USC’s industry-focused Visual Communication major prepares you to work as a professional designer. Learn how graphic designers create graphics that communicate messages and evoke responses through the use of colour, texture, typography, images and symbols.
This major allows you to experience all aspects of the design process, specialise in a particular field, or combine interests in layout design, advertising, photography, illustration or branding.
Learn the analytical and problem-solving skills you need to create dynamic ideas, using the theoretical principles and aesthetic design concepts that underpin good design. As part of your major, you will undertake industry projects and internships and create a professional portfolio to display in a shared graduate exhibition.
Career opportunities
Graphic designer, art director, creative director, advertising designer, book designer, illustrator, product designer, photographic editor.
Major (8)
For a major in Visual Communication (previously Graphic Design), students must successfully complete 8 courses:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|
| DES101 Elements of Design | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
- Moreton Bay: Semester 1
- Online: Semester 1
| 12 | |
| DES105 Design Methods | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
- Moreton Bay: Semester 2
- Online: Semester 2
| 12 | |
| DES211 Visual Identity | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
- Moreton Bay: Semester 1
- Online: Semester 1
| 12 | |
| DES212 Visual Communication and Culture | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
- Moreton Bay: Semester 2
- Online: Semester 2
| 12 | |
| DES305 Creative Branding and Design | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
- Moreton Bay: Semester 1
- Online: Semester 1
| 12 | Anti: DES213 |
| DES306 | | | | |
| DES309 Design Capstone | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
- Moreton Bay: Semester 2
- Online: Semester 2
| 12 | Pre: Course Coordinator Consent Required and Completed 192 units |
PLUS select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|
| CMN311 | | | | |
| CMN312 | | | | |
Minor (4)
For a minor in Visual Communication (previously Graphic Design), students must successfully complete 4 courses:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|
| DES105 Design Methods | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
- Moreton Bay: Semester 2
- Online: Semester 2
| 12 | |
| DES211 Visual Identity | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
- Moreton Bay: Semester 1
- Online: Semester 1
| 12 | |
| DES212 Visual Communication and Culture | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
- Moreton Bay: Semester 2
- Online: Semester 2
| 12 | |
| DES305 Creative Branding and Design | - Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
- Moreton Bay: Semester 1
- Online: Semester 1
| 12 | Anti: DES213 |
