Sketch out your future in design.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
(formerly the Bachelor of Computer-Based Design. Current students should refer to previous student handbooks)
- 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.
Do you see things differently to other people and have a drive to develop a unique creative style? Develop skills to communicate visually and work in Graphic Design, Electronic Media and 3D-Design.
Today’s designers must be able to easily cross over the borders of art, design and technology – both multidisciplinary and internationally, which is why at USC we believe in an integrated, cross-media design program. You will learn to think creatively, independently and analytically, solve design related problems, conceptualise and effectively communicate your ideas within small classes taught by academics with extensive industry experience. You will have many opportunities to work across various disciplines through our hands-on approach.
Our strong industry focus ensures our teaching staff, guest lectures, workshops and alignment with industry bodies, including AGDA and Analogue Digital, introduce you to current trends in the design industry. The advanced editing course and hands-on experience with industry standard software will fine-tune your design skills.
Choose elective courses to focus your study in the areas of creative advertising, public relations, journalism, creative writing, marketing and other areas. In your final year, complete an internship in a design related business or work on a professional project for a client. Gain valuable real-world experience while building your design portfolio and reputation with client commissioned works. Your work will be exhibited in the USC Art Gallery to give you exposure to the industry and potential employers.
Majors
3D design; e-Media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Advertising, animation, information visualisation, special effects (FX), packaging, publishing, visual communication or 3D, graphic, interpretive, multimedia, photography or web design.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Communication and Thought
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES102
DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
DES104 Art, Design and Digital Culture
DES105 Design Methods
DES106
Advanced courses (11)
CMN213
PLUS select 10 required courses:
- Select 6 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication and Culture
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216
e-Media Design:
DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media
DES222 Responsive Design and Technology
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
3D Design:
DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production
DES232 Visualisation and Sonification
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236
Elective courses (5)
Select 5 elective courses, 3 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 8 required introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course
- Complete 11 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses
- Complete 5 elective courses, 3 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses
- Complete a major design area and a minor 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 your selected major and/or minor
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105, will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses from one of the design streams will constitute a minor in that stream
- Students can convert their chosen minor into a second major by taking 2 further advanced DES courses in that stream
- 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
- 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
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan