Sketch out your future in design
Designers play a pivotal role in the way we communicate, interact, learn, and problem solve. Developed with a strong industry focus, this program encourages you to discover your own creative passions, skills, and style through experimentation in a studio-based environment. You’ll use traditional and leading-edge technical tools to take on a broad spectrum of design challenges.
- 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.
Designers play a pivotal role in the way we communicate, interact, learn, and problem solve. Developed with a strong industry focus, this program encourages you to discover your own creative passions, skills, and style through experimentation in a studio-based environment. You’ll use traditional and leading-edge technical tools to take on a broad spectrum of design challenges.
In this program you will:
- Gain the skills to produce original ideas and design solutions that are both aesthetic, functional, and engaging.
- Learn to think creatively, analytically, and sustainably to solve design-related problems.
- Develop communication skills to deliver your concepts within small classes facilitated by academics with extensive industry experience.
- Build a high level of design expertise in one of the following majors: Animation and Visualisation Design, Interaction and UX Design, Serious Games Design or Visual Communication.
Career opportunities:
- Animation and Visualisation Designer
- Interactive and UX Designer
- Serious Games Designer
- Game Artist
- Game Programmer
- Visual Communication Designer
- Animator
- Visualisation Designer
- Simulation Designer
- Concept Artist
- Photographer
- Fashion Designer
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
COR109 International Security
CMN102 Politics and Security in East Asia
DES101 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
DES102 Nationalism and Identity in the 20th Century: Themes and Tensions
DES103 International Human Rights Law
DES104 Politics of the USA
DES105 Forces of Change in International Politics
DES106 International Community Development and Global Justice
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
CMN213 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
PLUS select 10 required courses (120 units):
- Select 6 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses (72 units) from one of the following streams for a major
- Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) courses (48 units) from a second stream for a minor.
Graphic Design:
DES211 Public International Law
DES212 International Relations Theory and Practice
DES213 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
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) 60 units
Select 5 elective courses (60 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). 3 electives (36 units) must be developing and graduate 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
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- The 6 developing and graduate courses (72 units) from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105, will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 developing and graduate courses (48 units) 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 (24 units) in that stream
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105
- 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)