Graphic Design & Advertising
Credit: Julia Dela Pena, 4th Year Graphic Design & Advertising, Ramen Flavoured Chips - Package Design.
Bachelor of Design
Shape culture, brands and experiences with bold ideas and real-world impact.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Design – Visual Communications Design Stream (Major) | 120 | 4 years, full-time | In-person, studio | School of Communication Design (SCD) |
Enter the fast lane of creative communication, where bold ideas meet razor-sharp design. At AUArts, Graphic Design & Advertising is where creative strategy and cultural influence connect. This program will challenge you to think critically and visually, turning research and ideas into compelling messages and memorable experiences across print, digital and emerging media.
Program Overview
The Graphic Design & Advertising stream is all about visual impact—brand storytelling, campaign creation, digital content and design for the real world. You’ll craft everything from eye-popping posters and packaging to digital ads and interactive experiences, all while mastering typography, branding and creative direction.
You’ll learn to engage audiences, research and develop creative strategies while crafting influential design and advertising campaigns. Courses foster conceptual inventiveness and bold experimentation, giving you the practical skills and creative confidence to stand out—whether you want to launch a campaign, build a brand or transform public perception.
Program Highlights
- Concept to campaign: Build a complete toolkit—from foundational design skills to advanced creative direction.
- Interdisciplinary & collaborative: Tackle real-world challenges through studio projects, team critiques and hands-on learning.
- Media fluent: Work across print, web, mobile, motion, packaging, branding, environmental and experiential design and more.
- Strategic thinking: Learn how to research, position and communicate for maximum audience impact.
- Portfolio & Professionalism: Graduate with a standout portfolio, real-world project experience and the professional skills to thrive in todays design industry.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Graphic Design & Advertising stream will:
- Shape and communicate compelling messages using typography, imagery and design concepts.
- Research and develop unique creative strategies tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.
- Design for print, digital, motion, environmental and experiential media.
- Apply critical and ethical frameworks to visual communication and advertising.
- Collaborate across disciplines and work effectively in studio, agency or entrepreneurial settings.
- Develop a distinctive, industry-ready portfolio and personal brand that sets you apart.
Faculty
AUArts design faculty are practicing designers, art directors and strategists with national and international experience. They bring expertise across branding, digital media, packaging, advertising, motion, editorial and social impact design. Technicians support students in labs, studios and production spaces, ensuring you have access and experience with the latest tools and technologies.
Faculty
Studio Technicians
Alumni
Our alumni have led creative teams, founded agencies and won global design awards.
Graphic Design & Advertising Alumni
Studio Facilities
Graphic Design & Advertising students have access to:
- Mac & PC computer labs equipped with 4K monitors, capable of handling GPU intensive 3D graphics processes like 3D modelling, rendering, scanning and XR.
- Industry-standard software, including:
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Blender
- Toon Boom Harmony Pro 22
- Audacity
- Rhino 3D
- Keyshot
- Sound labs and editing suites for audio, post-production and motion graphics.
- Access to photography, printmaking and media arts studios for interdisciplinary projects.
- Collaboration spaces for group projects and critiques.
- Access maker spaces for prototyping and installation work.
Career Paths
Graphic Design & Advertising graduates work at leading agencies, design studios, media companies and as independent creatives across the world.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director / Creative Director
- Brand Strategist
- Advertising Copywriter or Creative
- Digital Product Designer
- UI/UX Designer
- Motion Designer
- Package Designer
- Environmental & Experiential Designer
- Information Designer
- Freelancer, Studio Owner or Consultant
Culture & Community
Graphic Design & Advertising is a community of makers, strategists and innovators who craft bold ideas into powerful messages.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons.
About the Graphic Design & Advertising Stream
This major-style program within AUArts' Bachelor of Design is your launchpad into the evolving worlds of graphic design and advertising. Develop as a creative, strategic thinker and visual communicator as you learn to understand and engage audiences, research and form creative strategies and craft powerful, influential messages. All while building a unique portfolio to launch your future.