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.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
Our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. You will develop the practical skills you need to design for web, print and emerging media, and learn how to communicate effectively using the language of design. Throughout your course you will produce work for real clients, develop a professional portfolio and exhibit in the USC Art Gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers to help you land your dream job.
You'll gain experience in areas such as advertising, journalism, television, creative writing, web design, animation, illustration, packaging, photography, typography, drawing, branding, digital design, communications and graphic design. Combined together, these elements give you the knowledge to become a highly creative visual communicator.
This degree prepares you to work in a range of creative industries, such as advertising, television, branding, merchandising, E-Media, graphic design and communication.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, photography, packaging, public relations, publishing, web design.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
CMN102 Integrated Environmental Management
COR109 Environmental and Resource Economics
DES101 Contracts A
DES105 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
CMN116 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
CMN120 Contracts B
CMN130 Special Research Project
CMN140 Property A
PLUS select 2 courses (24 units) from:
DES102 Constitutional Law
DES103 Equity & Trusts
DES104 Property B
DES106 Corporations Law
Developing and Graduate courses (12) 144 units
CMN213 Civil Procedure
PLUS select 5 courses (60 units) from:
CMN216 Administrative Law
CMN222 Evidence
CMN224 Professional Conduct
CMN226 Regulation
CMN228 Creativity and Communication
CMN231 Communication and Thought
CMN235 The Language of Design
CMN237 Introduction to Design and Concept
CMN240 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CMN248 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN249 Introduction to Journalism
CMN302 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN305 Visual Storytelling
PLUS select 6 courses (72 units) from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Fundamentals of Photographic Practice
DES212 Art, Design and Visual Culture
DES213 Typography
DES214 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES215 Risk, Crisis and Issues Management
DES216 Multimedia Advertising
e-Media Design major
DES221 Advertising Campaigns
DES222 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES223 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
DES224 Communication Campaign Planning
DES225 News Writing and Reporting
DES226 Online Journalism
3D Design major
DES231 Feature Writing
DES232 Creative Advertising
DES233 Television & Video Journalism
DES234 Investigative and Data Journalism
DES235 News Rounds
DES236 Visual Identity
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
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
- 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)