C10309v2 Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

This distinctive degree explores diverse forms of visual communication across design, culture and media.

Visual Communication students acquire in depth understanding of the histories, practices and meanings of the visual world.

In turn, obtaining the visual knowledge and skills required to negotiate rapidly changing technology, visual media and culture while becoming skilled in apprehending the unprecedented pace at which visual images, visual technologies and information data are produced.The combined Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Bachelor of Arts in International Studies provides students with additional practical skills, in particular those that raise their awareness of the international contexts of design, by providing the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of a language other than English and another culture.Students immerse themselves in a practice-oriented, studio-based culture, studying a range of interdisciplinary subjects encompassing typography, interaction and image-making.

Taught by experts in visual communication, students learn everything from the history and theory of visual culture and technology to producing cutting edge creative work in digital media, photography, editorial design, information visualisation, web design, wayfinding, mobile apps, code, interaction design, machine learning, motion graphics, the internet of things and 3D technologies such as VR/AR and 3D printing.

Exploring both traditional and experimental research methods students learn to produce conceptually rigorous and socially responsive work.

They graduate with the capacity to work across and between disciplines, to articulate design practices and processes, and to apply them to complex problems.

Graduates develop industry experience through the degree's emphasis on addressing real-world issues in collaborative and team-based work.The international experience enhances career options, making students more marketable to prospective employers.

Students must complete 240 credit points comprising 108 credit points of core subjects, a 24-credit-point of design studies, 12 credit points of electives in visual communication and 96 credit points in international studies.

Course completion requirements

Course program

The example program below is for a student commencing in Autumn session and undertaking the course with Germany as the international studies major. Other countries may be chosen from the list of majors in CBK90005; the program has the same structure but with subjects specific to the chosen country major.

Year 1

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 2

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 3

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 4

Autumn session

Spring session

Year 5

Autumn session

Spring session

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building may consider applications based on the results of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) if students lack academic qualifications but have extensive professional experience. The STAT is conducted through the Universities Admissions Centre.

Students are admitted to the international studies program with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences.

Students must refer to the inherent requirements for all degrees offered by Design and Architecture in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building.

Non-current school leavers are selected on the basis of academic merit or on the basis of portfolio and interview rank.

Students must refer to the portfolio eligibility for the faculty’s consideration in order to get a place.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.