Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication)
Award abbreviation: BA(Des&Comn)
QTAC code: 011031
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-17 / Rank-65
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2011: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR333
CRICOS code: 030280E. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights
  • Combine computer-based visual design with a career in communications
  • Specialise in either graphic design, e-media design or 3D design
  • Opportunities to exhibit in the USC Gallery

Learn about design in printed, electronic and 3D formats and explore how design integrates with other areas such as advertising and communication.

In this program you combine 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. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

FASS majors: 3D design, communication studies; 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.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

  • Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
  • Select the program in which you are enrolled.
  • Either scroll down to the Program Structure, or select the Recommended Enrolment Pattern link.
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Complete 2 core courses, 18 required courses including 1 major design area (8 courses), and 4 electives.
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
  • Complete no more than 6 courses from the Faculty of Business or Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
  • Register your selected Majors and 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 .
Program structure

Core courses: (2)
Complete 2 core courses - ONE in your first Semester and ONE in your second Semester

Select 2 core courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
COR109 Tax and Estate Planning
COR110 Financial Plan Construction
COR111 Quality Learning and Teaching


Required courses: (12)

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN102 Curriculum A Primary Years P-7
CMN213 The Diverse Learner across Early Childhood Contexts
DES101 Classroom Management
DES105 Teaching Practice 1


PLUS select 1 course from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN116 Teaching Reading and Writing in the Early Years
CMN120 The Primary Curriculum: Holistic Design
CMN130 Mathematics Education for Early Learners
CMN140


PLUS select 2 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES102 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
DES103 Communication and Thought
DES104 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
DES106 Environment, Technology and Sustainability


PLUS select 5 courses from:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
CMN214 Communication Theory and Practice
CMN216 Editing for the Communications Professional
CMN218 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CMN222 Introduction to Design
CMN224 Introduction to Creative Writing
CMN226 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
CMN227 Introduction to Journalism
CMN228 Introduction to Creative Advertising
CMN229 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
CMN231 Digital Photographic Practice
CMN235 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
CMN237 Typography
CMN240 Computer-Assisted Reporting
CMN248 Crisis and Issues Management
CMN249 Media and Community Relations
CMN256 Multimedia Advertising


Required advanced courses (from your chosen Major study area): (6)

Graphic Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES211 Advertising Campaigns
DES212 Advertising: Copy and Image
DES213 News Rounds
DES214 The Writer and the Law
DES215 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
DES216 Communication Campaign Planning


e-Media Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
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 Journalism


3D Design Major:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES231 Graphic Design A
DES232 Graphic Design B
DES233 Graphic Design C
DES234 Graphic Design D
DES235 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES236 Graphic Design F- Professional Portfolio

Please Note: Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105 .

 

Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 elective courses from any faculty (Science, Health and Education, Arts and Social Sciences or Business).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Enquiries

How to apply

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Dr Debra Livingston
Tel: +61 7 5430 1252
Email: dlivings@usc.edu.au

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