Program Overview

Diploma in Design/Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Overview

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.

Admission

Domestic students are required to have:

• Completed an English subject in the NSW Higher School Certificate, or
• Competency in English at IELTS 6.0 equivalent (unless a native speaker), or
• Passed The College English test with 70% or higher, or
• Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English subject at C grade level or higher.
• Met other entry requirements such as an ATAR identified prior to the offer of a place, or
• Completed The College Foundation Studies program with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

International students must satisfy one of the following language requirements:

• IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each sub-band, or
• Completed the College EAP 4 program with a 50% pass, or
• Passed The College English test with 70% or higher, or
• Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English subject at C grade level or higher for which advanced standing can be applied for.
• Academic Entry Requirements vary according to country of origin. However, in general:
  • Completion of Year 12 or its equivalent is the minimum entry requirement, or
  • Completed The College Foundation Studies program with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 340 credit points, which include the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.

Western Sydney University The College Subjects

• First Term of Study:
  • Preparatory Subjects:
    • LANG 0003 Academic English (WSTC Prep)
    • DESN 0002 The Design Process (WSTC Prep)
    • GEDU 0007 Tertiary Study Skills in Design (WSTC Prep)
  • DESN 1004 Design Histories and Futures (WSTC)
• Second Term of Study:
  • DESN 1010 Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles (WSTC)
  • DESN 1012 Image Design (WSTC)
• Third Term of Study:
  • DESN 1019 Visual Storytelling (WSTC)
  • DESN 1022 Web and Time-based Design (WSTC)
  • DESN 1008 Graphic Design: Process and Practice (WSTC)

Western Sydney University Subjects

• Students must complete two pairs of Design specialist subject pairings.
• Students can also choose to complete further Design specialist subjects as elective choices.
• Subject List:
  • Illustration:
    • DESN 2007 Illustrating Narrative
    • DESN 3007 Illustrating Popular Culture
  • Interactive:
    • DESN 3008 Interactive Design: Apps
    • COMM 2019 Interactive Design: Games
  • Photomedia:
    • VISU 3002 Photomedia: Fashion and Identity
    • DESN 2013 Photomedia: Photographic Practice
  • Digital Design:
    • DESN 3002 Data Visualisation
    • DESN 2011 Motion Design

Plan of Study Grid

• Year 2:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 2005 Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media
    • DESN 2014 Researching the Visual
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 2006 Graphic Design: The Professional Context
    • DESN 2001 Australian Design
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing
• Year 3:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 3013 Social Design: Research and Practice
    • DESN 3001 Contextual Design Studies
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing
    • Select one elective
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 3006 Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio
    • DESN 3003 Design Research Project
    • Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing
    • Select one elective (may include COMM 2048 Communicating for Sustainability)
• Year 4:
  • Autumn session:
    • DESN 4005 Major Design Project
    • DESN 4007 Professional Design Experience: The Studio
    • Select one elective
  • Spring session:
    • DESN 4005 Major Design Project
    • DESN 4006 Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner
    • Select one elective

Early Exits

Students may exit this program on completion of:

• 100 credit points with a 7044 Diploma in Design (exit only)
• 260 credit points with a 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies (exit only)

Study Mode

Four years full-time or part-time equivalent.

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 in order to complete their program and graduate. Make sure to read and understand the requirements for this program online.

Minor Elective Spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points).

Major and Minor Elective Spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers majors and 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 if they have elective space.

• Equitable Technologies
• Urban Evolution
• Migration and Global Change
• Personal Innovation
• Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
• Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
• Water for Life
• Climate Justice
• Creative and Visual Communication
• Global Workplaces
• Innovating For Humans
• Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
• Ideate. Strategise. Innovate.
• Humanising Data