Combine visual design skills with communication.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
- 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.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
Our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. You will develop the practical skills you need to design for web, print and emerging media, and learn how to communicate effectively using the language of design. Throughout your course you will produce work for real clients, develop a professional portfolio and exhibit in the USC Art Gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers to help you land your dream job.
You'll gain experience in areas such as advertising, journalism, television, creative writing, web design, animation, illustration, packaging, photography, typography, drawing, branding, digital design, communications and graphic design. Combined together, these elements give you the knowledge to become a highly creative visual communicator.
This degree prepares you to work in a range of creative industries, such as advertising, television, branding, merchandising, E-Media, graphic design and communication.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, photography, packaging, public relations, publishing, web design.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Biochemistry
COR109 Teaching and Learning in English: Curriculum B
DES101 Teaching Science: Curriculum B
DES105 Organic Chemistry
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Inorganic Chemistry
CMN120 Environmental Chemistry
CMN130 Analytical Sciences
CMN140 Engaging Diverse Learners
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Secondary Professional Experience 2 : Managing the Diverse Learning Environment
DES103 Teaching and Learning in English: Curriculum A
DES104 Teaching Science: Curriculum A
DES106 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Responding to Diversity and Inclusion
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN216 Secondary Professional Learning 3: Diversity and Inclusion
CMN222 The Psychology of Learning
CMN224 Secondary Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
CMN226 Secondary Assessment and Reporting
CMN228 Using Data for Learning
CMN231 Secondary Professional Learning 4: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
CMN235 Communication and Thought
CMN237 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
CMN240 Cell Biology
CMN248 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
CMN249 Introductory Calculus
CMN302 Biodiversity and Ecology
CMN305 Science Research Methods
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
DES212 Introduction to Game Design
DES213 Introduction to Games Programming
DES214 Introduction to Game Production
DES215 Experimental Game Design
DES216 Video Game Analysis
e-Media Design major
DES221 Interactive Narrative: Puzzles and Quests
DES222 Interactive Narrative: Characters and Worlds
DES223 Project Management
DES224 Introduction to Game Design
DES225 Introduction to Game Production
DES226 Experimental Game Design
3D Design major
DES231 Video Game Analysis
DES232 Foundations of Sustainability
DES233 International Community Development and Global Justice
DES234 Measuring Sustainability
DES235 Communicating Sustainability
DES236 Environmental Economics
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 from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 2 electives must be advanced level (200 / 300 coded) courses.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1, following the successful completion of DES105
- 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 which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)