Create visual communication that motivates, educates, entertains and inspires
Visual Communication is where creative art meets technology and function, transforming words and pictures into powerful designs that persuade, inform and engage specific target audiences. In an increasingly visual world, a range of exciting career paths are emerging in the design and media industries. Guided by industry and discipline experts, you will find design solutions to real life problems and challenges and experience all aspects of the design process.
- 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.
Visual Communication is where creative art meets technology and function, transforming words and pictures into powerful designs that persuade, inform and engage specific target audiences. In an increasingly visual world, a range of exciting career paths are emerging in the design and media industries. Guided by industry and discipline experts, you will find design solutions to real life problems and challenges and experience all aspects of the design process.
In this program you will:
- Gain a strong foundation of theoretical principles and aesthetic design concepts and apply what you’ve learnt with real-life design-studio practice.
- Learn the skills you need to convey dynamic ideas and create effective visual communications using colour, texture, typography, imagery, style, and symbols.
- Specialise in a field or combine multidisciplinary interests in layout design, packaging, advertising, photography, illustration, branding and image management.
- Undertake real-world industry projects and internships, and produce a professional portfolio to showcase your work, displayed in a graduate exhibition, and retained as a digital portfolio.
- Benefit from teaching staff, facilities, guest lectures, off-campus excursions, events and workshops that align with current industry practice and trends.
Career opportunities:
- Creative Director
- Advertising Art Director
- Graphic Designer
- Production designer – theatre/film/television
- Packaging Designer
- Printmaker
- Visual Communication Designer
- Image Designer – illustration/photography
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
CMN101 Corporate Finance
COR109 Innovation and Management Decision Making
DES101 International Business Law and Ethics
DES102 Managing Across Global Cultures
DES104 International Trade and Finance
DES105 Marketing in an International Environment
DES106 Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Health Sector Business Management
DES107 Global Business Management
Developing and Graduate courses (8) 96 units
CMN313 Entrepreneurship and Venture Planning
DES200 Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
DES211 Qualitative Research Methods
DES212 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
DES305 Honours Reading Course for BU401 and BU402
DES306
DES309 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
Plus select 1 course (12 units) from:
CMN311 Communication and Thought
CMN312 The Language of Design
Elective courses (8) 96 units
Select 8 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law) or (Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete an additional major or minor in the Design disciplines.
Please note the total number of introductory courses that can be undertaken in this program is 120 units (10 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
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
- 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 Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses