Program Overview

Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication is a comprehensive program that equips students with a thorough understanding of visual communication and design capabilities. This program is tailored for aspiring visual communication professionals seeking to master the interplay of design, culture, and media.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual communication's history, practice, and significance, equipping them with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of visual technology and media. The program focuses on socially responsible practice-oriented approaches within a studio-based environment, offering interdisciplinary studies in typography, interaction, and image-making.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level. UTS: Design, Architecture and Building may consider applications based on the results of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) if students lack academic qualifications but have extensive professional experience.

Course Structure

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

• 12 core Visual Communication subjects
• 3 Design Studies subjects
• 2 Design electives
• 1 Transdisciplinary subject

Typical Course Program

The outline below shows an example program for the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication based on a full-time study load.

1. First year: Students begin with a number of core units, examining political, ethical, and critical approaches to visual culture via a series of studio-based briefs and tasks.
2. Second year: Students deepen their design capabilities in areas like Visual Storytelling, User Experience Design, and Typography, and undertake practical projects to hone their skills.
3. Third year: Students undertake advanced projects, complete an internship, take on an optional Global Studio, and work on live briefs with industry and the social and service sectors.

Subjects at a Glance

• Core subjects:
  • VC Design Studio: The Politics of Image and Text
  • VC Design Theory: Critical Approaches to Visual Culture
  • VC Design Studio: The Ethics of Image and Text
  • VC Design Project: Symbols, Systems and Visual Play
  • VC Design Studio: Narrative, Form and Time
  • VC Project: Contexts of Visual Communication
  • VC Project: Typography in Context
  • VC Design Studio: Visualising Experience
  • VC Project: Research Through Design
  • VC Design Studio: Socially Responsive Design
  • VC Project: Visual Communication and Emergent Practices
  • VC Design Studio: Design Practice
• Design Studies subjects:
  • Researching Design Histories
  • Thinking Through Design

Course Highlights

Students will study Motion Graphics, Web Media, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Typography, Print Media, Photography, Image Making, Illustration, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Creative Code, and AI and Machine Learning. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, collaboration, and industry engagement, preparing students for careers in digital media, graphic design, user experience design, web design, visual identity, motion graphics, and beyond.

Career Options

• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer or UX/UI Designer
• Branding Specialist
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Illustrator
• Exhibition Designer
• Interactive Media Designer
• Publication Designer
• Photographer

Tuition Fees

The indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students is $53,513.00. Fees are reviewed annually and may change.

Location

Our classes are held at our City Campus, or specialist off-campus locations. Some of our courses are delivered via online (distance) learning.

Why Study at UTS?

With a Design, Architecture and Building degree from UTS, you'll build connections with industry from the moment you start your studies, and learn the skills to respond to social, cultural, environmental, and economic challenges. Study in purpose-built facilities and access the latest technologies shaping your field, from 3D printing to AI, drones, and seamless knitting machines. Our commitment to hands-on practice and professional accreditation means our courses are highly respected by the industry and our students are too.