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

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Bachelor of Design and Communication

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.

CRICOS code
074095J
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
3 years
Semester tuition fee 2015
A$9,700
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$58,200
Footnotes
  • 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.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 011031
Minimum selection threshold
OP - 18 Rank - 61
UniSC program code
AR336
Commence
Semester 1 or Semester 2
Duration
3 years full time or equivalent part time
Recommended prior study
English
Fee type 2015
  • What will I pay?
Total units
288

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 Professional Experience: Facilitating the Learning Environment
COR109 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
DES101 Teaching Science in the Early Years
DES105 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy

PLUS select 1 course from:

CMN116 Teaching Arts in the Early Years
CMN120 Teaching HPE in the Early Years
CMN130 Assessing Learning
CMN140 Professional Experience: Differentiated Practice

PLUS select 2 courses from:

DES102 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
DES103 Teaching HASS in Primary School
DES104 Teaching HPE in Primary School
DES106 Teaching Reading and Writing

Advanced courses (12)

CMN213 Engineering Statics

PLUS select 5 courses from:

CMN214 Teaching Arts in the Primary School
CMN216 Introduction to the Internet of Things
CMN222 Teaching Primary School Mathematics
CMN224 Teacher as Global Practitioner
CMN226 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
CMN227 Introductory Calculus
CMN228 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
CMN231 Diversity and Inclusion
CMN235 Physics
CMN237 Teaching the Australian Curriculum: Languages
CMN240 Digital Logic and Computer Programming
CMN248 Electronic Circuits: Fundamental Theory and Applications
CMN249 Fundamentals of Electrical Systems

PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:

Graphic Design major

DES211 Modern Electrical Power Systems
DES212 Analogue and Digital Systems
DES213 Introduction to Control Systems
DES214 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
DES215 Numerical Analysis
DES216 Electronic Design and Analysis

e-Media Design major

DES221 Communications Engineering (Hardware and protocols)
DES222 Digital Signal Processing
DES223 Electronic Measurement and Instrumentation
DES224 Embedded System Design
DES225 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
DES226 Advanced Digital Communications

3D Design major

DES231 Power System Design and Analysis
DES232 Engineering Project Management
DES233
DES234 Engineering Project 1
DES235 Engineering Project 2
DES236

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

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.