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Diploma in Design/Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Approved Abbreviation: DipDes/BDes(VisComm)

Western Sydney University Course Code: 6011.2

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 096972J

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 2019 or later.

For Commencement Year 2017 to 2018 - Please refer to 6011.1 - Diploma in Design/Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) degree will provide you with fundamental skills and knowledge to communicate ideas and information across a wide range of visual media. With an emphasis on studio-based practice, you will study areas such as image design, typography, layout design, branding, design history, research methods, and web-based design. From year two, there are opportunities to engage with live community or industry projects, and you will choose two practical specialisations from the following pairs: motion design and data visualisation; game and app design; illustration; and photography. You may also choose electives from outside of design such as advertising and media production. Throughout the program you will engage with individual and team-based projects, develop your conceptual thinking skills, use a variety of traditional and emerging technologies, and expand your creative practice. In year four you will take a position in our award-winning teaching design studio where you will gain experience in a professional learning environment, preparing you for work in an exciting and evolving industry.

The first year of this course is delivered by Western Sydney University The College, as an agent of Western Sydney University, via extended face-to-face hours in smaller learning environments. A Diploma in Design exit point is also available at the end of the first year of the course.

Students may exit with 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies after successful completion of the first three years of the program.

For more information on Western Sydney University, The College, please refer to their web site.

Western Sydney University, The College

For course advice during your first year of study, please use the contact below under ‘Course Advice’. For course advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication).

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

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 course that you must meet in order to complete your course and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this course online.

Inherent requirements

Admission

For more information on applying please see link to The College admission pages below.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/thecollege/how_to_apply

Domestic students are required to have

Completed an English unit 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 unit 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 course 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 course with a 50% pass Or

Passed The College English test with 70% or higher Or

Passed The College Foundation Studies Academic English unit 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 course with a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher.

Course Structure

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

The early exit College Diploma consists of 100 credit points which includes three College Preparatory units.

Western Sydney University The College Units

Bankstown and Penrith Campus

Please note that all campuses may not have intakes each year.

Year 1

First Term of Study

700056

Academic English (WSTC Prep)

700197

The Design Process (WSTC Prep)

700177

Tertiary Study Skills in Design (WSTC Prep)

700195

Design Histories and Futures (WSTC)

Second Term of Study

700193

Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles (WSTC)

700196

Image Design (WSTC)

Third Term of Study

700183

Visual Storytelling (WSTC)

700187

Web and Time-based Design (WSTC)

700194

Graphic Design: Process and Practice (WSTC)

Students may exit at this point and graduate with the Diploma in Design following a passing grade in all of the above units. Students who progress onto Year 2 may also be awarded the Diploma if they gain a passing grade in all of the above units.

Students must pass all College Preparatory units before progressing to the Year 2 units.
Students must pass at least 70 credit points of University level units in Year 1 before progressing to the Year 2 units.

Western Sydney University Units

For course advice during your second and subsequent years of study, please use the contact listed for the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication).

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

Parramatta (Victoria Road) Campus

Students must complete two pairs of specialisation unit pairings.

Students can also choose to complete further specialisation units as elective choices.

Illustration

101017

Illustrating Narrative

102271

Illustrating Popular Culture

Interactive