Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Visual communication is where creative art meets technology and function, transforming words and pictures into powerful designs that persuade, inform and engage specific target audiences. In an increasingly visual world, a range of exciting career paths are emerging in the design and media industries. Guided by industry and discipline experts, you will find design solutions to real life problems and challenges and experience all aspects of the design process.
In this program you will:
- Gain a strong foundation of theoretical principles and aesthetic design concepts, and apply what you’ve learnt with real-life design studio practice
- Learn the skills you need to convey dynamic ideas and create effective visual communications using colour, texture, typography, imagery, style, and symbols
- Specialise in a field or combine multidisciplinary interests in layout design, packaging, advertising, photography, illustration, branding and image management
- Undertake real-world industry projects and internships, and produce a professional portfolio to showcase your work, displayed in a graduate exhibition, and retained as a digital portfolio
- Benefit from teaching staff, facilities, guest lectures, off-campus excursions, events and workshops that align with current industry practice and trends
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual fee / Estimated total feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 24
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 098461E
- UniSC program code
- AR314
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
CMN101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
CMN107 Communication for the Creative Professional
DES101 Elements of Design
DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
DES104 Art, Design and Digital Culture
DES105 Design Methods
DES107 Drawing Practice
Developing courses (4) 48 units
DES200 Design Futures
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media
Graduate courses (5) 60 units
BCI302 Work Integrated Learning Project
BCI303 Work Integrated Learning Placement
BCI304 Creative Engagement
DES305 Creative Branding and Design
DES309 Design Capstone
Elective courses (8) 96 units
Select 8 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete courses in the available Design disciplines.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 54.00 |
| Online | 54.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units 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 academic calendar dates
- 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 Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
- CSP estimate
- A$9,668
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$24,400
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$73,200