Bachelor of Design (Graphic and Communication Design)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an International student if you are:
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
DBGC
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
Admissions
Student Profile
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
113884H
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Graphic and Communication Design (often referred to as Visual Communication) involves creating innovative identities, messages, ideas and images that inform, motivate and educate across a range of sectors, from logo and identity design, to posters, apps and package design. Graphic and Communication Design contributes to contemporary society through visual strategy, problem solving and design research in various areas of communication.
This degree has been the starting point for many of the country’s leading communication and graphic designers, and it will prepare you for a vibrant career in the design industry. Taught by established academics and designers, you will graduate with an industry-relevant qualification.
A focus on practical learning integrated with design thinking means you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to design stimulating, effective visual communications, and the confidence to create across a range of communication platforms and contexts.
With an emphasis on practical studio-based learning, creativity and teamwork, you will graduate with the ability to design effective communications applied to diverse contexts. You will:
The Bachelor of Design (Graphic and Communication Design) is practice-based, involving creative and critical thinking integrated with craft and technical skills. Throughout this degree, you will learn how to respond effectively to communication problems through design as you develop the skills to articulate ideas and approaches to work independently and in a team.
You will also be required to complete design electives as part of your studies. These provide the opportunity for you to further explore areas and pathways of interest and to build an individual and effective portfolio.
If you are interested in graphic design and designing visual communications that make an impact and want to learn from industry professionals in a stimulating, creative environment, this degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work and succeed in industry.
Our teaching is informed by our research, industry experience and expectations. Many of our teaching staff are also professional designers, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and highly practical in nature.
On campus, our custom-built workshops, digital printing facilities and design studios allow you to further develop valuable practical skills. You’ll also benefit from our strong industry links, award-winning teaching staff, and academics.
There is also the opportunity to complete further study with a one-year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) degree, a one-year Graduate Diploma or a two-year Master of Design (Communication Design).
This industry is expecting strong growth1. Designers work within diverse areas of business and community requiring skills and knowledge of graphic software to create still and animated images for use in promotions, branding, advertisements, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and much more.
Graduates enjoy careers in a variety of roles and job opportunities:
There is also strong demand for well-designed and maintain websites, so graduates can secure positions as either in-house designers or freelance designers. There is also design work across the development of 2D graphics and 3D forms for packaging, exhibitions and signage design.
Creativity, curiosity, interpersonal skills, motivation, commitment and, of course, communication skills, are all qualities of a successful Communication Designer.
1Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
As a design student you will have access to:
The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) is based at UniSA’s City West Campus. This location provides great inspiration both on campus and with the many exciting contemporary venues within close proximity.