Students specialise in print, electronic and 3D design and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising.
The program combines computer-based design with studies in communications. The computer-based design component covers practical and theoretical studies in graphic design, e-media (Web and multimedia), 3D design, visual communication and information visualisation. Communication courses include public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
- 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 2024 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.
The program combines computer-based design with studies in communications. The computer-based design component covers practical and theoretical studies in graphic design, e-media (Web and multimedia), 3D design, visual communication and information visualisation. Communication courses include public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing. There are opportunities to exhibit work in the USC Art Gallery.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; creative advertising; creative writing; e-media design; graphic design; journalism; public relations.
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
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 core course.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete a major design area.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level 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 Student Administration.
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 participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your 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.
Core course (1)
COR109 Marketing in a Global Environment
Introductory courses (6)
3 required courses:
CMN102 Evidenced Based Decision Making
DES101 Finance and Accounting for Managers
DES105 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Marketing in a Global Environment
CMN120 Innovation Management and Professional Development
CMN130 Leading and Managing Organisations
CMN140 Evidenced Based Decision Making
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Finance and Accounting for Managers
DES103 Human Development and Learning
DES104 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
DES106 English Language and Literacy
Advanced courses (12)
1 required course:
CMN213 Science Research Methods
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
CMN216 Assessing Learning
CMN222 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
CMN224 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
CMN226 Diversity and Inclusion
CMN227 Teacher as Researcher
CMN228 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
CMN231 Using Data for Learning
CMN235 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
CMN237 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
CMN240 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 1
CMN248 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 1
CMN249 Teaching Junior Secondary Science 2
CMN256 Teaching Senior Secondary Science 2
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Teaching Junior Secondary Geography
DES212 Teaching Senior Secondary Geography
DES213 Teaching Junior Secondary Mathematics
DES214 Teaching Senior Secondary Mathematics
DES215 Teaching Senior Secondary Psychology
DES216 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
e-Media major
DES221 Economics for Managers
DES222 Finance and Accounting for Managers
DES223 Innovation Management and Professional Development
DES224 Strategy, Governance and Ethics
DES225 Leading and Managing Organisations
DES226 Marketing in a Global Environment
3D Design major
DES231 Accounting for Managers
DES232 Evidenced Based Decision Making
DES233 Introduction to Clinical Trial Coordination
DES234 Biochemical Pharmacology
DES235 Workplace Learning I
DES236 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
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 (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288