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 2025 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 Motor Control and Learning
COR110 Physical Education Studies A
COR111 Physical Education Studies B
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Functional Anatomy
DES101 Introduction to Sports Medicine
DES105 Exercise Physiology II
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Biomechanics II
CMN120 Advanced Coaching Science
CMN130 Biomechanics I
CMN140 Exercise Physiology I
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Researching Education
DES103 Leadership for Learning Communities
DES104 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES106 Business Analytics
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Introduction to Marketing
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Accounting for Business
CMN216 Communication and Thought
CMN218 Introduction to Economics
CMN222 Introduction to Management
CMN224 Introduction to Informatics
CMN226 Marketing Communication
CMN227 Marketing of Social Causes
CMN228 Business Law and Ethics
CMN229 Consumer Behaviour
CMN231 Services Marketing
CMN235 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
CMN237 Contemporary and Emerging Marketing Perspectives
CMN240 International Marketing
CMN248 Brand Management
CMN249 Communication and Thought
CMN256 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
DES212 Communication Theory and Practice
DES213 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES214 Introduction to Design
DES215 Introduction to Creative Writing
DES216 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
e-Media major
DES221 Introduction to Journalism
DES222 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES223 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES224 Digital Photographic Practice
DES225 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES226 Typography
3D Design major
DES231 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES232 Computer-Assisted Reporting
DES233 Crisis and Issues Management
DES234 Media and Community Relations
DES235 Multimedia Advertising
DES236 Advertising Campaigns
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