Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) encompasses a diverse range of disciplines and develops creative, theoretical and technical design 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

The Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) at CSU is tailored in response to the demands of industry and the aspirations of highly motivated students.

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. The course is available by distance education.

Course components

The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Charles Sturt University is a three-year undergraduate course with an option to study Honours in the fourth year. The course is structured in such way as to offer students a flexible platform for learning with an even mix of core subjects, contextual subjects and minor studio electives.

Thirteen core subjects including digital design, experimental design, design for industry and digital design make up over 50% of the course. These examine the different aspects of graphic design - the techniques, the process and the technology.

Contextual subjects including visual communication, aspects of design and media: history and society look at the research, theory and history that build up the students' background knowledge and approach to design, media and communication.

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.

Professionals teaching you

Dedicated professionals with a wide range of teaching and industry experience teach the course.

Campus

Wagga Wagga

Duration

  • 3 years full-time on campus
  • 6 years part-time on campus
  • 6 years distance education

Admission rank cut-offs

65.00

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects).

Course structure

More information about subjects and course structure.

Career opportunities

Ready to make a real difference to the world? Discover more about where this course could take you.

Admission requirements

To study this course, you will need to indicate your likelihood of success through previous studies and other attainments and experience.

Cost of study

When weighing up the costs of study, consider the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Where it will take you

The teaching principle adopted for the graphic design course is simple: actively promote all our students to think first, and worry about the technology second.

The merging of disciplines as diverse as design, animation, digital publishing, illustration, multimedia, packaging, web design and advertising has ensured that design graduates will have many career opportunities and options from which to choose including:

  • design studios
  • advertising agencies
  • digital publishing and interactive design
  • magazine and print production
  • freelance work

The latest facilities

Our facilities at CSU Wagga Wagga include a modern purpose-built studio with its own Mac lab and printing facilities.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts has well equipped photography, television and design studios that 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).

Core subjects

GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technologies and Design
VPA101 Fundamentals of Design 1
GRP117 Graphic Design Theory and Practice
VPA105 Digital Publishing & Typography
GRP223 Digital Design
GRP224 Design for Industry
GRP225 Experimental Design
GRP226 Advertising & Design
GRP322 Campaigns, publishing and identity (16)
VPA319 Studio research and seminar (24 points)

Contextual

VIS101 Visual Communication
ART214 Aspects of Design, 1850 to the Present
COM226 Media: History and Society
ART222 Art, Technology & Culture
ETH205 Ethics and Law for the Creative Industries

One elective from any non-studio subject from across the university

Drawing and illustration minor sequence offered by the BA (Graphic Design)

VPA211 Materials and Image Development
VPA212 Materials and Image Research
GRP331 Professional Illustration
GRP330 Illustration and Concepts

Other Minors

Students can select 5 minor electives from Multimedia, Photography and/or Television Production (or from other any other disciplines within SVPA)

Advertising minor sequence (available only in DE mode)

ADV203 Principles of Advertising
ADV205 Advertising Creative
ADV206 Principles of Advertising
ADV310 Advertising Strategy and Campaign Planning
ADV313 Advertising Client Management

Enrolment pattern

Fulltime On Campus

Session 1 (Autumn)
VPA101 Fundamentals of Design
GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technologies and Design
VIS101 Visual Communication
Minor

Session 2 (Spring)
GRP117 Graphic Design Theory and Practice
VPA105 Digital Publishing and Typography
ART214 Aspects of Design, 1850 to the Present
Minor

Session 3 (Autumn)
GRP223 Digital Design
GRP224 Design for Industry
COM226 Media: History and Society
Minor

Session 4 (Spring)
ART222 Art, Technology & Culture
GRP225 Experimental Design
GRP226 Advertising & Design
Minor

Session 5 (Autumn)
GRP322 Campaigns, publishing and identity (16)
Non-studio elective
Minor

Session 6 (Spring)
VPA319 Studio research and seminar (24)
ETH205 Ethics and Law for the Creative Industries

Part time Distance Education

Session 1
GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technologies and Design
VPA101 Fundamentals of Design 1

Session 2
ART214 Aspects of Design, 1850 to the Present
VPA105 Digital Publishing and Typography

Session 3
VIS101 Visual Communication
[ ] SCCI Minor Elective*

Session 4
GRP117 Graphic Design Theory and Practice
[ ] Advertising Minor

Session 5
GRP224 Design for Industry
COM226 Media: History and Society
 

Session 6
GRP225 Experimental Design
GRP226 Advertising and Design

Session 7
GRP223 Digital Design
[ ] Advertising Minor

Session 8
ART222 Art, Technology and Culture
[ ] Advertising Minor

Session 9
GRP322 Campaigns, Publishing and Identity (16 points)

Session 10
VPA319 Studio Research and Seminar (24 points)

Session 11
ART317 Art and Books
[ ] Advertising Minor

Session 12
ETH 205 Ethics and Law for the Creative Industries
 

Advertising Minor

ADV203 Principles of Advertising
ADV205 Advertising Creative
ADV206 Principles of Channel Planning
ADV310 Advertising Strategy and Campaign Planning
ADV313 Advertising Client Management

*SCCI Minor Elective (available only DE mode)

VPA104 Introduction to Digital Imaging
VPA211 Materials and Image Research
VPA318 Contemporary Design in Context

Note: Distance education students may only undertake the Advertising minor sequence.

Admission requirements

All Year 12 applicants need to apply through UAC and are selected on the basis of their UAI. Other applicants, and those wishing to supplement their UAI, should request an interview and/or provide a portfolio. Interviews are held in person in Wagga Wagga or by telephone in November/ December, or earlier by prior arrangement.

The portfolio could include:

  • 6 - 12 original pieces of artwork, these can be paintings, illustrations, photographs or digital artwork. Large pieces can be presented in photographic form
  • visual diary and/or journals, including results, awards and a resume.

Phone interviews are also available subject to prior arrangement. Please download the Graphic Design Interview Form from the form website.

Further information will be available in August. For more information about admission criteria please contact info.csu on 1800 334 733.

To be admitted into the course, applicants 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.

csp
international-distance

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply through UAC

Full-time on campus study commencing in Session 1 or Session 2

Admission code: 211404

Apply online

Admission code: Distance education - EABG

Mail your application

International students

Apply online

Admission code: Distance education - JAAQ

Mail your application

Recruitment agent

Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

More information:

Consider also:

Prospective Student Inquiries

Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).

info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.

within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001