Course

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Approved Abbreviation: BDes(VisComm)

Western Sydney University Course Code: 1571.7

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 044773B

Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year for this course is 2013 or later.

Units may be revised or replaced to ensure students are provided with up to date curriculum throughout their studies, and this may result in a new course version. Refer to the Check My Course Progress page in MySR for the most up to date information for your course.

Commencement Year 2012 - 1571.6 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Commencement Year 2009 to 2011 - 1571.5 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Commencement Year 2008 - 1571.4 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Commencement Year 2005 to 2007 - 1571.3 - Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Commencement Year 2004 - 1571.2 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Commencement Year 2002 and 2003 - 1571.1 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) delivers practical and theoretical skills and knowledge in graphic design. Students will study digital design, image design, information design, typography, web & time-based design, design history, design research and design thinking. In years two and three, students will choose to specialise in the key areas of illustration, interactive media and/or photomedia. Students may also study elective units in advertising, journalism, media arts production and public relations.

Our fourth-year Professional program features our award-winning in-house studio where students will gain experience in a professional team-based environment. In our fourth-year Honours program, students will research and create a major project working closely with expert supervisors.

Study will include individual and team-based project work, extensive use of advanced design software and applications, and access to our well-equipped creative studios. Students may exit with 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies after successful completion of the first three years of the program. Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).

Director of Academic Program - Roman Goik

Study Mode
Four years full-time.

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

Admission

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.

International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

The applicants for the Honours Program must have completed the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) 3 year course, or an equivalent Program of undergraduate study. Applicants submit a project statement and proposal, with a select bibliography. Applications are scrutinised and assessed by the School Research Committee and College Executive. Applicants are generally expected to possess an undergraduate GPA of 5.0 (Credit) or higher. Applicants will be strongly encouraged to discuss their application with one or two potential supervisors within the School before submitting the application.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

101920

Writing Ecologies

101540

Introduction to Typography

101884

Introduction to Photomedia

101019

Digital Design Production

Spring session

101921

Visual Storytelling

101922

Web and Time-based Design

101022

20th Century Design Histories

100943

Image Design: Illustration

Year 2

As part of the course requirements, students are required to complete one pair of the practice based pairings. If they choose to, they can complete further practice based units and can take them as elective choices.

Autumn session

100796

Typography for Print and Screen

101923

Australian Design

One unit from the following Practice Unit Pairings

101017

Illustrating Narrative

100789

Interactive Design I

101012

Photomedia