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 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 Ethics and Professional Practice
COR109 Community Development and Social Action
DES101 Complexity and Social Work: Policy and Practice
DES105 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Indigenous Australia and the State
CMN120 Social Research
CMN130 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
CMN140 Health, Society and Culture
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
DES103 Understanding Cultural Diversity
DES104 Gender and Culture
DES106 Communication Theory and Practice
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN216 Introduction to Design
CMN222 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN224 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN226 Introduction to Journalism
CMN227 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN228 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN231 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN235 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN237 Typography
CMN240 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN248 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN249 Risk, Crisis and Issues Management
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Multimedia Advertising
DES212 Advertising Campaigns
DES213 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES214 News Rounds
DES215 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
DES216 Communication Campaign Planning
e-Media Design major
DES221 News Writing and Reporting
DES222 Online Journalism
DES223 Feature Writing
DES224 Creative Advertising
DES225 Television & Video Journalism
DES226 Visual Identity
3D Design major
DES231 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES232 Graphic Design C
DES233 Graphic Design D
DES234 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES235 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES236 Introduction to Interaction & UX Design
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.