Bachelor of Computer-Based Design

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Computer-Based Design
Award abbreviation: BCompBasedDes
QTAC code: 011191
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR335
CRICOS code: 064651B. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Creativity and skills in computer-based design can lead to a diverse range of careers in visual communication.

This professionally oriented program offers practical and theoretical studies in print design, online media, and 3D design. Introductory courses focus on developing your understanding of visual communication and literacy, and design and practice. You also undertake an advanced editing course, while elective courses allow you to study in creative advertising, public relations, journalism, communication studies, creative writing, marketing and other areas. You also have opportunities to exhibit works in the USC Gallery.

Majors

E-media design; graphic design; 3D design.

Career opportunities

Depending on courses selected: 3D design, advertising, animation, graphic design, information visualisation, interpretive design, multimedia design and development, packaging, publishing, visual communication, web design.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information.
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice.

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

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 20 required courses and 4 electives.
• Complete a major design area and a minor design area.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
• 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).

• The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105, will constitute a major in that stream. The 4 advanced courses 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 in that stream.
• 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.
• 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.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1 following the successful completion of DES105.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses 

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

7 required introductory courses:
CMN102 Communication Theory and Practice
DES101 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
DES102 Ways of Seeing: Understanding Images
DES103 Digital Photographic Practice
DES104 Visual Worlds: An Introduction to Art and Design History
DES105 Introduction to Design
DES106 Typography

Advanced courses

1 required advanced course:
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional

PLUS select 10 required advanced courses from: 
Select 6 advanced courses from one of the following streams for a major, and select 4 advanced courses from a second stream for a minor.

Graphic Design:

DES211 Graphic Design A
DES212 Graphic Design B
DES213 Graphic Design C
DES214 Graphic Design D
DES215 Graphic Design E – Internship/Professional Project
DES216 Graphic Design F – Professional Portfolio

e-Media:

DES221 e-Media A
DES222 e-Media B
DES223 e-Media C
DES224 e-Media D
DES225 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES226 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio

3D Design:

DES231 3D Design A
DES232 3D Design B
DES233 3D Design C
DES234 3D Design D
DES235 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES236 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio

Elective courses

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Computer Based Design Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required introductory courses (8)

Required advanced courses (10)

Select 6 advanced courses from one of the following streams for a major, and select 4 advanced courses from a second stream for a minor.

Graphic Design:

e-Media:

3D Design:

Elective courses (4)

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business