• 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: 011191
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BCompBasedDes
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
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1, 2009
CRICOS code: 064651B

New students: selecting courses for 2009

Program overview

In the 21st century, good design requires both visual literacy and creativity, along with a solid understanding and technical proficiency in the computer applications used to produce modern design work.

In this professionally-oriented program, you will undertake practical and theoretical studies in all facets of design, including Graphic Design, e-Media, and 3D Design (including modelling and animation). You will choose a major and a minor area of study from these three design streams, and will use industry-standard software to create a portfolio of creative work.

Introductory courses in the program focus on developing your understanding of visual design and practice through studies in visual literacy, digital photographic practice, art and design history, and typography. You will also undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses will allow you to pursue study in advertising, public relations, journalism, communication studies, creative writing, marketing and other areas.

Classes consist of small workshop groups, and you will have 24 hour access to dedicated computing facilities with Macintosh and PC platforms. There are also opportunities to exhibit your work in the USC Gallery.

Career opportunities

Skills in computer-based design are relevant to a diverse range of careers in visual communication. Graduates may find employment in:

• 3D design
• advertising
• animation
• graphic design
• information visualisation
• interpretive design
• multimedia design/development
• packaging
• publishing
• visual communication
• web design/development

Special features

• up-to-date computer laboratories and in-house colour printing facilities
• small class sizes taught by industry professionals
• 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

CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES102 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES103 Digital Photographic Practice
DES104 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Arts and Design History
DES105 Introduction to Design
DES106 Typography

Advanced courses

CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional

Plus select 6 advanced courses from 1 of the following streams for a major and 4 advanced courses from a second stream for a minor:

Graphic design:
DES211 Graphic Design A *
DES212 Graphic Design B *
DES213 Graphic Design C
DES214 Graphic Design D
DES215 Graphic Design E (internship/project) * 
DES216 Graphic Design Portfolio *

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 *

Electives courses

Select 4 elective courses. It is recommended that students consider selecting courses from 1 of the following areas: Advertising, Communication Studies, Public Relations.

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. The 6 advanced courses from 1 of the above streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from 1 of the above streams will constitute a minor in that stream.
2. Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream.
3. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses.
4. No courses may be counted towards more than 1 major or minor.
5. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors.
6. Refer to the Academic Rules.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. Refer to recommended enrolment patterns.
9. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
10. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
11. 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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