The approach to this programme is conceptual with a strong touch of applied focus. What will be stressed is the ability to function professionally as graphic communication designers who possess the mastery of the visual communication complexities as well as being media and technology savvy.

The primary educational objective of the Graphic Communication Design Department (GCDD) is to help students to focus on communicating their artistic interest and talent to create coherent and viable visual elements and images that general audience will understand and respond to. The course prepares student to use design in solving problems for clients creatively. Graphic Communication includes a market segment that embraces the technologies of printing, branding, advertising, publishing, packaging, electronic imaging and their allied industries, commonly referred to as the graphic design, graphic arts, print, advertising or imaging industries.

Graphic Communication Design course is a technology-based, four-year degree program designed to provide learning and training in modern principles and practices used in the printing, branding, advertising, and graphic communication design industry. A comprehensive hands-on approach aligned with the design theories and cultural adaptations ensures that students receive a marketable set of skills within a positive learning environment.
 
The goal of the program is to help the student develop personal and professional competencies in communications, design thinking, problem solving, teamwork, electronic pre-press, production technologies, and post-press operations that will help lead to successful employment. The program structure is in line with the national skills standards for the graphic communication design and printing industry.
 
Program topics include: design thinking, typography, branding process, visual communication, problem solving, basic layout & design, image construction, presentation skills, 2D & 3D drawing, cross cultural design, design theory, design management and interactive multimedia. Students are exposed to the computer software applications commonly used in this industry, such as page layout, design, image manipulation, and computer graphics. Other topics include: digital photography, industry placement, digital scanning and printing, and basic electronic pre-press, offset press operation, post-press operation skills, paper technology and screen-printing.

Our fleet of equipment is constantly being modernized to offer an expanded range of technical skills. Some of our equipment and new additions include: Graphic Studio Room, Computer Lab, Printing Studio, Drawing Studio, Photography Studio (under construction), Paper Making Studio, Performance Hall, Open Air Space Projector and Ceramic Studio. A practiced design studio – UDesign Lab, is also running under the management of the School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia. 

Graphic Communication Design Club (GCDC) is also open for university’s student participation each semester to enhance the Graphic Communication students to run and manage independently design project throughout the year.

Minimum entry requirements to all programmes are Malaysian Higher School Certificate of Education and Malaysian Certificate of Education with a credit pass in Bahasa Malaysia. Applicants with previous professional / industrial experience may be accepted in lieu of some, or all, of the formal academic requirements.

As for the international students, academic qualifications which are considered to be equivalent will be placed into consideration. Applicants will be advised on the matter.

STPM with PNGK 2.67, MUET- band 1, interview & audition, art & design portfolio (to be reviewed during interview), pass the USM MunsYI Test, matriculate with PNGK 2.67 (for applicants from matriculation programme only), diploma that are recognized by the university senate (for applicants from diploma programme only) AND pass the USM interview.

Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Exhibition Designer, Advertising Designer, Public Relations, Packaging Designer, Design Educationist, Print Media Designer, Illustrator, Visualizer, Design Promoters, Design Writer, Marketing, Design Manager, Management, Advertising and Business Field.