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 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.
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 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 Image Processing and Machine Vision
COR109 Issues in Health Sector Management
DES101 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES105 International Development and Aid
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Development Practice and Evaluation
CMN120 Governance, Engagement & Capacity Building
CMN130 Economic Development & Sustainable Livelihoods
CMN140 Education for International Development
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Engaging and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
DES103 Elements of Design
DES104 Introduction to Interaction & UX Design
DES106 Introduction to Design and Concept
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Responsive Website Design
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Environment and Health
CMN216 Health Promotion Needs Assessment and Planning
CMN222 Environmental Health Risk Management
CMN224 Think Health
CMN226 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
CMN227 Advanced Statistics in Psychology
CMN228 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Psychology
CMN231 Group Research Project in Psychology A
CMN235 Professional Practice of Psychology
CMN237 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology
CMN240 Group Research Project in Psychology B
CMN248 Innovation Management and Professional Development
CMN249 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Marketing in a Global Environment
DES212 Innovation Management and Professional Development
DES213 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
DES214 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES215 Evidenced Based Decision Making
DES216 Finance and Accounting for Managers
e-Media Design major
DES221 Communication and Thought
DES222 Business Analytics
DES223 Accounting for Business
DES224 Introduction to Informatics
DES225 Introduction to Economics
DES226 Introduction to Management
3D Design major
DES231 Introduction to Marketing
DES232 Marketing Communication
DES233 Marketing of Social Causes
DES234 Business Law and Ethics
DES235 Consumer Behaviour
DES236 Services Marketing
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).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
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.