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.
- 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)
CMN102 Communication and Thought
COR109 Accounting Principles
DES101 Introduction to Economics
DES105 Introduction to Management
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Business Analytics
CMN120 Introduction to Informatics
CMN130 Business Finance
CMN140 Business Law and Ethics
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Financial Accounting
DES103 Law of Business Associations
DES104 Company Accounting
DES106 Management Accounting
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Taxation Law and Practice
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN216 Contemporary Accounting Issues
CMN222 Auditing and Professional Practice
CMN224 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
CMN226 Creativity and Communication
CMN228 Communication and Thought
CMN231 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN235 Introduction to Design
CMN237 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CMN240 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN248 Introduction to Journalism
CMN249 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN302 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN305 Digital Photographic Practice
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES212 Typography
DES213 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES214 Risk, Crisis and Issues Management
DES215 Multimedia Advertising
DES216 Advertising Campaigns
e-Media Design major
DES221 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES222 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
DES223 Communication Campaign Planning
DES224 News Writing and Reporting
DES225 Online Journalism
DES226 Feature Writing
3D Design major
DES231 Creative Advertising
DES232 Television & Video Journalism
DES233 Investigative and Data Journalism
DES234 News Rounds
DES235 Visual Identity
DES236 Visual Communication and Culture
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 from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 2 electives must be advanced 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
- The 6 advanced courses 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
- 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 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 Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)