Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Computer-Based Design
Award abbreviation: BCompBasedDes
QTAC code: 011191
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR335
CRICOS code: 064651B. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Learn in small workshop groups taught by industry professionals
• 24-hour access to dedicated computing facilities
• Create a portfolio of creative work and exhibit in the USC Gallery

Creativity and skills in computer-based design can lead to a diverse range of careers in visual communication.

This professionally oriented program offers practical and theoretical studies in print design, online media, and 3D design. Introductory courses focus on developing your understanding of visual communication and literacy, and design and practice. You also undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses allow you to study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, communication studies, creative writing, marketing and other areas. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

E-media design; graphic design; 3D design.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected: 3D design, advertising, animation, graphic design, information visualisation, interpretive design, multimedia design and development, packaging, publishing, visual communication, web design.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 20 required courses and 4 electives.
• Complete a major design area and a minor design area.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
• Register your selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).

• The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105, will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from one of the design streams will constitute a minor in that stream.

• Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105.

Program structure

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses—ONE in your first semester and ONE in your second semester.

Select 2 core courses from:

Required introductory courses: (8)

Required advanced courses: (10)
Select 6 Advanced courses from one of the following streams for a major, and select 4 advanced courses from a second stream for a minor.

Graphic Design:

e-Media:

3D Design:

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

TOTAL UNITS 288

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries

How to apply

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

Program Leader
Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au

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