Specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
- 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 2024 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.
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. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art 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.
Program structure
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 4 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- 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 any selected Majors or 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 (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 3D Design B
COR110 3D Design C
COR111 3D Design D
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES101 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES105 3D Design A
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 3D Design B
CMN120 3D Design C
CMN130 3D Design D
CMN140 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
DES103 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES104 Communication Theory and Practice
DES106 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Introduction to Design
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN216 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN218 Introduction to Journalism
CMN222 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN224 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN226 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN227 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN228 Typography
CMN229 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN231 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN235 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN237 Media and Community Relations
CMN240 Multimedia Advertising
CMN248 Advertising Campaigns
CMN249 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN256 News Rounds
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 The Writer and the Law
DES212 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES213 Communication Campaign Planning
DES214 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
DES215 Online Journalism
DES216 Feature Writing
e-Media major
DES221 Creative Advertising
DES222 Advanced News Reporting
DES223 Research into Journalism
DES224 Graphic Design A
DES225 Graphic Design B
DES226 Graphic Design C
3D Design major
DES231 Graphic Design D
DES232 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES233 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
DES234 e-Media A
DES235 e-Media B
DES236 e-Media C
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, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288