- Program summary
- Program overview
- Career opportunities
- Special features
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
- Program structure
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-18 / Rank-64
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
Recommended prior study: English
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E
Program overview
If you are interested in combining computer-based visual design with a career in communications, then the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication) is for you. You will learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats; and will explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.
Computer-based design is an integral part of the degree, with three streams—Graphic Design, e–Media Design and 3D Design—to choose from. Each stream provides you with the creative, conceptual and technical skills for a well-rounded career base. Other courses in the program include introductory studies in communication and design, and advanced courses in areas such as journalism, media, public relations and advertising.
You will have 24-hour access to computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms, and will benefit from in-house colour printing facilities. You may also have opportunities to exhibit your design work in the USC Gallery.
Career opportunities
- 3D design
- advertising/communication
- animation
- computer-based design
- graphic design
- information visualisation
- interpretive design
- multimedia design/development
- packaging
- project management
- publishing
- visual communication
- web design/development
Special features
- learn communication skills in addition to computer-based design
- up-to-date computer laboratories featuring Macintosh and PC platforms
- 24 hour, 7 day access to computer laboratories
- small class sizes—classes are limited to 18 students and are taught by industry professionals
- in-house colour printing facilities
- opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery
Program structure
Core courses
Select 2 courses from:
COR109 e-Media C
COR110 e-Media D
COR111 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
Introductory courses
2 required courses:
DES101 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
DES105 Communication Theory and Practice
Plus select 1 course from:
CMN116 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN120 3D Design A
CMN130 3D Design B
CMN140 3D Design C
Plus select 2 courses from:
DES102 3D Design D
DES103 3D Design E*
DES104
DES106 Communication Theory and Practice
Advanced courses
Plus select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN216 Communication and Thought
CMN218 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
CMN224 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CMN226 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN227 Introduction to Design
CMN228 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN229 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN231 Introduction to Journalism
CMN235 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN237 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN240 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN248 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN249 Typography
CMN256 Computer-Assisted Reporting
Plus select 1 major from the following:
Graphic design:
DES211 Crisis and Issues Management
DES212 Media and Community Relations
DES213 Advertising Campaigns
DES214 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES215 News Rounds
DES216 The Writer and the Law
CMN102 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
CMN213 Communication Campaign Planning
e-Media:
DES221 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
DES222 Online Journalism
DES223 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
DES224 Creative Advertising
DES225 Advanced News Reporting
DES226 Research into Australian Journalism
CMN102 Graphic Design A*
CMN213 Graphic Design B*
3D design:
DES231 Graphic Design C
DES232 Graphic Design D*
DES233 Graphic Design E*
DES234 Graphic Design Portfolio
DES235 Communication Theory and Practice
DES236 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN102
CMN213 e-Media B
Elective courses
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Arts and Social Sciences, Business or Science, Health and Education)
Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program
As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider.
Program requirements and notes
- No more than 10 introductory courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
- No courses may be counted towards more than one major or one minor.
- Some of the required introductory courses count towards some majors and minors.
- A maximum of 6 Business or Science, Health and Education courses (76 units) can be included in the Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
- An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
Enquiries
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Associate Professor Stephen Lamble
Tel: +61 7 5459 4478
Email: slamble@usc.edu.au
* Subject to final approval