Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours)

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.

An Honours program in Visual Communication Design gives you the opportunity to develop your creative and analytical skills, to think critically, creatively, imaginatively and tenaciously as well as enhance your research and technical skills. You will also get in-depth knowledge of the profession and industry climate, including Design Project Management and Leadership/Art Direction, Design Production - Print and Digital Media.

Graduates with an Honours degree have a distinct advantage in the marketplace. The Honours year offers an advanced level of conceptual thinking through research and practice with opportunities to interact with clients and practising professional designers. An Honours graduate can expect to carry a professional portfolio from the degree and be aware of design management requirements.

The Visual Communication industry offers career opportunities that are limited only by the imagination. Designer's responsibilities are vast and varied and may encompass the development of visual material for both print and digital media. This may include conceptual design, print production, advertising, publishing, film and television, internet, science and technology, packaging and signage. Electronic and digital tools with sophisticated software are an integral part of design practice.

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design or equivalent program with a minimum GPA of 5.0 (credit grade average) calculated from:

• Across the entire degree program; or
• Across a major in the proposed discipline of study, if that degree program includes such a major; 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 must include at least 40 units of 3000 level courses in the major where a major exists).

In exceptional circumstances, the above requirements may be varied with permission of the Head of School and Pro-Vice Chancellor.

No more than two years must have elapsed since completion of the undergraduate degree.

• To apply for entry to this Honours program you will need to apply directly to the Faculty of Science and Information Technology.

  You need to download and complete two forms:

  • Direct Admissions Application form; and
  • Faculty of Science and Information Technology Honours Application Form (End-On Honours).

  Application forms and instructions on how to apply are available at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/student-forms/

No credit permitted for Honours.

There are three classes of Honours: Class I, Class II and Class III. Class II will have two divisions, namely Division 1 and Division 2. The grading and marking of End-On Honours programs is defined in the Structure for Model 1 Honours Programs Policy (Policy 000643) at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000643.html

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All students can also access additional learning support mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/index.html

The program is delivered through small group learning situations, including studio, group and individual tutorial/mentoring sessions, laboratory and field work. Opportunities for providing individual support will be considered.

The support structures provided by the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty and School accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete their program.

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.