Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Computer-Based Design
Award abbreviation: BCompBasedDes
QTAC code: 011191
OP/Rank for 2010 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR335
CRICOS code: 064651B. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Learn in small workshop groups taught by industry professionals
• 24-hour access to dedicated computing facilities
• Create a portfolio of creative work and exhibit in the USC Gallery

Creativity and skills in computer-based design can lead to a diverse range of careers in visual communication.

This professionally oriented program offers practical and theoretical studies in print design, online media, and 3D design.

Introductory courses focus on developing your understanding of visual communication and literacy, and design and practice. You also undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses allow you to study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, communication studies, creative writing, marketing and other areas. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

E-media design; graphic design; 3D design.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected, 3D design, advertising, animation, graphic design, information visualisation, interpretive design, multimedia design and development, packaging, publishing, visual communication, web design.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109 Contexts of Disability and Differences
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Introductory courses

CMN102 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES101 Communication Theory and Practice
DES102 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES103 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES104 Digital Photographic Practice
DES105 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES106 Introduction to Design

Advanced courses

CMN213 Typography

Plus select 6 advanced courses from 1 of the following streams for a major and 4 advanced courses from a second stream for a minor:

Graphic design:
DES211 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES212 Graphic Design A
DES213 Graphic Design B
DES214 Graphic Design C
DES215 Graphic Design D
DES216 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project

e-Media:
DES221 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES222 e-Media A
DES223 e-Media B
DES224 e-Media C
DES225 e-Media D
DES226 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project

3D design:
DES231 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
DES232 3D Design A
DES233 3D Design B
DES234 3D Design C
DES235 3D Design D
DES236 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project

Electives courses

Select 4 elective courses. It is recommended that students consider selecting courses from 1 of the following areas: Advertising, Communication Studies, Public Relations.

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.

Program requirements and notes

1. The 6 advanced courses from 1 of the above streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from 1 of the above streams will constitute a minor in that stream.
2. Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream.
3. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses.
4. No courses may be counted towards more than 1 major or minor.
5. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors.
6. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
7. Refer to explanation of terms.
8. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
9. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
10. Refer to recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
11. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au

* Subject to final approval

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