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 2023 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:
- Visual communication designer
- Creative director
- Advertising art director
- Graphic designer
- Production designer (theatre/film/television)
- Packaging designer
- Printmaker
- Image designer (illustration/photography)
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
CMN101 Marketing Essentials
CMN107 Introduction to International Business
DES101 Cross-Cultural Management
DES102 Trade and Finance in a Global Economy
DES104 International Marketing
DES105 Managing Global Logistics
DES106 International Business Strategy
DES107 Introduction to International Business
Developing and Graduate courses (8) 96 units
DES200 Cross-Cultural Management
DES211 Managing Global Logistics
DES212 International Business Strategy
CMN313 Clinical Foundations in Orthotics
DES305 Therapeutic Skills
DES306 Foundations of Practice 1: Exploring Core Concepts of Professional Practice in Allied Health
DES309 Biomechanics I
Plus select 1 course (12 units) from:
CMN311 Clinical Foundations in Prosthetics
CMN312 Developing Professional Practice in Prosthetics & Orthotics
Elective courses (8) 96 units
Select 8 elective courses from the undergraduate elective course options. Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete courses in the available 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