Students specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
The program combines 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.
The program combines 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; 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 7 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- 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 your Faculty.
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.
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Business Law and Ethics
COR109 Tourism, Leisure and Special Interests
DES101 Tourism, Sport and Leisure Policy and Planning
DES105 Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Technology and Innovation in Tourism, Leisure and Events
CMN120 Business Events
CMN130 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
CMN140 Event Management
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Communication and Thought
DES103 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
DES104 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
DES106 Discovering Science
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Introductory Calculus
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Science Research Methods
CMN216 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
CMN222 Calculus II and Linear Algebra
CMN224 Discrete Mathematics
CMN226 Applied Mathematics
CMN227 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
CMN228 Numerical Analysis
CMN231 Reading in Advanced Mathematics
CMN235 Applied Systems Modelling
CMN237 Assessing Learning
CMN240 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
CMN248 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 1
CMN249 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 2
CMN256 Teaching Junior Secondary Geography
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Teaching Junior Secondary Mathematics
DES212 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 1
DES213 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 2
DES214 Teaching Senior Secondary Geography
DES215 Teaching Senior Secondary Mathematics
DES216 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
e-Media Design major
DES221 Diversity and Inclusion
DES222 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
DES223 Using Data for Learning
DES224 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
DES225 Marketing Essentials
DES226 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
3D Design major
DES231 Social Media: Content Curation and Creation
DES232 Issues in Social Media
DES233 Creative and Interactive Advertising
DES234 Social Media Communication
DES235 Social Media: Monitoring and Measurement
DES236 Transmedia Storytelling Campaigns
Please note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288