• Program summary
• Program overview
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Advanced standing, recognition of prior learning, credit and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries
• Recommended enrolment patterns

Program summary

QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2008 entry: OP-18 / Rank-62
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence:  Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 030280E

New students: selecting courses for 2009

Program overview

If you are interested in combining computer-based visual design with a career in communications, then the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication) is for you. You will learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats; and will explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

Computer-based design is an integral part of the degree, with three streams—Graphic Design, e–Media Design and 3D Design—to choose from. Each stream provides you with the creative, conceptual and technical skills for a well-rounded career base. Other courses in the program include introductory studies in communication and design, and advanced courses in areas such as journalism, media, public relations and advertising.

You will have 24-hour access to computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms, and will benefit from in-house colour printing facilities. You may also have opportunities to exhibit your design work in the USC Gallery.

Career opportunities

• 3D design
• advertising/communication
• animation
• computer-based design
• graphic design
• information visualisation
• interpretive design
• multimedia design/development
• packaging
• project management
• publishing
• visual communication
• web design/development 

Special features

• learn communication skills in addition to computer-based design
• up-to-date computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms
• 24 hour, 7 day access to computer laboratories
• small class sizes are limited to 18 students and taught by industry professionals
• in-house colour printing facilities
• opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

5 required courses:
CMN110 Australian Media Industries: Introduction to Communication Studies
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES105 Introduction to Design
DES106 Typography
Plus select 1 course from:
DES102 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES103 Digital Photographic Practice
DES104 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Arts and Design History

Advanced courses

1 required course:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
Plus select 5 courses from:
CMN211 Small Screen, Big Business: The Television Industry
CMN214 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN218 Media and Communication Relations
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN227 News Rounds
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
CMN229 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
CMN237 Writing for the Web
CMN240 Digital Photojournalism
CMN248 Creative Advertising
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN256 Research into Australian Journalism

Plus select 6 advanced courses from 1 of the following majors:

Graphic design:

e-Media:
DES221 e-Media A
DES222 e-Media B
DES223 e-Media C *
DES224 e-Media D *
DES225 e-Media E (internship/project) *
DES226 e-Media Portfolio *

3D design:
DES231 3D Design A
DES232 3D Design B
DES233 3D Design C *
DES234 3D Design D *
DES235 3D Design E (internship/project) *
DES236 3D Design Portfolio *

Elective courses

Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education)

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
2. No courses may be counted towards more than one major or one minor.
3. Some of the required introductory courses count towards some majors and minors.
4. A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (76 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
5. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns.
9. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

How to apply

Apply for an undergraduate program.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

* Subject to final approval

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