Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Handbook 2010

Single degrees

Bachelor of Graphic Design – Bendigo (RBVAGD)

This course aims to equip students with the creative and technical skills necessary for employment as a graphic designer in a variety of professional situations. The Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design) involves three years of full-time study. This course is also available at the Mildura Campus.

Course structure

The course is undertaken by full-time study over three years. It may also be undertaken by part-time study after consultation with the Graphic Design Selection Committee. Prospective students should check course details with the course coordinator prior to enrolment. All subjects are compulsory. This course is valued at 120 credit points per year.

First year
Teaching period Subject title Subject code
TE-SEM-1 Applied Design 1 VPA1AD1
TE-SEM-1 Art and Visual Culture A VPA1VCA
TE-SEM-1 Design Studies 1 VPA1DS1
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Media Workshop A VPA1MWA
TE-SEM-2 Applied Design 2 VPA1AD2
TE-SEM-2 Art and Visual Culture B VPA1VCB
TE-SEM-2 Design Studies 2 VPA1DS2
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Media Workshop B VPA1MWB
Second year
Teaching period Subject title Subject code
TE-SEM-1 Applied Design 3 VPA2AD3
TE-SEM-1 Design Studies 3 VPA2DS3
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Media Workshop C VPA2MWC
TE-SEM-2 Applied Design 4 VPA2AD4
TE-SEM-2 Design Studies 4 VPA2DS4
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Media Workshop D VPA2MWD
Third year
Teaching period Subject title Subject code
TE-SEM-1 Applied Design 5 VPA3AD5
TE-SEM-1 Design Studies 5 VPA3DS5
TE-SEM-1 Graphic Design Professional Practice A VPA3GPA
TE-SEM-2 Applied Design 6 VPA3AD6
TE-SEM-2 Design Studies 6 VPA3DS6
TE-SEM-2 Graphic Design Professional Practice B VPA3GPB

During staff–student engagement time, teaching will occur in the form of lectures, workshops, technical demonstrations, tutorials, individual consultation and studio practice as dictated by the student’s approved research proposal. When staff are not present outside of formal engagement times, studio technical support staff will be available for technical demonstrations, information and assistance. From semester two of the second year onwards, studies are built upon specific studio components and developed through sustained studio practice and independent research.

Studio major

Graphic design, illustration, photography, visual communication.

Facilities available

Facilities for graphic design include large design studios, colour and monochrome dark rooms and photography studios equipped with electronic flash and access to industry standard image formats. A computer graphics and digital design laboratory is furnished with 32 high-end Macintosh computers, CD burners, scanners and a Final Cut Pro digital video-editing suite.

Regulations

While it is permissible to take longer than three years to complete the course, any subject failed must be passed on the second attempt in the consecutive semester or year. Any formal written examination will be moderated. Reconsideration is not possible for the studio-based subjects Theory and Methodologies in Studio Practice, Visual Arts Media Workshops, and Comparative Studies in Visual Media, where the whole folio is assessed by a panel of examiners.

Special assessment details

Visual Arts Media Workshop and Comparative Studies in Visual Media subjects will be progressively assessed on three assignments per semester. Theory and Methodologies in Studio Practice subjects are based on folio assessments, which will be assessed by a panel of staff responsible for studio subjects. The examination panel for the Theory and Methodologies in Studio Practice F assessment includes outside moderators selected for their high standing in visual arts.

Visual Arts electives for non-Bachelor of Visual Arts or Bachelor of Graphic Design students are available. Subjects include options in:

  • Ceramics
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Photojournalism
  • Painting/Drawing
  • Visual Arts Practice are tailored to the Education degrees.
Teaching period Subject title Subject code
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Practice A VPA1APA
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Practice C VPA2APC
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Practice E VPA3APE
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Media Workshop A VPA1MWA
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Media Workshop C VPA2MWC
TE-SEM-1 Visual Arts Media Workshop E VPA3MWE
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Practice B VPA1APB
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Practice D VPA2APD
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Practice F VPA3APF
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Media Workshop B VPA1MWB
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Media Workshop D VPA2MWD
TE-SEM-2 Visual Arts Media Workshop F VPA3MWF