For more information about studying the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design
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 at | Mar 19, 2024 6:12 pm | |||||
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Program code | 40208 | |||||
AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | |||||
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Mode of delivery |
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Duration |
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Selection Rank |
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Recommended studies | One or more of the following HSC subject areas or equivalent: Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts | |||||
Term type | Semesters | |||||
Fees |
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Relevant University rules and policies |
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CRICOS Code | 0100759 |
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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.
- Single major pathway A: one 80 unit Visual Communication Design major, and 80 units of electives.
- Double major pathway B**: two 80 unit Visual Communication Design majors.
- 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.
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
- 2021 Transition Arrangements 263.6 KB
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 127.6 KB
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.
Advanced course filters
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. | |||
---|---|---|---|
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
CIND1004 | Creative Collaborations |
| 10 units |
DESN1011 | Visual Design Principles |
| 10 units |
DESN1021 | Visual Design Projects |
| 10 units |
CIND2003 | Strategic Creativity |
| 10 units |
DESN2002 | Design Thinking and Innovation |
| 10 units |
DESN2003 | The Design Process in Theory and Professional Practice |
| 10 units |
CIND3510 | Studio Q |
| 10 units |
DESN3730 | Storytelling in Transmedia Practice |
| 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. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
DESN1031 | Digital Practices in Visual Communication |
| 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). | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
DESN1331 | Character Design |
| 10 units |
DESN1600 | Interaction and UX Design Fundamentals |
| 10 units |
DESN1801 | Animation Thinking |
| 10 units |
DESN2600 | Designing for Game Play |
| 10 units |
DESN2610 | Experience Design Studio | Not currently offered | 10 units |
DESN2801 | Animation Process |
| 10 units |
DESN2802 | Animation Production | Not currently offered | 10 units |
DESN2804 | 3D Motion |
| 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
DESN3600 | Experimental Interfaces and Tangible Interaction Design |
| 10 units |
DESN3801 | Animation Studio |
| 10 units |
DESN3802 | 3D Environments |
| 10 units |
DESN3803 | Digital Compositing and Visual Effects |
| 10 units |
Creative Arts
Compulsory | |||
---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
DESN1031 | Digital Practices in Visual Communication |
| 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). | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
AART1500 | Constructing Images |
| 10 units |
AART1700 | Foundations in Digital Photography |
| 10 units |
DESN1121 | Experimental Design Imaging |
| 10 units |
AART2000 | Australian Contemporary Art in Context | Not currently offered | 10 units |
AART2001 | 3D Prototype to Production |
| 10 units |
CIND2102 | Extended Reality for Creative Practice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
DESN2211 | Visual Narrative |
| 10 units |
AART3000 | Interdisciplinary Studio | Not currently offered | 10 units |
AART3320 | Creative Place Making | Not currently offered | 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
CIND3101 | Manipulating Images |
| 10 units |
Graphic Design and Illustration
Compulsory | |||
---|---|---|---|
Complete the following compulsory course. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
DESN1031 | Digital Practices in Visual Communication |
| 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). | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
DESN1101 | Typography |
| 10 units |
DESN1200 | Drawing Foundations |
| 10 units |
DESN1600 | Interaction and UX Design Fundamentals |
| 10 units |
CIND2101 | Commercial Studio Photography |
| 10 units |
DESN2011 | Design Futures and Professional Practice |
| 10 units |
DESN2040 | Illustration |
| 10 units |
DESN2060 | Scientific Illustration |
| 10 units |
DESN2221 | Graphic Brand Identities and Spaces |
| 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
DESN3040 | Commercial Illustration |
| 10 units |
DESN3321 | Publication Design |
| 10 units |
DESN3411 | Creative Studio Placement |
| 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. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
CMNS1090 | Media Storytelling |
| 10 units |
CMNS1240 | Commercial Social Media Production |
| 10 units |
Course List | |||
---|---|---|---|
Choose 60 units from the following course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
CMNS2016 | Interactive Storytelling |
| 10 units |
CMNS2035 | Cinematography |
| 10 units |
CMNS2130 | Sound Production |
| 10 units |
CMNS2180 | Screenwriting |
| 10 units |
CMNS2900 | Documentary Film Making |
| 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
CMNS3440 | Short Film Production |
| 10 units |
CMNS3490 | Experimental Media |
| 10 units |
CMNS3560 | Gamified Media |
| 10 units |
CMNS3620 | Virtual Drama and Documentary | Not currently offered | 10 units |
CMNS3999 | Advanced Media Production |
| 10 units |
Public Relations
Compulsory | |||
---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
CMNS1090 | Media Storytelling |
| 10 units |
CMNS1240 | Commercial Social Media Production |
| 10 units |
Course List | |||
---|---|---|---|
Choose 60 units from the following course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
CMNS2140 | Principles of Public Relations |
| 10 units |
CMNS2530 | Strategic Communication |
| 10 units |
CMNS2700 | Create Your Own Business |
| 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
CMNS3520 | Public Affairs |
| 10 units |
CMNS3540 | Public Relations Campaigns |
| 10 units |
CMNS3737 | Social Media Listening and Monitoring |
| 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. | |||
Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
MUSI1561 | Creative Music Studio 1 |
| 10 units |
MUSI1562 | Creative Music Studio 2 |
| 10 units |
MUSI1901 | Songwriting |
| 10 units |
MUSI2561 | Creative Music Studio 3 |
| 10 units |
MUSI2702 | Music Sound and Visual Media |
| 10 units |
MUSI2705 | Music Recording and Production Techniques |
| 10 units |
MUSI2901 | Songwriting Studio | Not currently offered | 10 units |
CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
CIND3100 | Sound, Light and Motion | Not currently offered | 10 units |
MUSI3501 | Sonic Alchemy: Explorations in Sound and Visualisation |
| 10 units |
MUSI3502 | Music for Games and VR |
| 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
CRICOS Code , Program Code 40208
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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.
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