- 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
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Design and Communication
Award abbreviation: BDes&Comn
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR336
CRICOS code: 074095J. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
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
Communication 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.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice
Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au
Program structure
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 School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- 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 .
- When enrolling, refer to Study Plan.
Core courses
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 3D Design B
COR110 3D Design C
COR111 3D Design D
Introductory courses
3 required courses:
CMN102 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES101 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES105 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN120 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN130 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN140 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Introduction to Design
DES103 Introduction to Creative Writing
DES104 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
DES106 Introduction to Journalism
Advanced courses
1 required course
CMN213 Introduction to Creative Advertising
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN216 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN218 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN222 Typography
CMN224 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN226 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN227 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN228 Media and Community Relations
CMN229 Multimedia Advertising
CMN231 Advertising Campaigns
CMN235 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN237 News Rounds
CMN240 The Writer and the Law
CMN248 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN249 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN256 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Online Journalism
DES212 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
DES213 Creative Advertising
DES214 Advanced News Reporting
DES215 Research into Journalism
DES216 Graphic Design A
e-Media major
DES221 Graphic Design B
DES222 Graphic Design C
DES223 Graphic Design D
DES224 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES225 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES226 e-Media A
3D Design major
DES231 e-Media B
DES232 e-Media C
DES233 e-Media D
DES234 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES235 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
DES236 3D Design A
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses
Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288
Study Plan
The Bachelor of Design and Communication Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Planning and Environmental Law | |||
| COR110 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice | |||
| COR111 The Writer and the Law |
Required courses (12)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN102 The Administration of Justice: Issues in Policing | |||
| CMN213 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues | |||
| DES101 Communication and Thought | |||
| DES105 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship |
PLUS select 1 course from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN116 Environment, Technology and Sustainability | |||
| CMN120 Communication Theory and Practice | |||
| CMN130 Editing for the Communications Professional | |||
| CMN140 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice |
PLUS select 2 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES102 Introduction to Design | |||
| DES103 Introduction to Creative Writing | |||
| DES104 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | |||
| DES106 Introduction to Journalism |
PLUS select 5 courses from:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMN214 Introduction to Creative Advertising | |||
| CMN216 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images | |||
| CMN218 Digital Photographic Practice | |||
| CMN222 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History | |||
| CMN224 Typography | |||
| CMN226 Computer-Assisted Reporting | |||
| CMN227 Crisis and Issues Management | |||
| CMN228 Media and Community Relations | |||
| CMN229 Multimedia Advertising | |||
| CMN231 Advertising Campaigns | |||
| CMN235 Advertising: Copy and Image | |||
| CMN237 News Rounds | |||
| CMN240 The Writer and the Law | |||
| CMN248 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality | |||
| CMN249 Communication Campaign Planning | |||
| CMN256 News Writing: Print and Broadcast |
Required advanced courses—from your chosen major study area (6)
Graphic Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES211 Online Journalism | |||
| DES212 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing | |||
| DES213 Creative Advertising | |||
| DES214 Advanced News Reporting | |||
| DES215 Research into Journalism | |||
| DES216 Graphic Design A |
e-Media major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES221 Graphic Design B | |||
| DES222 Graphic Design C | |||
| DES223 Graphic Design D | |||
| DES224 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project | |||
| DES225 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio | |||
| DES226 e-Media A |
3D Design major
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| DES231 e-Media B | |||
| DES232 e-Media C | |||
| DES233 e-Media D | |||
| DES234 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project | |||
| DES235 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio | |||
| DES236 3D Design A |
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 either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288