Sketch out your future in design.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
(formerly the Bachelor of Computer-Based Design. Current students should refer to previous student handbooks)
- 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.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
Today’s designers must be able to easily cross over the borders of art, design and technology – both multidisciplinary and internationally, which is why at USC we believe in an integrated, cross-media design program. You will learn to think creatively, independently and analytically, solve design related problems, conceptualise and effectively communicate your ideas within small classes taught by academics with extensive industry experience. You will have many opportunities to work across various disciplines through our hands-on approach.
Our strong industry focus ensures our teaching staff, guest lectures, workshops and alignment with industry bodies, including AGDA and Analogue Digital, introduce you to current trends in the design industry. The advanced editing course and hands-on experience with industry standard software will fine-tune your design skills.
Choose elective courses to focus your study in the areas of creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing and other areas. In your final year, complete an internship in a design related business or work on a professional project for a client. Gain valuable real-world experience while building your design portfolio and reputation with client commissioned works. Your work will be exhibited in the USC Art Gallery to give you exposure to the industry and potential employers.
Majors
3D design; e-Media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Advertising, animation, information visualisation, special effects (FX), packaging, publishing, visual communication or 3D, graphic, interpretive, multimedia, photography or web design.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Learning in Australian Landscapes
CMN102 Discovering Science
DES101 Professional Experience: Connecting with Learning and Teaching
DES102 Individual Learner Needs
DES103 Teaching Mathematics in the Early Years
DES104 Teaching English: Curriculum and Pedagogy
DES105 Teaching HPE in the Early Years
DES106 Assessing Learning
Advanced courses (11)
CMN213 Teaching HASS in Primary School
PLUS select 10 required courses:
- Select 6 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Teaching Arts in the Primary School
DES212 Teaching Technologies: Curriculum and Pedagogy
DES213 Professional Experience: Facilitating the Learning Environment
DES214 Teaching Reading and Writing
DES215 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
DES216 Teaching Primary School Mathematics
e-Media Design:
DES221 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
DES222 Diversity and Inclusion
DES223 Teaching the Australian Curriculum: Languages
DES224 Professional Experience: Differentiated Practice
DES225 Teaching Science in Primary Schools
DES226 Teaching HPE in Primary School
3D Design:
DES231 Teaching English: Language, Literature and Literacy
DES232 Teaching Science: The Sky is the Limit
DES233 Teacher as Global Practitioner
DES234 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
DES235 Teacher as Researcher
DES236 Using Data for Learning
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 3 electives must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. 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:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from one of the design streams will constitute a minor in that stream
- Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)