Undergraduate - Course2123 - Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)

This course offers a program of education in the discipline of graphic design. It is intended for students who may seek employment as a graphic designer in the areas of corporate identity, publishing, advertising, packaging, digital media, illustration, information design, television, animation and interactive media.

The course consists of core units covering graphic design, digital and photomedia, typography, popular culture and professional practice. It is supported by studies in contemporary discourse and cultural studies relevant to art and design. Electives provide further background in advertising, interactive media, photomedia, digital font design, computer print, online publishing, digital audio/video, 3D design animation, and illustration.

Upon completion, students may apply to undertake an additional one-year honours course which provides intensive study in the student's selected area of specialisation. This is supported by theory and elective studies.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• situate and differentiate the role of the discipline of design (visual communication), the ethical responsibilities of its practice and the professional requirements for sustained independent practice in that field
• independently develop design strategies, form concepts, refine, detail and communicate design proposals
• interpret, represent and respond to the socio-economic and cultural contexts of design (visual communication) and the ethical responsibilities of the professional designer
• demonstrate an understanding of the aesthetic aspects of design and visual communication design and a capability at aesthetic resolutions
• engage collaboratively with other professionals, recognise and contribute to project and business management practices relevant to design (visual communication)
• critically assess contemporary discourse, speculative design theory and research both locally and internationally

This course consists of mandatory units together with a broad range of electives. The degree structure is formed out of a sequence of units which are closely linked - the core program of graphic design is supported by studio specialisations and theory units as well as ancillary units directed towards contemporary professional methods and skills. The course encompasses the following areas of study:

(a.) Graphic design studio (48 points)

This is the main study of the course. There are studios at each year level.

(b.) Studio specialisation (12 points)

Specialist areas of study are specifically related to visual communication and cover the study of typography and methods of production.

(c.) Theory of art and design (18 points)

Students study a minimum of one unit on the theory, context and cultural aspects of art and design at each level of the course.

(d.) Professional practice

All students take one professional practice unit at third-year level.

(e.) Drawing

Students take one compulsory 6-point drawing unit in the first year. These studies are concerned with perceptual and communication skills in the context of visual concepts and structures. It is anticipated that some students will take further studies in the drawing studio.

(f.) Digital imaging/photomedia (24 points)

Four units are compulsory for first and second-year levels of the course.

(g.) Electives (30 points)

A range of electives from across the disciplines are available to suit individual study programs. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the University are also available.

(h.) Occupational Health and Safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

First year (48 points)

Semester one

• DGN1001 Design studio 1
• DIS1103 Digital processes for art and design 1
• DWG1201 Drawing 1
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
• TAD1101 Introduction to visual culture in art design and architecture

Semester two

• PHO1203 Photomedia imaging 1
• VCO1104 Graphic design studio 2
• VCO1302 Typography 1
• elective

Second year (48 points)

Semester one

• DIS2909 Electronic design
• VCO2003 Graphic design studio 3
• VCO2409 Methods of production
• elective

Semester two

• DIS2105 Digital imaging
• TAD2214 Critical issues in design
• VCO2004 Graphic design studio 4
• elective

Third year (48 points)

Semester one

• PPR3103 Project planning and professional practice for design and multimedia
• VCO3005 Graphic design studio 5 (12 points)
• elective

Semester two

• TAD3214 Contemporary discourse in design
• VCO3006 Graphic design studio 6 (12 points)
• elective

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)