Bachelor of Visual Communication Design

Summary

This program information only applies to students commencing the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design in 2008 or later. Students who commenced in the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) prior to 2007 and are continuing in the old program structure should refer to the 2007 program structure or pre-2005 program structure information.

The Bachelor of Visual Communication Design is a three-year full-time or equivalent part-time program that offers flexibility in study choices within the framework of a broad spectrum of design interests and abilities. The program equips students with conceptual thinking and technical skills to occupy a range of positions within the visual communication industry. Students learn through study and project based problem solving underpinned by applied theory.

Career opportunities

The Visual Communication industry offers career opportunities that are limited only by the imagination. Designers' 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, illustration, packaging and signage. Electronic and digital tools with sophisticated software are an integral part of design practice.

Examples include graphic design for print media such as posters, magazines, books, brochures, advertising, typography and annual reports.

Digital Design includes working with modern media technologies auch as the Internet, multimedia CD-ROMs, touch-screen information kiosks and animation.

Graphic Designers also work as illustrators in advertising agency studios, consultant design studios or freelance practice to produce graphic artwork for newspapers, magazines and broadcast television.

Illustration Designers work closely with Graphic and Digital Designers producing images for print and electronic publications. Illustrations for books, texts, magazines, cartoons, children's books, animations, newspapers and web pages are some examples.

Self-employment opportunities make this career choice flexible and portable.

Entry requirements

Recommended Studies: Visual Arts, Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Visual Design and/or Photography, Video and Digital Imaging.

Additional entry requirements: Nil.

How to apply

Australian Year 12 students

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on:

• previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary or post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.
• Relevant vocational experience.

International Students

International students currently undertaking:
- an Australian Year 12 in Australia
- an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
- an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions.
Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

Description

IMPORTANT! You must read the Undergraduate Degree Rules. Click here to view.

The Bachelor of Visual Communication Design is a three year full-time or equivalent part-time program. It is designed to meet the growing demand for the practice of design in all aspects of the visual communication industry. Through selective study and appropriate course choices, the program offers students the opportunity to satisfy their broader interests and abilities, whilst equipping them with the skills and flexibility to occupy a range of positions within the visual communication industry. Visual communication graduates are involved in the development of design for advertising material for print, film, theatre, television and in the making of digital media, illustration, corporate graphics, publishing, packaging, signage and event promotions.

Credit Transfer Agreements

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University's website, at www.newcastle.edu.au/credit/

Program Structure

The program structure enables students to major in one of three areas: digital design, graphic design, or illustration design.

To complete the program, students must pass courses totalling 240 units from the list of Approved Courses, including the following

• Core (Compulsory) Courses (comprising 60 units at 1000 level; 60 units at 2000 level; 40 units at 3000 level);
• A Major (60 units from the list of directed courses in that major, including at least 30 units at 3000 level);
• Electives (20 units general electives chosen from any available course offered by the University).

Please note: No more than 100 units in total at 1000 level will be counted towards the award.

Further Information

For further information on this program, please contact the Program Officers for the Faculty of Science and Information Technology at:

Shortland HUB
Telephone: + 61 2 4921 5000
Fax: + 61 2 4921 6914
Email: EnquiryCentre@newcastle.edu.au
Website: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/hubs/

Approved Courses for students commencing in 2007 or later

Please note that some 1000 level and most 2000 and 3000 level courses have assumed knowledge requirements. For information on assumed knowledge requirements click on the course code for the course. Not all courses will be offered each semester. To establish offer status, click on the course code for the course and follow the links to timetabling information.

Schedule

The relevant program schedule is available within the Degree Rules and Schedules section of the Policy Library<.