Bachelor of Creative Media in Graphic Design, Murdoch University, Perth

The Bachelor of Creative Media in Graphic Design is an industry focused program that integrates innovative design strategy with practical skills for a range of print and digital media contexts.
Taught by staff with extensive industry experience, the course provides a strong work-related learning experience that prepares students for a range of print (branding and publication design), digital (web, mobile app,) and communication design (user experience and service design) sectors.
In the first year students will engage core hands on skills in visual problem solving and authentic graphic design production techniques through a range of industry relevant projects. Second year focuses on professional projects that extend graphic design skills in the context of commercial standards and expectations. In the final year students will engage a range of client driven work in order to develop a portfolio encompassing both print, digital and communication design environments, for a dynamic and rapidly changing global industry.

 STAFF

Dr Mark Cypher-Senior Lecturer- Artist, Principle -(BoxCudos.com)
Erica Ormsby-Art Director, Graphic Designer – (Mako Media)

Sample Enrollment in Graphic Design

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS

Drawing
This unit is an introduction to the principles of drawing. Through set projects, students will explore the rigorous formal, conceptual, analytical and expressive drawing techniques to develop and expand their drawing skills.

Introduction to Graphic Design
 This unit explores visual communication as it relates to the processes, techniques, and creative possibilities of graphic design production. Throughout the unit students develop a thorough and culturally informed understanding of the aesthetics, functions, social and cultural contexts of graphic design. Students will also develop practical design skills through the rigorous development of numerous graphic design projects. The required level of software proficiency is attained by both in-class and external exercises.

Web Design
This unit provides students with a solid basis in the theory, design and technology of website design. It examines the application of visual communication and graphic design along with the integration of HTML, CSS and Java script in responsive web design. This unit also looks at web development, interaction design, user experience, content strategies and project management for the web.

Brand and Identity Design
This unit explores the construction of identity and brand in the context of specific markets and how this identity is then communicated through visual design strategies. Students will be introduced to contemporary branding, logo design,  identity systems and how they are applied to a range of print and digital contexts.

Publication Design
This unit focuses on a wide range of desktop publishing techniques in the design and production of print      based publications. Concepts of pre-press, creating artwork for print, typography, layout and print production techniques are introduced at a theoretical level and implemented in practical project based work.

Interaction and Mobile App Design
This unit explores the theory and practice of interaction, interface and information design particularly in relation to interaction mediums such as the web, screen devices and games. A range of interaction design methods will be explored such as user experience design, goals centred design, prototyping, usability testing, information architecture and interface design 

Client Web Design
This unit explores more advanced aspects of the design and development of websites for real world clients, such as engaging responsive design, content management systems and project management aspects. Students participate in group-based design, production and project management methods toward the successful completion of a project for a real world client. 

Creative Media Project 2
This unit provides an opportunity for students to produce an industry-level project as well as develop a professional portfolio showcasing a larger body of work developed throughout their degree. Students will also be introduced to promotion strategies in order to advertise their portfolios.

Information and Service Design
This unit explores the theory and methods required to design solutions for real world service and information design problems. Students will be introduced to service design methods and how they might be used to improve the needs, touchpoints and workflow for a client’s real world service. Students will also explore ways to visually communicate complex issues, problems or solutions so that information is easy to understand and accessible to a specific audience, that in turn meets a range of objectives for a real world client.

Consulting and Freelancing
This unit focuses on the business and management of setting up and running a creative practice as a freelancer in an online environment. This will involve focusing on business fundamentals, taxation, contracts, estimating, budgets, grant writing and securing funding for freelancers.

Client Consultancy
This is a specified elective unit of the Bachelor of Creative Media that requires students to apply their discipline skills to a client driven project. Students will work in a consultancy context and be supervised by a lecturer whilst tackling a client brief using methods appropriate to their discipline. Students can undertake the project individually or as a member of a team of peers.

NOTE: Students are strongly advised to apply for our competitive Internships  or Workplacements program with local graphic design companies.

Enquire online about your study options at Murdoch University, or apply now.