Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

The distinctive Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication 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.

Students immerse themselves in a practice-oriented, studio-based culture, studying a range of interdisciplinary subjects encompassing typography, interaction and image-making. With access to a dedicated, fully-equipped studio space that brings the learning experience even closer to the realities of commercial practice.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, interaction design, photography, editorial design, information visualisation, web design, wayfinding, mobile apps, code, 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 degree has a hands-on, studio-based culture that is supported by a strong historical and theoretical component. Academics encourage both innovation and experimentation in research and practice to help students make work that is conceptually rigorous and ethically responsive.

Offering a variety of interdisciplinary subjects, graduates are able to move into their professional lives with the diverse knowledge and skills required to work collaboratively and across disciplines.  All students work with industry clients on real-world projects and undertake work experience during their degree.

The UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building (DAB) aims to contribute to the transformation of urban life, contemporary design culture and the built environment through its teaching, research, education and engagement with industry. The faculty's three schools deliver courses that span the full range of architectural, design, construction, property and planning disciplines. The UTS School of Design is ranked among the top 30 globally for its teaching programs. UTS's Architecture and Built Environment Programs rank in the world's top 150 (source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).

For further information, visit the UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building website.

Areas of study

Branding, data visualisation, design for animation, design history, design thinking, emergent visual communication practices, experiential design, illustration, interactive design, moving image design, strategic design, typography, web design.

Career opportunities

Digital media, publication designer, graphic designer, interactive media designer, web designer, branding specialist, art director, motion graphics designer, advertising, illustrator, exhibition designer. Graduates are also equipped with the skills to become writers, researchers, editors and critics, and to apply design thinking in a non-design industry business.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Design Institute of Australia and the Australian Graphic Design Association.

Honours

Available as an additional year for meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to UTS current fee information.