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 2025 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 Coastal and Marine Ecology
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
DES101 Coastal Conservation Planning
DES105 Business Analytics
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Introduction to Economics
CMN120 Introduction to Management
CMN130 Introduction to Marketing
CMN140 Accounting for Business
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Introduction to Informatics
DES103 Introduction to Tourism, Leisure and Events
DES104 Business Law and Ethics
DES106 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Cross-Cultural Management
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Tourism, Sport and Leisure Policy and Planning
CMN216 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
CMN222 Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Events
CMN224 Event Management
CMN226 Business Events
CMN227 Introduction to Behavioural Health
CMN228 Science Research Methods
CMN231 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
CMN235 Communication and Thought
CMN237 Human Physiology
CMN240 Human Anatomy
CMN248 Introduction to Coaching Science
CMN249 Exercise Prescription and Programming I
CMN256 Human Pathophysiology
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Functional Anatomy
DES212 Introduction to Sports Medicine
DES213 Exercise Prescription and Programming II
DES214 Biomechanics I
DES215 Exercise Physiology I
DES216 Sport and Exercise Psychology
e-Media major
DES221 Motor Control and Learning
DES222 Exercise Science Professional Practicum
DES223 Clinical Skills for Exercise Physiology
DES224 Biomechanics II
DES225 Exercise Physiology II
DES226 Active Lifestyle Nutrition
3D Design major
DES231 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
DES232 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
DES233 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
DES234 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
DES235 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease
DES236 Clinical Exercise Physiology Professional Practicum I
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