Combine your visual design skills with studies in communication.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
- 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.
Gain hands-on experience in computer-based design to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in public relations, journalism, creative advertising and creative writing to become a master of words.
Taught by industry professionals, our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. In your final year, complete an internship or professional project to work for real clients. Earn valuable experience while building your design reputation and portfolio.
You’ll exhibit in the USC Art Gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers. Open doors to careers in advertising, graphic design, marketing, public relations and web design.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
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
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Writing Poetry
COR109 Social Media
DES101 Broadcast Journalism
DES105 Television: Advanced Concepts and Contemporary Issues
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN120 Writing Your Novel
CMN130 Communication Research
CMN140 Newsroom
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Communication and Thought
DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
DES104 Art, Design and Digital Culture
DES106 Design in Application
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Editing for Professionals
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN214
CMN216
CMN222
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Creative and Interactive Advertising
CMN227
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN248
CMN249
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication and Culture
DES213
DES214
DES215
DES216
e-Media Design major
DES221 Introduction to Interactive Media
DES222 Responsive Design and Technology
DES223
DES224
DES225
DES226
3D Design major
DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production
DES232 Visualisation and Sonification
DES233
DES234
DES235
DES236
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 level (200 / 300 coded) courses.
Up to 5 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: 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:
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 5 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete a major 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 any selected Majors or Minors with your Faculty.
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 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.
- 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.