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Program handbook

Description

Visual Communication Design (VisComm) is part of an exciting media industry that rewards your imagination, creativity and visual expertise. Specialised creative art and design skills are employed in a range of careers such as graphic design, app design, illustration, concept art, games design, web design, typography, animation, advertising, UX design, service design, wayfinding, interaction design and visual storytelling. In this degree you gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of visual communication design and creative arts, as well as choosing to develop your passion and technical skills in areas of focus such as; Animation & Interaction, Graphic Communication &  Illustration and Creative Arts.

Students have the option of completing a single or a double major in this program. Students completing a double major can choose either a double major from the Visual Communication Design Major options (Double Major Pathway B); or one Visual Communication Design Major and one School of Creative Industries (SOCI)  Major (Double Major Pathway C) from the options listed in the handbook. The most ideal combinations of majors that reflect industry creative practice for Visual Communication Design Graduates are listed below;

Double Major Pathway B

  • Animation & Interaction and Graphic Design & Illustration
  • Animation & Interaction and Creative Arts
  • Graphic Design & Illustration and Creative Arts

Double Major Pathway C

  • Animation & Interaction and Media Arts Production
  • Graphic Design & Illustration and Media Arts Production
  • Animation & Interaction and Songwriting & Production
  • Graphic Design & Illustration and Public Relations

This program can be completed in three years. However, students completing either of the double Major options, should be aware that due to course availability, the duration of their program may be extended. Students undertaking a double Major option are advised to consult with their Program Advisor regarding their academic program.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • A broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning.
  • Cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge.
  • Cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas.
  • Cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence.
  • Communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship.
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
  • Demonstrated a sound 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.
  • Worked independently and/or collaboratively in a professional and ethical manner, in exploring design situations and producing design outcomes, producing scholarly outcomes, and contributing to cultures and communities for a range of audiences.
  • Demonstrated skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in the Design discipline and apply these relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise works, artefacts and forms of design expression.
  • Developed, researched and evaluated ideas, concepts and processes through creative, critical and reflective thinking and practice.
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters

Details

Information correct as atMar 19, 2024 6:12 pm
Program code40208
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 3 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Newcastle City Precinct62.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesOne or more of the following HSC subject areas or equivalent: Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD39,030 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code0100759

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

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

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

240 units

Program duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 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

The Bachelor of Visual Communication Design requires students to successfully complete 240 units, which is comprised of:

  • 80 units of core courses;
  • One 80 unit Visual Communication Design major. Students may choose from:
    • Animation and Interaction
    • Creative Arts
    • Graphic Design and Illustration
  • 80 units of electives. Refer to the pathway information below*.

Students must complete a minimum of 40 units at each level (1000, 2000, 3000).  

Students must not exceed 100 units at 1000 level.  

Students must only complete courses that form part of the program and must not complete more than 240 units. 

*Pathway Information

Students must complete at least one Visual Communication Design major sequence to fulfil the requirements of their program. 

Students may utilise their elective courses to undertake a major pathway, detailed below. Students must ensure that each major has 60 units of unique courses.

  1. Single major pathway A: one 80 unit Visual Communication Design major, and 80 units of electives.
  2. Double major pathway B**: two 80 unit Visual Communication Design majors.
  3. Double major pathway C***: one 80 unit Visual Communication Design major, and one 80 unit School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences major.

**Double major pathway B

DESN1031 is a common compulsory course across the Visual Communication Design majors, students must undertake an additional 10 units of courses chosen from the Course List or Electives.

***School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences Majors

  • Media Arts Production
  • Public Relations
  • Songwriting and Production  

Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

Program Revisions 2023

From Semester 1, 2023 the core course requirements of the Bachelor of Visual Communication and Design program has been revised. Core course CIND3000 has been removed from the program and CIND3510 has been added to the core course list. 

Students who commenced prior to Semester 1, 2023 will continue to undertake CIND3000 to meet the requirements of their program. This course will remain available until Semester 2, 2024. It’s recommended that this course be completed prior to Semester 2, 2024. If you have already completed CIND3000, you do not need to complete CIND3510. 

Any further questions should be directed to your program advisor.

Program Revisions 2021

This program was revised in 2021, please refer to the 2021 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more detailed information. Any further questions should be directed to your program advisor.

 

 


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.

Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CIND1004Creative Collaborations
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
DESN1011Visual Design Principles
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1021Visual Design Projects
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND2003Strategic Creativity
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2002Design Thinking and Innovation
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
DESN2003The Design Process in Theory and Professional Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3510Studio Q
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN3730Storytelling in Transmedia Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Visual Communication Design major

Please read the Program Requirements text to see the pathway choices relating to Majors and Electives.

Animation and Interaction

Compulsory

Complete the following compulsory course.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
DESN1031Digital Practices in Visual Communication
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 70 units from the following course list (with a maximum of 10 units at the 1000 level and a minimum of 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level).

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
DESN1331Character Design
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1600Interaction and UX Design Fundamentals
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1801Animation Thinking
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2600Designing for Game Play
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2610Experience Design StudioNot currently offered10 units
DESN2801Animation Process
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2802Animation ProductionNot currently offered10 units
DESN28043D Motion
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
DESN3600Experimental Interfaces and Tangible Interaction Design
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN3801Animation Studio
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN38023D Environments
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN3803Digital Compositing and Visual Effects
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Creative Arts

Compulsory

Complete the following compulsory course.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
DESN1031Digital Practices in Visual Communication
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 70 units from the following course list (with a maximum of 10 units at the 1000 level and a minimum of 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level).

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
AART1500Constructing Images
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
AART1700Foundations in Digital Photography
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1121Experimental Design Imaging
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
AART2000Australian Contemporary Art in ContextNot currently offered10 units
AART20013D Prototype to Production
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND2102Extended Reality for Creative PracticeNot currently offered10 units
DESN2211Visual Narrative
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
AART3000Interdisciplinary StudioNot currently offered10 units
AART3320Creative Place MakingNot currently offered10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CIND3101Manipulating Images
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Graphic Design and Illustration

Compulsory

Complete the following compulsory course.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
DESN1031Digital Practices in Visual Communication
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 70 units from the following course list (with a maximum of 10 units at the 1000 level and a minimum of 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level).

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
DESN1101Typography
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1200Drawing Foundations
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN1600Interaction and UX Design Fundamentals
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND2101Commercial Studio Photography
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2011Design Futures and Professional Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2040Illustration
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2060Scientific Illustration
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN2221Graphic Brand Identities and Spaces
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
DESN3040Commercial Illustration
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN3321Publication Design
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
DESN3411Creative Studio Placement
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

School of Humanities, Creative Industries

Please read the Program Requirements text to see the pathway choices relating to Majors and Electives.

Media Arts Production

Compulsory

Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS1090Media Storytelling
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1240Commercial Social Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 60 units from the following course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS2016Interactive Storytelling
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2035Cinematography
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2130Sound Production
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2180Screenwriting
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2900Documentary Film Making
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CMNS3440Short Film Production
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3490Experimental Media
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3560Gamified Media
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS3620Virtual Drama and DocumentaryNot currently offered10 units
CMNS3999Advanced Media Production
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Public Relations

Compulsory

Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS1090Media Storytelling
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS1240Commercial Social Media Production
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
Course List

Choose 60 units from the following course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CMNS2140Principles of Public Relations
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS2530Strategic Communication
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CMNS2700Create Your Own Business
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CMNS3520Public Affairs
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS3540Public Relations Campaigns
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
10 units
CMNS3737Social Media Listening and Monitoring
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Songwriting and Production

Course List

Choose 80 units from the following list to fulfil the requirements of this major including 20 units at 1000 level, 20 units at 2000 level, and 40 units at 3000 level.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
MUSI1561Creative Music Studio 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI1562Creative Music Studio 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI1901Songwriting
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI2561Creative Music Studio 3
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI2702Music Sound and Visual Media
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI2705Music Recording and Production Techniques
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI2901Songwriting StudioNot currently offered10 units
CIND3003Creative Industries Professional Project
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Trimester 2 - 2024 (Singapore) (Singapore)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units
CIND3100Sound, Light and MotionNot currently offered10 units
MUSI3501Sonic Alchemy: Explorations in Sound and Visualisation
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
MUSI3502Music for Games and VR
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Electives

Electives 80 unit requirement

Complete 80 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

80 units

Honours

The Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) is available to students as a separate program in the form of an additional year to those who meet the entry requirements.For more information about the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) please click here.


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

UAC Code , Program Code 40208

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40208

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40208

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40208

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply now