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

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Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights
  • Combine computer-based visual design with a career in communications
  • Specialise in either graphic design, e-media design or 3D design
  • Opportunities to exhibit in the USC Gallery

Learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

In this program you combine computer-based design with studies in communications. The computer-based design component covers practical and theoretical studies in graphic design, e-media (web and multimedia), 3D design, visual communication and information visualisation. Communication courses include public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

FASS majors: 3D design, communication studies; creative advertising; creative writing; e-media design; graphic design; journalism; public relations.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, multimedia design, packaging, public relations, publishing, web design.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 core courses, 18 required courses including 1 major design area (8 courses), and 4 electives.
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
  • Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
  • Register your selected Majors and Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
  • As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
  • The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105, will constitute a major in that stream.
  • Some of the required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors
  • Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1, following the successful completion of DES105.
Program structure

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
COR110 Creative Advertising
COR111 Advanced News Reporting


Required courses: (12)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 International Communication
CMN213 Research into Journalism
DES101 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas
DES105 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics


PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Creativity and Literature: Victorians to Moderns
CMN120 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
CMN130 Wonderworlds: An Exploration of English Literature
CMN140 Environment, Heritage and Tourism


PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Politics and the Media
DES103 Assessment in Mental Health
DES104 Therapeutic Interventions A
DES106 Reflective Mental Health Practice


PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214 Research in Health Care
CMN216 Therapeutic Interventions B
CMN218 Perspectives in Mental Health
CMN222 Communication and Thought
CMN224 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN226 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN227 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN228 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN229 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN231 Introduction to Design
CMN235 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN237 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN240 Introduction to Journalism
CMN248 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN249 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN256 Digital Photographic Practice


Required advanced courses (from your chosen Major study area): (6)

Graphic Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES212 Typography
DES213 Computer-Assisted Reporting
DES214 Crisis and Issues Management
DES215 Media and Community Relations
DES216 Multimedia Advertising


e-Media Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES221 Advertising Campaigns
DES222 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES223 News Rounds
DES224 The Writer and the Law
DES225 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES226 Communication Campaign Planning


3D Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES231 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
DES232 Visualisation and Sonification
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES233    
DES234    
DES235    
DES236    

Please Note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105.

 

Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries

How to apply

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

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

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