GDES10001 Graphic Design Studio 1: Image & Text
University of Melbourne · Level 1 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- No final exam: all coursework
- About 3 class hours a week
Is GDES10001 hard?
GDES10001: About average. Not counted by Bachelor of Science, so it isn't on its lists. Makes it easier: No final exam, First-year subject.
What you learn
First graphic design studio: type, image making and combining the two through hands-on projects.
After it you can
- Combine type and image in a layout
- Try out several design options for a brief
- Build and present a design portfolio
What you need first
None
What it leads to
Careers
Helps toward: Graphic designer, Landscape architect, Interior Designer, Architect, Interaction designer, Performance designer, Service designer, User experience designer, Web and social media developer
How it’s assessed
Projects 100%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 4 students on StudentVIP (2023–2024)
- Reviewers described it as loose and arty: briefs are open, and much depends on your tutor.
- Adobe software such as Illustrator is used but barely taught, so prior experience helps a lot.
- Marking felt subjective and high marks were hard to get. Those who already enjoy graphic design liked it; others found it unfulfilling.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate GDES10001
Quick answers
- When is GDES10001 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking GDES10001?
- No prerequisites.
- Does GDES10001 have a final exam?
- No, there is no final exam. Assessment: Projects 100%.
- Is GDES10001 hard?
- From 4 student reviews on StudentVIP: Reviewers described it as loose and arty: briefs are open, and much depends on your tutor.
- What do students say about GDES10001?
- Reviewers described it as loose and arty: briefs are open, and much depends on your tutor. Adobe software such as Illustrator is used but barely taught, so prior experience helps a lot. Marking felt subjective and high marks were hard to get. Those who already enjoy graphic design liked it; others found it unfulfilling.
- How many class hours a week does GDES10001 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take GDES10001 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art).
- What can I take after GDES10001?
- 1 subjects need it first, for example GDES20002.
- Can I rate GDES10001?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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