Combine your visual design skills with studies in communication.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
- 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.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
Taught by industry professionals, our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. In your final year, complete an internship or professional project to work for real clients. Earn valuable experience while building your design reputation and portfolio.
You’ll exhibit in the USC Art Gallery and the School of Communication – Design online gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers. Open doors to careers in advertising, graphic design, marketing, public relations and web design.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
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
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
COR109 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
DES101 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
DES105 Coastal Conservation Planning
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Animal Behaviour
CMN120 Global-Change Ecology
CMN130 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
CMN140 Special Field Studies Topic
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Special Research Project
DES103 Workplace Learning I
DES104 Introduction to Economics
DES106 Introduction to Management
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Introduction to Marketing
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Communication and Thought
CMN216 Business Analytics
CMN222 Accounting for Business
CMN224 Introduction to Informatics
CMN226 Business Law and Ethics
CMN227 Project Management
CMN228 Strategic Management
CMN231 Cross-Cultural Management
CMN235 Strategic Supply Chain Management
CMN237 Leadership and Team Dynamics
CMN240 Small Business and New Venture Management
CMN248 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
CMN249 Quality Management
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Communication and Thought
DES212 Introduction to Criminology
DES213 Justice and the Australian Legal System
DES214 Foundations of Human Behaviour
DES215 Understanding Crime
DES216 Punishment and Corrections
e-Media Design major
DES221 Policing
DES222 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
DES223 Diversity, Crime and Justice
DES224 Applied Crime Prevention
DES225 Criminal Law: An Introduction
DES226 Social Research
3D Design major
DES231 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
DES232 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
DES233 Exploring Business Research
DES234 Marketing Essentials
DES235 Accounting for Business
DES236 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
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 level (200 / 300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) 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 your Faculty.
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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty 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.