C10308v1 Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

Overview

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication equips students with a global vision of design and access to a broad range of careers in the industry. Throughout the course, the creation of new design solutions is driven by rigorous and critical exploration of methods, materiality and technology, and understanding the influences of globalisation, digitisation, complexity and interactivity.

Through a variety of interdisciplinary subjects, industry projects, internships, competitions and international studios, students learn the hands-on skills and theoretical understanding required to work across the diverse elements that constitute contemporary design practice.

Staff are committed to producing culturally active, conceptual and strategic thinkers who are capable of using the visual to engage public attitudes and behaviours. Graduates have the confidence and ability to create work that is highly relevant in an increasingly image-rich and complex world.

This practice-based course encompasses a broad range of print (publication, information design, photography, illustration, typography) and digital (web, motion graphics, broadcast design, social media, digital apps) media.

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.

Career options

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

Assumed knowledge

Any two units of English.

Design and Technology, Visual Arts are recommended.

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a three-year, full-time basis. Students may study this program part time after consultation with the program director.

Course program

A typical program is shown below.

Honours

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).

Other information

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