C10309v1 Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Overview

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication offers a practice-based approach to learning visual communication. Throughout the course, the creation of new design solutions is driven by rigorous and critical exploration of methods, materiality and technology, and understanding the influence of globalisation, digitisation, complexity and interactivity.

The combined degree provides additional practical skills, in particular skills that make students aware of the international contexts of design, by providing them with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of a language and culture other than English.

The course centres around design studios which integrate practice-orientated learning around specific projects, and parallel the process that professionals undertake in industry.

The course is structured to allow students to focus, particularly in its second half, on areas of specialisation. Throughout all stages, the course requires students to develop an understanding of their own individual design language and theoretical position in relationship to historic and contemporary contexts.

The international experience enhances career options, making students more marketable to prospective employers.

Course aims

The course aims to support and foster a creative and explorative attitude toward the design process where research and practice are consolidated in design outcomes. It cultivates a collaborative and global vision of design. Through a variety of interdisciplinary subjects, industry projects and international studios, students develop the flexibility and confidence to work in the divergent and novel environments of contemporary visual communication practice.

Throughout the degree students progress through studies and skills development in the area of form, content, context and concept. First year introduces the key formal concerns of visual communication, including image, typography, composition and hierarchy. Second year subjects engage more closely with content and the interdependencies of form and content. A contextual understanding of design as an outwardly focused activity is developed in third year, with closer studies of audience, society, ethics and industry.

A further two years of study introduce and consolidate the learning of a language and culture other than English.

Career options

Career options include design roles in graphic design, publishing, advertising, animation, film, television, exhibitions, government agencies, not-for-profit and corporate sectors.

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a five-year, full-time basis. Students may study this program part time after consultation with the program director. Students spend two semesters of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their major.

Course program

A typical program is shown below.

Other information

Further information on the visual communication component is available from the Building 6 Student Centre on: