The Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) degree is a one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) program designed to allow students to further specialise to an advanced level of professionalism and academic achievement. It also provides a pathway to Research Higher Degree studies.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines and knowledge of research principles and methods
the ability to work independently and/or collaboratively, in a professional and ethical manner, in exploring design situations and producing high quality design outcomes.
a well-developed exploratory and creative approach to the methodical use and development of their design skills and visual literacy.
a well-developed and critical understanding of various theories of design and their relationship to design history, design practice and broader histories and theories of culture and knowledge.
be capable of identifying and using relevant technical, theoretical and practical domains of knowledge in their design research and practice.
demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute project work and/or a piece of research and scholarship with some independence
demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in professional practice and/or scholarship
communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
technical skills to design and use research in a project
cognitive skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in developing new understanding
cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge and theoretical concepts with advanced understanding in some areas
cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence
International students - AUD38,535 (indicative annual fee, 2024) Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants having completed a Bachelor degree in a cognate area with a minimum GPA of 5.0:
across all studies undertaken within the program; or
across a major in the proposed area of study; or
across 80 units of 3000 level courses (which must include at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists); or
where the applicant has completed less than 80 units at 3000 level, a GPA of 5.5 calculated from at least 60 units of 3000 level courses (which includes at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists).
In exceptional circumstances, an application which does not meet the above requirements may be considered.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
IELTS Overall Minimum: 6
IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
No credit permitted for Honours.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
80 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 3 years maximum.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
This program requires the completion of 80 units of core courses.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Important information for students who commenced the program prior to 2021:
This program was revised for 2021, and amendments were made to the Core Course requirements. Please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents Section for more details.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
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Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.
The class of Honours awarded for Bachelor Honours Degrees will be determined in accordance with the Bachelor Honours Policy.
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours)
UAC Code
,
Program Code11254
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Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date
CRICOS Code
,
Program Code11254
Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date
UAC Code
Program Code11254
This criteria is based on a domestic student attending campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
This criteria is based on a international student attending campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
To be accepted for entry into the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) program you must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design program or equivalent with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 (credit grade average). For further information about this program’s admission requirements please refer to the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) Program Handbook and the Bachelor Honours Degree (80) Awards and Programs Schedule.
Please contact the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) Program Convenor, for more information about the academic content of the program or to discuss a suitable Thesis Topic or Supervisor. Undergraduate Program Convenor List.
Should you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Program Advisor, programadvice@newcastle.edu.au
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
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