Combine visual design skills with communication.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
- 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 2023 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.
Turn your passion into a fulfilling career with a Bachelor of Design and Communication. Gain hands-on experience to specialise in graphic design, e-Media and 3D design. Balance this with communication studies in editing, news, television and radio journalism, creative advertising and creative writing.
Our program offers guest lectures, workshops and connections with industry bodies including AGDA and Analogue Digital. You will develop the practical skills you need to design for web, print and emerging media, and learn how to communicate effectively using the language of design. Throughout your course you will produce work for real clients, develop a professional portfolio and exhibit in the USC Art Gallery giving you exposure to industry and potential employers to help you land your dream job.
You'll gain experience in areas such as advertising, journalism, television, creative writing, web design, animation, illustration, packaging, photography, typography, drawing, branding, digital design, communications and graphic design. Combined together, these elements give you the knowledge to become a highly creative visual communicator.
This degree prepares you to work in a range of creative industries, such as advertising, television, branding, merchandising, E-Media, graphic design and communication.
Majors
Communication majors: 3D design; e-media design; graphic design.
Career opportunities
Depending on courses selected, graphic design, editing, advertising, marketing, interpretive design, animation, photography, packaging, public relations, publishing, web design.
Admission requirements
Please refer to the English language entry requirements.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
CMN102 Creativity and Communication
COR109 Communication and Thought
DES101 The Language of Design
DES105 Introduction to Design and Concept
PLUS select 1 course from:
CMN116 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CMN120 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
CMN140 Introduction to Creative Advertising
PLUS select 2 courses from:
DES102 Visual Storytelling
DES103 Fundamentals of Photographic Practice
DES104 Art, Design and Visual Culture
DES106 Typography
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
PLUS select 5 courses from:
CMN216 Risk, Crisis and Issues Management
CMN222 Multimedia Advertising
CMN224 Advertising Campaigns
CMN226 Advertising: Copy and Image
CMN228 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
CMN231 Communication Campaign Planning
CMN235 News Writing and Reporting
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN248 Creative Advertising
CMN249 Television & Video Journalism
CMN302 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN305 News Rounds
PLUS select 6 courses from your chosen major study area:
Graphic Design major
DES211 Visual Identity
DES212 Visual Communication & Meaning
DES213 Graphic Design C
DES214 Graphic Design D
DES215 Graphic Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES216 Graphic Design F - Professional Portfolio
e-Media Design major
DES221 Introduction to Interaction & UX Design
DES222 Responsive Website Design
DES223 e-Media C
DES224 e-Media D
DES225 e-media E - Internship/Professional Project
DES226 e-Media F - Professional Portfolio
3D Design major
DES231 Animation and Visualisation Design
DES232 3D Animation and Visualisation Design
DES233 3D Design C
DES234 3D Design D
DES235 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
DES236 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
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 from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. 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:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- The 6 advanced courses from one of the design streams, plus DES101 and DES105 , will constitute a major in that stream
- Students must commence the advanced design courses in Semester 1, following the successful completion of DES105
- 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 which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)