Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)

Communication Design 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 packaging design.

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.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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:

• cover topics including: typography, brand and identity design, packaging, drawing techniques, image design, information graphics, app layout and communication, user experience design, web and publication design.
• learn to design for digital and print platforms, including motion graphics, interaction design, and design strategy.
• develop practical and technical skills in a variety of media for diverse outcomes.
• learn how to integrate creative skills with design thinking methods to address wide-ranging communication tasks and scenarios

The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) is practice-based, involving creative and critical thinking integrated with craft and technical skill. 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 and to working independently and in a team.

As part of your studies you will also be required to complete design electives. These provide the opportunity for you to further explore areas and pathways of interest, and to build an individual and effective portfolio.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will benefit from our strong industry links and relationships with the design profession locally, nationally and internationally. You will have the opportunity to engage with real-life design tasks and practising designers, and engaged in multidisciplinary teams to further strengthen your professional networks and practical experience. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Your career

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:

• communication (graphic) designers are employed in graphic design studios; multi-disciplined consultancies; publishing houses; museums; government and advertising agencies; corporate and local business, digital media studios; printers and new start-ups. They specialise in concept design and strategic planning to coordinate and co-design within multi-disciplined teams and organisations. Communication (graphic) designers generate a variety of design outcomes for corporate and community areas producing digital and/or print outcomes.
• art director/creative director: who are responsible for coordinating teams through design direction and co-design as the leading liaison between clients and other disciplines and subcontractors.

There is also strong demand for well-designed and maintain websites, so graduates can secure positions as either an in-house designers or as freelance designers. There is also design work across the development of 2D graphics and 3D forms for packaging, exhibitions and signage.

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

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a design student you will have access to:

• industry-preferred computers and programs.
• design studios and workshops, with a range of traditional and new tech machines and tools.

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.