Combine your visual design skills with studies in communication.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
- 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.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
Taught by industry professionals, our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. In your final year, complete an internship or professional project to work for real clients. Earn valuable experience while building your design reputation and portfolio.
You’ll exhibit in the USC Art Gallery and the School of Communication – Design online gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers. Open doors to careers in advertising, graphic design, marketing, public relations and web design.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
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
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Landscapes, Place and People
COR109 Introducing Human Geographies
DES101 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
DES105 Historical Geographies
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Migrants' Lives in the World
CMN120 20th Century and Beyond: A History
CMN130 About Japan: Current Perspectives
CMN140 International Community Development and Global Justice
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
DES103 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies
DES104 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
DES106 Understanding Cultural Diversity
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Global Citizens: A History of Humanity
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Landscapes, Place and People
CMN216
CMN222 Introducing Human Geographies
CMN224 Property and Asset Management
CMN226 Property Research Project
CMN227 Property Development and Project Management Processes
CMN228 Statutory and Specialist Valuation
CMN231 Communication and Thought
CMN235 Business Analytics
CMN237 Introduction to Economics
CMN240 Management and Organisational Behaviour
CMN248 Introduction to Marketing
CMN249 Accounting for Business
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Introduction to Informatics
DES212 Business Law and Ethics
DES213 Research Methods in Arts and Social Science
DES214 Communication Theory and Practice
DES215 Communication and Thought
DES216 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
e-Media Design major
DES221 Introduction to Design
DES222 Introduction to Creative Writing
DES223 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
DES224 Introduction to Journalism
DES225 Introduction to Creative Advertising
DES226 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
3D Design major
DES231 Digital Photographic Practice
DES232 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES233 Typography
DES234 Editing for the Communications Professional
DES235 Investigative and Data Journalism
DES236 Crisis and Issues Management
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
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty 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.