Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

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

Location

CRICOS code

098461E

Entry threshold

54.00 54.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$9,668 CSP
CSP
A$24,400 / A$73,200 Annual fee / Estimated total fee
Annual fee / Estimated total fee

QTAC code

011391 015012

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Duration
3 years 3 years
CRICOS code
098461E
UniSC program code
AR314
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units

CMN101
CMN107
DES101
DES103
DES104
DES105
DES107

Developing courses (4) 48 units

DES200
DES211
DES212
DES221

Graduate courses (5) 60 units

BCI302
BCI303
BCI304
DES305
DES309

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.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Study sequences

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 54.00
Online 54.00
Recommended prior study
English
Program requirements

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

CSP estimate
A$9,668
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$24,400
Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$73,200