- 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
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Design and Communication
Award abbreviation: BDes&Comn
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR336
CRICOS code: 074095J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
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
Communication 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.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice
Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au
Program structure
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 School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- 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 .
- When enrolling, refer to [TabLink top Study Plan]Study Plan.
Core courses
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Graphic Design B
COR110 Graphic Design C
COR111 Graphic Design D
Introductory courses
3 required courses:
CMN102 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES101 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES105 e-Media A
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 e-Media B
CMN120 e-Media C
CMN130 e-Media D
CMN140 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
DES103 3D Design A
DES104 3D Design B
DES106 3D Design C
Advanced courses
1 required course
CMN213 3D Design D
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
CMN216 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
CMN218
CMN222
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Creative and Interactive Advertising
CMN227
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN229
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN248
CMN249
CMN256
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication and Culture
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216
e-Media major
DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media
DES222 Responsive Design and Technology
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
3D Design major
DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production
DES232 Visualisation and Sonification
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105.
Elective courses
Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Design and Communication Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Management and Organisational Behaviour | |||
| COR110 Introduction to Marketing | |||
| COR111 Accounting for Business |
Required courses (12)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN102 Introduction to Informatics | |||
| CMN213 Business Law and Ethics | |||
| DES101 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility | |||
| DES105 Business Analytics |
PLUS select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN116 Introduction to Economics | |||
| CMN120 Management and Organisational Behaviour | |||
| CMN130 Business Law and Ethics | |||
| CMN140 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility |
PLUS select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES102 Accounting Principles | |||
| DES103 Informatics for Financial Professionals | |||
| DES104 Mechanics of Materials | |||
| DES106 Structural Engineering |
PLUS select 5 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN214 Design of Roads and Drainage | |||
| CMN216 Engineering Sustainable Design | |||
| CMN218 Communication and Thought | |||
| CMN222 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| CMN224 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| CMN226 Communication Theory and Practice | |||
| CMN227 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN228 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice | |||
| CMN229 Introduction to Design | |||
| CMN231 Introduction to Creative Writing | |||
| CMN235 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | |||
| CMN237 Introduction to Journalism | |||
| CMN240 Introduction to Creative Advertising | |||
| CMN248 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images | |||
| CMN249 Digital Photographic Practice | |||
| CMN256 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History |
Required advanced courses—from your chosen major study area (6)
Graphic Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES211 Typography | |||
| DES212 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| DES213 Crisis and Issues Management | |||
| DES214 Media and Community Relations | |||
| DES215 Multimedia Advertising | |||
| DES216 Advertising Campaigns |
e-Media major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES221 Advertising: Copy and Image | |||
| DES222 News Rounds | |||
| DES223 The Writer and the Law | |||
| DES224 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality | |||
| DES225 Communication Campaign Planning | |||
| DES226 News Writing: Print and Broadcast |
3D Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES231 Online Journalism | |||
| DES232 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing | |||
| DES233 Creative Advertising | |||
| DES234 Advanced News Reporting | |||
| DES235 Research into Journalism | |||
| DES236 Graphic Design A |
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 either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288