Graphic Design
The BA Graphic Design is an on campus full-time and a part-time distance delivered degree through CSU and 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.
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.
On campus (Internal study)
The BA Graphic Design at Charles Sturt University is a 3 year undergraduate course with an option to study honours in the fourth year. The course is structured in such a way as to offer all students a flexible platform for learning with an even mix of core subjects, academic subjects and electives. The course merges the disciplines as diverse as: digital design, animation, desktop publishing, illustration, multimedia, packaging, web design and advertising has ensured that design graduate will have many career opportunities and options from which to choose.
Core subjects make up 50% of the course, these examine the different aspects of graphic design - the techniques, the process and the technology. Students also receive hands on experience through an extensive work experience program in 2nd and 3rd year. Academic subjects, such as Visual Communication, Aspects of Design: 1850 to Present, and Media: History & Society, make up 25% of the course. These subjects look at research, theory and history which builds up your background knowledge and approach to design, media and communication. The final 25% of the course is made of electives where you may choose between Drawing, Multimedia and Photo-Imaging. You can swap and change between these electives. In 3rd year you can choose any two non-studio electives from across the University
Distance Education (study via DE)
To connect with the needs of busy and career focused people who can't afford the time or can't relocate to Wagga Wagga for the internal course, we have designed a completely external course that follows the internal course for most factors. It has the uses of forums, a teaching technology software and normally CDs that have tutorials and resources that give you the experience and structure to convert your passion into a degree.
We are currently updating the program but at the moment the structure is focused between Graphic Design with a minor in Advertising. This melding was designed to connect the visual impact of graphic design with the focus to creating fully integrated advertising campgaigns. In the next couple of years we will be expanding the minors to include drawing, business and multimedia.
I am in no way saying it is for the faint-hearted as it does take a fair bit of time management, self-directed learning and will-power. What the course does give is structure, relevant information, feedback and guidance while building a culture of like-minded people expanding their jobs and goals to achieve a career in an exciting field.
This course is also available in a number of 4 year double degree programs -
Graphic Design/Photography; Graphic Design/Multimedia Arts; Graphic Design/Television Production; and Graphic Design/BBus Studies
Course Coordinator
Michael Agzarian
Ph:02 6933 4035
Email Michael Agzarian