Program Overview

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) degree provides fundamental skills and knowledge to communicate ideas and information across a wide range of visual media. With an emphasis on studio-based practice, students study areas such as image design, typography, layout design, branding, design history, research methods, and web-based design.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points, including the subjects listed in the recommended sequence. Students are required to complete two pairs of Design specialist subject pairings and may choose further practice-based subjects as elective choices.

Admission

Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent. Alternate entry is available through an interview, which allows applicants to showcase their personal aptitude, design skills, and creativity.

Accreditation

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

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this program that students must meet to complete their program and graduate.

Program Sequence

The program sequence is as follows:

• Year 1:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 1009 Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles (20 credit points)
    • DESN 1003 Design Histories and Futures (10 credit points)
    • DESN 1011 Image Design (10 credit points)
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 1007 Graphic Branding and Identity (20 credit points)
    • DESN 1018 Visual Storytelling (10 credit points)
    • DESN 1021 Web and Time-based Design (10 credit points)
• Year 2:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 2005 Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media (20 credit points)
    • DESN 2014 Researching the Visual (10 credit points)
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing (10 credit points)
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 2006 Graphic Design: The Professional Context (20 credit points)
    • DESN 2001 Australian Design (10 credit points)
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing (10 credit points)
• Year 3:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 3013 Social Design: Research and Practice (10 credit points)
    • DESN 3001 Contextual Design Studies (10 credit points)
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing (10 credit points)
    • Select one elective (10 credit points)
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 3006 Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio (10 credit points)
    • DESN 3003 Design Research Project (10 credit points)
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing (10 credit points)
    • Select one elective (10 credit points)
• Year 4:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 4005 Major Design Project (10 credit points)
    • DESN 4007 Professional Design Experience: The Studio (20 credit points)
    • Select one elective (10 credit points)
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 4005 Major Design Project (10 credit points)
    • DESN 4006 Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner (20 credit points)
    • Select one elective (10 credit points)

Elective Minors

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas, including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Challenge Minors

Western Sydney University also offers innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors, which students are encouraged to consider.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Western Sydney University website or contact the university directly.