- Program summary
- Program overview
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: 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
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E
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—classes are limited to 18 students and are 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 E-Learning Leader
COR110 Learning for Sustainability in Schools
COR111 Internship
Introductory courses
2 required courses:
DES101 Human Development and Early Learning
DES105 Learning Choices
Plus select 1 course from:
CMN116 Workplace Learning 5
CMN120 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years
CMN130 Teaching Mathematics
CMN140 Alternative Schooling Pedagogies
Plus select 2 courses from:
DES102 Communication and Thought
DES103 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
DES104 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES106 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
Advanced courses
Plus select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Introduction to Design
CMN216 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN218 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN224 Introduction to Journalism
CMN226 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN227 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN228 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN229 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN231 Typography
CMN235 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN237 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN240 Media and Community Relations
CMN248 Advertising Campaigns
CMN249 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN256 News Rounds
Plus select 1 major from the following:
Graphic design:
DES211 The Writer and the Law
DES212 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES213 Communication Campaign Planning
DES214 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
DES215 Online Journalism
DES216 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN102 Creative Advertising
CMN213 Advanced News Reporting
e-Media:
DES221 Research into Journalism
DES222 Graphic Design A
DES223 Graphic Design B
DES224 Graphic Design C
DES225 Graphic Design D
DES226 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN102 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice
3D design:
DES231 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES232 e-Media A
DES233 e-Media B
DES234 e-Media C
DES235 e-Media D
DES236 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN102 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
CMN213 Communication Theory and Practice
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
- No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
- No courses may be counted towards more than one major or one minor.
- Some of the required introductory courses count towards some majors and minors.
- A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (76 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
- 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.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
Enquiries
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Associate Professor Stephen Lamble
Tel: +61 7 5459 4478
Email: slamble@usc.edu.au
* Subject to final approval