Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) / Bachelor of Business Studies

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) / Bachelor of Business Studies encompasses a diverse range of disciplines and develops creative, theoretical and technical design skills combined with practical business skills.

CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.

About the course

Increasingly, graduates are finding employment in well established design houses or are themselves establishing boutique design agencies. In both cases a thorough understanding of business practices supporting design outcomes is required to ensure a succecssful business. The Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) / Bachelor of Business Studies double degree aims to fulfil this need.

Graduates will be highly qualified, technically knowledgeable and articulate designers with the ability to enhance any company or agency. They will attain a wide range of skills in both business and graphic design, allowing students to pursue particular interests and strengths through the selection of elective subjects.

The objectives of the double degree include that students will be able to:

• understand the technical, conceptual and professional requirements of an expanding graphic design industry, specifically in the fields of multimedia and digital imaging, illustration, corporate design, and advertising
• communicate both verbally and visually with clients and other professional graphic designers
• work unsupervised or as a member of a team to resolve questions concerning the visual presentation of strategies in areas such as marketing, advertising and corporate visual identity
• have a knowledge and understanding of a range of business theories and concepts relevant in operating small and medium sized businesses
• appreciate the relevance of business related theories and concepts to business practices and business networks
• appreciate the role and relevance of business skills for effective business operations and the value and need of continuous learning about business and its environmental contexts
• appreciate the significance of ethical practices in business
• evaluate alternative approaches to business decision making from a number of discipline perspectives
• apply business skills in differing situations and contexts.
  

During the course, students are encouraged to develop creative, theoretical and technical skills with a focus on aesthetic and professional understanding. Diversity underpins the structure of the course with a cross-section of specific subjects covering all aspects of design, advertising and new media ¿¿¿ including web and video applications

Course components

The Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) at Charles Sturt University is structured in such way as to offer students a flexible platform for learning with an even mix of core subjects, contextual subjects and electives. The Bachelor of Business Studies continues this flexibility, allowing students to select from a wide range of subjects in areas such as business strategy, international business, marketing and product management.

Work experience program

On campus students receive hands-on experience through an extensive work experience program in second and third year. In third year students are also required to work collaboratively with small clients and/or non-profit organisations researching, designing and developing a variety of promotional strategies and awareness campaigns for their client.

The latest facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include a new purpose-built studio with its own Mac lab and printing facilities.

The studio is situated alongside the Jack Cross Computer Centre which also allows easy access to central computing laboratories used in computer aided art and design, and desktop publishing. The School of Visual and Performing Arts has well equipped photography, television and visual arts studios, which Graphic Design students may access.

Your course is recognised by industry

The Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) is a nationally accredited and registered award in tertiary education. Graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Status with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA).

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2