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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203.3)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Design and the Built Environment |
View teaching periods | 362109 |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
3.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Arts and Design | School of Design and the Built Environment |
View teaching periods | 095570B |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Visualise a career in design
Study a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) and set yourself on the path to a successful design career. You’ll explore how, as humans, we communicate and organise information in visually accessible ways, and develop a well-rounded understanding of the theory and practice of communication design. The course investigates both a traditional print-based design perspective and one which covers web-based applications and new technologies.
The degree has a strong focus on visual communication in the global marketplace and how to design for both business and consumer audiences across different cultural contexts. You’ll graduate with a thorough knowledge of typography, logotype design, layout, publication design, environmental graphics, packaging and digital design.
Study a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) at UC and you will:
- employ innovative use of different visual and emerging media types across print, screen and packaging
- develop effective design solutions for specific audiences
- gain fluency in the visual vocabulary and technical skills relevant to visual communication design
- acquire image-making expertise and the ability to develop visual design artefacts using a range of analogue and digital media.
Work Integrated Learning
Take advantage of opportunities for direct industry engagement at every level of your study, including internships with private companies, government departments, advertising and design agencies, and more. You’ll learn about design from real-world industry practitioners and will undertake live industry briefs with the opportunity to progress your designs into production. You’ll work collaboratively with fellow Bachelor of Design students to create products with the potential to sell them on campus and throughout Canberra.
By the time you graduate you’ll have amassed an impressive portfolio of genuine design projects, and will have opportunities to present it to, and have it reviewed by, industry professionals. Previous associations UC students have connected with include BMW, Canberra Design Festival, National Museum of Australia, FASHFEST, Australian Tax Office, Zoo Group, Cre8ive, Oxide Interactive, Red Corner Boxing and ThinkPlace.
Career opportunities
- Graphic designer
- Multimedia designer
- Art director
- Creative director
- Digital designer
- Illustrator
- Package designer
- Design strategist
- Interactive designer
- Design researcher
- Visual designer
Course-specific information
Signature overseas short-term study options have been tailored specifically to this course so that high-achieving students have an opportunity to work with leading designers and students at prestigious overseas institutions. Students can choose to use their breadth units for their overseas Study Abroad experience.
High-achieving students also have the option to take units in the Master of Design Strategies in their final year of study.
Admission to this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
- Year 12 ATAR
- other Australian Qualification
- work experience
- overseas qualification
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the University via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes.
More information is available on our Alternative Entry page: http://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/applications/apply-now/alternative-entry
Assumed knowledge
None.
Periods course is open for new admissions
Credit arrangements
A credit transfer arrangement is available for this course for the following institutions:
Beijing Institute Of Graphic Communication
Namseoul University
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB203) | 72 credit points
Note:
- From 2025, unit 12144 Professional Practice (Internships A) replaces 11829 Professional Practice (Internships A)
Open Electives - 24 credit points as follows
- - Must pass 24 credit points from anywhere in the University, as a breadth major, a breadth minor and/or as individual units.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Open Elective unit
Year 2
Semester 1
Two Open Elective units
Semester 2
Open Elective unit
Year 3
Semester 1
Two Open Elective units
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Semester 2
Two Open Elective units
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Open Elective unit
Semester 2
Open Elective unit
Year 3
Semester 1
Two Open Elective units
Semester 2
Two Open Elective units
Year 4
Semester 1
Two Open Elective units
11832 Professional Practice (Internships B) OR 11833 Professional Practice (Industry and Creative Projects)
Course duration
Standard six semesters full-time or equivalent. Maximum duration is 10 years.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate fluency in the visual vocabulary and technical skills relevant to visual communication design through display of image-making expertise and the development of visual design artefacts using a range of analogue and digital media. | 1.1 UC graduates are professional: employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; and 1.6 UC graduates are professional: take pride in their professional and personal integrity. |
| Apply innovative use of different visual and emerging media types across print, screen and packaging in developing effective design solutions for specific audiences. | 1.1 UC graduates are professional: employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; 2.1 UC graduates are global citizens: think globally about issues in their profession; and 2.5 UC graduates are global citizens: make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives. |
Majors
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) | BDes (VisCommDes) |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Current and Commencing Students: | Email FAD.Student@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1300 301 727 |
| Prospective Domestic Students: | Email study@canberra.edu.au or Phone 1800 UNI CAN (1800 864 226) |
| Prospective International Students: | Email international@canberra.edu.au or Phone +61 2 6201 5342 |
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