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ARB007 | CRICOS: 102462K | Provider: 00212K

Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)

In partnership with the University of Canberra

Harness your creativity with this hands-on degree and learn how to communicate and organise information in visually accessible ways across a wide variety of media and contexts.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 15 Feb 2027 Duration: 3 years View all intakes
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
Domestic

This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.

$10,600

Course overview

Harness your creativity and learn how to communicate and organise information across a wide variety of media and contexts. Delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Design, majoring in Visual Communication Design, has a strong focus on visual communication in the global marketplace and how to design for both business and consumer audiences.

Throughout this course you'll develop a thorough knowledge of typography, logotype design, layout, publication design, environmental graphics, packaging and digital design. You'll gain skills required to employ innovative uses of different visual and emerging media types and develop effective design solutions for specific audiences. Through collaboration and live industry briefs you'll also have the opportunity to combine university thinking with hands-on learning. 

Upon successful completion of this course you'll have also developed a portfolio of work and be well equipped to take on a variety of design roles.

What can I do?

  • Graphic Designer
  • Package Designer
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Digital Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Design Researcher
  • Design Strategist
  • Creative Director

Course outcome:

ARB007 Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)

UC Brisbane Digital Design Degrees

Gain practical experience and develop key employability skills including communication, teamwork, and critical, creative and strategic thinking. Learn from industry professionals whilst studying in Brisbane, graduate with real-world experience, ready to impress employers and launch your digital design career. Learn more

Specialised training facilities

Our degrees are delivered here at TAFE Queensland, on our modern campuses, using world-class facilities and equipment. Across creative, dentistry, engineering and information technology, our learning spaces are at the forefront of new technology, offering students the benefit of learning on industry-leading equipment. Learn more

What you will study

If you have completed the below diploma, you will gain up to a year's credit towards this qualification:

This is a typical study pattern and may differ depending on credit received. Please note not all units are offered in each teaching period.

Core units

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

Ways to study
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST

South Bank

On Campus

15 Feb 2027
3 years
Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Domestic: $10,600

    This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

15 Feb 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

3 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 5 days per week
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
  • Domestic: $10,600

    This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

South Bank

On Campus

09 Aug 2027
3 years
Full time up to 5 days per week
  • Domestic: $10,600

    This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

09 Aug 2027
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

3 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time up to 5 days per week
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
  • Domestic: $10,600

    This is an indicative fee for one year of full-time study for domestic students. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design) (ARB007)

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Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)

COURSE CODE: ARB007
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
HECS-HELP

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for eligible students studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place, that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.

Learn more

 

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Admission into this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:

  • Year 12 ATAR
  • diploma pathway
  • other Australian qualification
  • work experience
  • overseas qualification

We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to university via alternate pathway programs and admission schemes. More information is available on the University of Canberra website.

Resources required

It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection to access the University of Canberra’s online learning system Canvas, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is embedded within this degree.

Important information

Articulation

  • Any one-year TAFE Queensland Diploma (or equivalent) can articulate with 24 credit point transfer, which equates to one year full time study (or 8 units).
  • 24 credit point transfer, which can equates to one year of full time study (or 8 units) from any other degree program


Prerequisites for the following units:

11064 Design for Digital Contexts - Level 2

  1.      11062 Visual Communication Theory and Principle
  2.      11063 Principles of Typography and Layout
    OR equivalent

11065 Visual Branding and Identity Systems - Level 2

  1.     11062 Visual Communication Theory and Principle
  2.     11063 Principles of Typography and Layout
    OR equivalent

11068 Cross-Cultural Design Strategy - Level 2

  1.     11063 Principles of Typography and Layout
    OR equivalent

11067 Packaging Design and Communication - Level 2

  1.     11041 Visual Representation Techniques 
    OR equivalent


See condition for the units below:

11017 Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated Learning - Level 2

Students must have passed 24 credits points in the course AND one of the following units:

  • 10333 Professional Orientation: Arts OR 10334 Professional Orientation Built Environment 
    OR 
  • 10335 Professional Orientation: Communication and Media 
    OR
  • 10336 Professional Orientation: Design OR 11591 Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design)

11066 Experiential Graphic Design - Level 3

Must have passed 18 credit points from:

  • SM0012 Specialist Major in Visual Communication Design 
    AND 
  • Must have passed 12 credit points from CM0003 Core Major in Design 
    OR equivalent

11018 Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated Learning - Level 3

Students must have passed 36 credits points in the course AND one of the following units: 

  • 10333 Professional Orientation: Arts 
    OR 
  • 10334 Professional Orientation: Built Environment 
    OR 
  • 10335 Professional Orientation: Communication and Media 
    OR 
  • 10336 Professional Orientation: Design 
    OR 
  • 11591 Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design)

11069 Information Visualisation - Level 3

  • 18 credit points from SM0012 Specialist Major in Visual Communication Design
    AND 
  • 12 credit points from CM0003 Core Major in Design 
    OR equivalent 


Suggested Electives:
Year 2, Semester 1 - 11593 Creative Practice 1 - Level 1 (3 Credit points)
Year 3, Semester 2 - 11594 Creative Practice 2 - Level 2 (3 Credit points)

Student Services and Amenities Fee:
You will be required to pay a SSAF.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.