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 with a minor in Advertising.
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 commissions and contracts
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 electives.
Twelve core subjects including digital design, experimental design, design for industry and creative advertising make up 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, make up 25% of the course. These subjects look at research, theory and history that build up the students’ background knowledge and approach to design, media and communication.
The final 25% of the course is made of minor electives where you may choose between drawing, multimedia, photo-imaging and illustration. You can swap and change between these electives.
Note: Distance education students may only undertake the Advertising minor sequence.
Professionals teaching you
Dedicated professionals with a wide range of teaching and industry experience teach the course.
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).
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
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.
Graduation requirements
To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (24 subjects).