Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) (1571)
- Approved Abbreviation: BDes(VisComm)
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 1571
- AQF Level: 7
CRICOS Code: 044773B
This program applies to students who commenced in 2022 or later.
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
For Commencement Year 2012 - please refer to 1571.6 Bachelor of Design (Visual Commencement)
For Commencement Year 2008 - please refer to 1571.4 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
For Commencement Year 2004 - please refer to 1571.2 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
The Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) degree will provide you with fundamental skills and knowledge to communicate ideas and information across a wide range of visual media. With an emphasis on studio-based practice, you will study areas such as image design, typography, layout design, branding, design history, research methods, and web-based design. From year two, there are opportunities to engage with live community or industry projects, and you will choose two practical specialisations from the following pairs: motion design and data visualisation; game and app design; illustration; and photography. You may also choose electives from outside of design such as advertising and media production. Throughout the program, you will engage with individual and team-based projects, develop your conceptual thinking skills, use a variety of traditional and emerging technologies, and expand your creative practice. In year four you will take a position in our award-winning teaching design studio where you will gain experience in a professional learning environment, preparing you for work in an exciting and evolving industry.
- Director of Academic Program - Dr Michelle Catanzaro
Early Exit
Students may exit this program on completion of 240 credit points with a 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies (exit only)
Study Mode
Four years full-time or part-time equivalent.
Program Advice
enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road | Part Time | Internal | See above |
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this program that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this program online.
Admission
Students are admitted on the basis of their ATAR score or equivalent.
Alternate Entry
Where academic requirements are not met, entry by interview is also possible to show your personal aptitude, design skills and creativity. The interview will allow applicants an opportunity to talk with academic staff about their creative work and motivation for studying the program, supported by a portfolio of work. After applicants have applied they are required to book an interview at the University's online booking system.
https://admissions.westernsydney.edu.au
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Program Structure
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points including the subjects listed in the recommended sequence.
As part of the program requirements, students are required to complete two pairs of Design specialist subject pairings. If they choose to, they can complete further practice-based subjects as elective choices.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 20 | |
| DESN 2007 | Illustrating Narrative | 10 |
| DESN 3007 | Illustrating Popular Culture | 10 |
| Interactive | 20 | |
| COMM 2019 | Interactive Design: Games | 10 |
| DESN 3008 | Interactive Design: Apps | 10 |
| Photomedia | 20 | |
| VISU 3002 | Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | 10 |
| DESN 2013 | Photomedia: Photographic Practice | 10 |
| Digital Design | 20 | |
| DESN 3002 | Data Visualisation | 10 |
| DESN 2011 | Motion Design | 10 |
Recommended Sequence
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| DESN 1009 | Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles | 20 |
| DESN 1003 | Design Histories and Futures | 10 |
| DESN 1011 | Image Design | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 1007 | Graphic Branding and Identity | 20 |
| DESN 1018 | Visual Storytelling | 10 |
| DESN 1021 | Web and Time-based Design | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 2005 | Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media | 20 |
| DESN 2014 | Researching the Visual | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 2006 | Graphic Design: The Professional Context | 20 |
| DESN 2001 | Australian Design | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Data Visualisation | ||
| Illustrating Popular Culture | ||
| Interactive Design: Apps | ||
| Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 3013 | Social Design: Research and Practice | 10 |
| DESN 3001 | Contextual Design Studies | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 3006 | Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio | 10 |
| DESN 3003 | Design Research Project | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Data Visualisation | ||
| Illustrating Popular Culture | ||
| Interactive Design: Apps | ||
| Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | ||
| Select one elective (may include the elective subject below) | 10 | |
| Communicating for Sustainability | ||
| Students may exit with 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies after successful completion of 240 credit points in the first three years of the program sequence | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4007 | Professional Design Experience: The Studio | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4006 | Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 320 | |
Students Admitted Through WSU - The College Programs, start-year intake.
Programs:
- 7152 Diploma in Design Extended Visual Communication
- 7044 Diploma in Design.
As part of the program requirements, students are required to complete two pairs of Design specialist subject pairings. If they choose to, they can complete further practice-based subjects as elective choices.
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| DESN 2005 | Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media | 20 |
| DESN 2014 | Researching the Visual | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 2006 | Graphic Design: The Professional Context | 20 |
| DESN 2001 | Australian Design | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Data Visualisation | ||
| Illustrating Popular Culture | ||
| Interactive Design: Apps | ||
| Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 3013 | Social Design: Research and Practice | 10 |
| DESN 3001 | Contextual Design Studies | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 3006 | Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio | 10 |
| DESN 3003 | Design Research Project | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Data Visualisation | ||
| Illustrating Popular Culture | ||
| Interactive Design: Apps | ||
| Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | ||
| Select one elective (may include the elective subject below) | 10 | |
| Communicating for Sustainability | ||
| Students may exit with 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies after successful completion of 240 credit points in the first three years of the program sequence. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4007 | Professional Design Experience: The Studio | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4006 | Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Students Admitted Through WSU - The College Programs, mid-year intake.
Programs:
- 7152 Diploma in Design Extended Visual Communication
- 7044 Diploma in Design.
As part of the program requirements, students are required to complete two pairs of Design specialist subject pairings. If they choose to, they can complete further practice-based subjects as elective choices.
| Year 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| DESN 2005 | Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media | 20 |
| DESN 2014 | Researching the Visual | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 2006 | Graphic Design: The Professional Context | 20 |
| DESN 2001 | Australian Design | 10 |
| Select one elective (may include the elective subject below) | 10 | |
| Communicating for Sustainability | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 3013 | Social Design: Research and Practice | 10 |
| DESN 3001 | Contextual Design Studies | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 10 | |
| Illustrating Narrative | ||
| Interactive Design: Games | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Photomedia: Photographic Practice | ||
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Students may exit with 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies after successful completion of 240 credit points in the first three years of the program sequence. | ||
| Students continuing into the fourth year of study are advised that the Spring session following Autumn Year 3 is a transition session with Year 4 commencing in 1H/Autumn sessions. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 3006 | Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio | 10 |
| DESN 3003 | Design Research Project | 10 |
| Select one Design specialist subject from the selected subject pairing | 20 | |
| Data Visualisation | ||
| Illustrating Popular Culture | ||
| Interactive Design: Apps | ||
| Photomedia: Fashion and Identity | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4007 | Professional Design Experience: The Studio | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 4005 | Major Design Project | 10 |
| DESN 4006 | Professional Design Experience: The Individual Practitioner | 20 |
| Select one elective | 10 | |
| Please note: students must enrol in DESN 4005 Major Design Project in both Autumn and Spring sessions in order to receive final grades and credit points. | ||
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 240 | |
Guangdong Baiyun University Articulation Pathway, start-year intake.
Students admitted through the Guangdong Baiyun University Articulation Pathway will be admitted to program 1571 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) initially and, once they have their advanced standing applied and successfully complete the remaining 160 credit points as set out in the residual program (Recommended Sequence), they will exit with the program/award 1624 Bachelor of Design Studies, with two Design specialist subject pairings in Interactive and Digital Design.
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| DESN 2014 | Researching the Visual | 10 |
| DESN 2005 | Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media | 20 |
| DESN 1011 | Image Design | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 2006 | Graphic Design: The Professional Context | 20 |
| DESN 2001 | Australian Design | 10 |
| DESN 1018 | Visual Storytelling | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 3001 | Contextual Design Studies | 10 |
| DESN 3013 | Social Design: Research and Practice | 10 |
| DESN 2011 | Motion Design | 10 |
| COMM 2019 | Interactive Design: Games | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 3006 | Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio | 10 |
| DESN 3003 | Design Research Project | 10 |
| DESN 3002 | Data Visualisation | 10 |
| DESN 3008 | Interactive Design: Apps | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Guangdong Baiyun University Articulation Pathway, mid-year intake.
Full-time intake
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring session | Credit Points | |
| DESN 2006 | Graphic Design: The Professional Context | 20 |
| DESN 2001 | Australian Design | 10 |
| DESN 1018 | Visual Storytelling | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 2005 | Graphic Design: Interactive Digital Media | 20 |
| DESN 2014 | Researching the Visual | 10 |
| DESN 1011 | Image Design | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| DESN 3006 | Graphic Design: Developing a Personal Portfolio | 10 |
| DESN 3003 | Design Research Project | 10 |
| DESN 3002 | Data Visualisation | 10 |
| DESN 3008 | Interactive Design: Apps | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Autumn session | ||
| DESN 3013 | Social Design: Research and Practice | 10 |
| DESN 3001 | Contextual Design Studies | 10 |
| DESN 2011 | Motion Design | 10 |
| COMM 2019 | Interactive Design: Games | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Minor elective spaces
Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points). Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.
Global Sustainability Minor
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor
Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge Minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.
Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change
Personal Innovation
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life
Climate Justice
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data
For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.
Students can apply for an elective minor via Western Now.