Students specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
The program combines 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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2024 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
The program combines 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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; 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.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 core course.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including the core course.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- Register any selected Majors or 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 Study Plan.
Core course (1)
COR109 Independent Study
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Research in Health Care
DES101 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
DES105 Simulation in Practice Education
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Responding in the Emergency Context
CMN120 Global Emergency Issues
CMN130 Assessment in Mental Health
CMN140 Advanced Health Assessment
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Quantitative Research Methods
DES103 Research Project A
DES104 Research Project B
DES106 Research Project C
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Research Project F
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Communication and Thought
CMN216 Introduction to Psychology A
CMN222 Introduction to Psychology B
CMN224 Current Directions in Psychology
CMN226 Research Methods in Psychology A
CMN227 Research Methods in Psychology B
CMN228 Physiological Psychology
CMN231 Introduction to Human Development
CMN235 Social Psychology
CMN237 Motivation and Emotion
CMN240 Advanced Methods in Psychology
CMN248 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
CMN249 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
CMN256 Personality and Assessment
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Human Associative Learning
DES212 Abnormal Psychology
DES213 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
DES214 Adult Development and Ageing
DES215 Entrepreneurship and Business Model Innovation
DES216 Innovation Management and Professional Development
e-Media major
DES221 Innovation by Design
DES222 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES223 Communication and Thought
DES224 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
DES225 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
DES226 Human Development and Learning
3D Design major
DES231 Foundations of Literacy and Numeracy
DES232 Professional Experience: The role of the teacher
DES233 Communication and Thought
DES234 Integrating ICT into Learning
DES235 Professional Experience: Connecting with Learning and Teaching
DES236 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288