Bachelor of Design and Communication | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - wwwtest.usc.edu.au
This page was archived on 25 February 2011 and is no longer updated.

Bachelor of Design and Communication

Note: New program for entry in 2012.

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Design and Communication
Award abbreviation: BDes&Comn
QTAC code: 011031
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
Total units:
288
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa. International students should refer to the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).

Highlights
  • Combine computer-based visual design with a career in communications
  • Specialise in either graphic design, e-media design or 3D design
  • Opportunities to exhibit in the USC Gallery

Learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

In this program you combine computer-based design with studies in communications. The computer-based design component covers practical and theoretical studies in graphic design, e-media (web and multimedia), 3D design, visual communication and information visualisation. Communication courses include public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

FASS majors: 3D design, communication studies; creative advertising; creative writing; e-media design; graphic design; journalism; public relations.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, multimedia design, packaging, public relations, publishing, 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 2 core courses, 18 required courses including 1 major design area (8 courses), and 4 electives.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • 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.
  • The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream.
  • Some of the required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors
  • 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:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability


Required courses: (12)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES105 Introduction to Design


PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN120 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
CMN140 Introduction to Creative Advertising


PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES103 Digital Photographic Practice
DES104 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES106 Typography


PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN216 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN218 Media and Community Relations
CMN222 Multimedia Advertising
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 Online Journalism
CMN240 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
CMN248 Creative Advertising
CMN249 Advanced News Reporting
CMN256 Research into Journalism


Required advanced courses (from your chosen Major study area): (6)

Graphic Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211 Graphic Design A
DES212 Graphic Design B
DES213 Graphic Design C
DES214 Graphic Design D
DES215 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES216 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio


e-Media Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES221 e-Media A
DES222 e-Media B
DES223 e-Media C
DES224 e-Media D
DES225 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES226 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio


3D Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES231 3D Design A
DES232 3D Design B
DES233 3D Design C
DES234 3D Design D
DES235 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES236 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio

Please Note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .

 

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

Back to top