Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Western Sydney University

CRICOS 044773B · Duration: 4 Years

Duration

208 weeks

Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) degree will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to visually communicate your ideas and information across a range of media. With an emphasis on studio-based practice, you will have the chance to study a broad range of areas such as image design, typography, layout design, branding, design history, research methods and web-based design. The second year offers you opportunities to engage with live community or industry projects and the chance to tailor your learning. Choose from practical specialisations in motion design and data visualisation; game and app design; illustration; and photography. Should you wish to broaden your scope, you can also choose electives from outside of design such as advertising and screen media. This program gives you the skills to work confidently on individual and team-based projects, develop your conceptual thinking skills and master a variety of traditional and emerging technologies. In the fourth year you will become part of our award-winning teaching design studio, gaining experience in a professional collaborative learning environment, preparing you for work in an exciting and evolving industry.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Secondary Education: Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent.
Additional Selection Criteria (ie, to cover interviews, auditions, portfolios): Where academic requirements are not met, entry by interview is also possible to show your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity. The interview will allow applicants an opportunity to talk with academic staff about their creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work. After applicants have applied they are required to book an interview at the University's online booking system.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue employment in design practice roles involving client presentations, design project management, working with suppliers, and delivering creative design solutions. The program prepares students for professional contexts including advertising campaigns, branding projects, and other visual communication fields.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units25 units

COMM2019

Interactive Design: Games

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN3008

Interactive Design: Apps

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN2007

Illustrating Narrative

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN3007

Illustrating Popular Culture

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN3002

Data Visualisation

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN2011

Motion Design

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

VISU3002

Photomedia: Fashion and Identity

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN2013

Photomedia: Photographic Practice

Alternate Subjects - Design specialist pairings — 10 credit points

DESN3013

Social Design: Research and Practice

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN4005

Major Design Project

Core - Group 2 — 20 credit points

DESN2006

Graphic Design: The Professional Context

Core - Group 2 — 20 credit points

DESN3006

Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN4007

Professional Design Experience: The Studio

Core - Group 2 — 20 credit points

DESN2001

Australian Design

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN3003

Design Research Project

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN4006

Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner

Core - Group 2 — 20 credit points

DESN3001

Contextual Design Studies

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN2014

Researching the Visual

Core - Group 2 — 10 credit points

DESN2005

Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media

Core - Group 2 — 20 credit points

DESN1009

Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles

Core - Group 1 — 20 credit points

DESN1011

Image Design

Core - Group 1 — 10 credit points

DESN1018

Visual Storytelling

Core - Group 1 — 10 credit points

DESN1021

Web and Time-based Design

Core - Group 1 — 10 credit points

DESN1007

Graphic Branding and Identity

Core - Group 1 — 20 credit points

DESN1003

Design Histories and Futures

Core - Group 1 — 10 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the inherent requirements of the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)?

The inherent requirements are the essential components of the course that demonstrate the abilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes, while preserving the academic integrity of the university's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They are clustered under seven domains: ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, communication, cognition, sensory abilities, strength and mobility, and sustainable performance.

Can students with a disability or chronic health condition still enrol in this course?

Yes. Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet the inherent requirements. The School is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment and other activities to enable students to participate in their course, provided such adjustments do not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Who should I contact if I think I may have difficulty meeting the inherent requirements?

If you think you may experience challenges for any reason including a disability or chronic health condition, you should discuss your concerns with SoHCA staff, such as the Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor, School Disability Coordinator, or a Campus Disability Advisor. These staff can work collaboratively with you to determine reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements.

Why is visual acuity listed as an inherent requirement for this course?

Sufficient visual acuity is required to demonstrate the required range of skills through the performance of relevant tasks and assessments. Visual observations and the use of visual elements are fundamental to successful design practice, including tasks such as effectively utilising visual research findings, applying type, colour and the principles of design to visual solutions, and implementing the use of visual metaphor and symbolism for image-based practices.

Which Bachelor of Design courses do these inherent requirements apply to?

These inherent requirements apply to the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) (1571), the Bachelor of Design (Dean's Scholars) (1737), the Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Applied Leadership and Critical Thinking (1624/3725), and the Bachelor of Design Studies (1624).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

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