Visual Communication - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Visual Communication

USC’s industry-focused Visual Communication major prepares you to work as a professional designer. Learn how graphic designers create graphics that communicate messages and evoke responses through the use of colour, texture, typography, images and symbols.

This major allows you to experience all aspects of the design process, specialise in a particular field, or combine interests in layout design, advertising, photography, illustration or branding.

Learn the analytical and problem-solving skills you need to create dynamic ideas, using the theoretical principles and aesthetic design concepts that underpin good design. As part of your major, you will undertake industry projects and internships and create a professional portfolio to display in a shared graduate exhibition.

Career opportunities

Graphic designer, art director, creative director, advertising designer, book designer, illustrator, product designer, photographic editor.

Major (8)

For a major in Visual Communication, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES101 Elements of Design
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
DES105 Design Methods
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES211 Visual Identity
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
DES212 Visual Communication & Meaning
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES231 Animation Principles, Process and Production
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
DES232 Animation and Visualisation
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES305 Creative Branding and Design
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12Anti: DES213
DES309 Design Capstone
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12Pre: Course Coordinator Consent Required and Completed 192 units

*Available to be studied online

Minor (4)

For a minor in Visual Communication (previously Graphic Design), students must successfully complete 4 courses:

CourseSemester of offerUnitsRequisites
DES105 Design Methods
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES211 Visual Identity
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12 
DES212 Visual Communication & Meaning
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 2
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 2
  • Online: Semester 2
12 
DES305 Creative Branding and Design
  • Sunshine Coast: Semester 1
  • Moreton Bay: Semester 1
  • Online: Semester 1
12Anti: DES213

*Available to be studied online