MA Graphic Design Communication

Unit 1 - Exploring emergent design contexts and practices

This unit is an introduction to your course, the college and the university.
 

• Inductions to learning resources and workshops

• To be introduced to the 4 key elements of the course - research folder, portfolio of practice, study proposal and critical writing

• To develop your observational, research and analytical skills

• To be introduced to critical thinking within design-based practice

• To be introduced to research methods in design which considers the role, purpose, structure and process of research. 

• To look at the impact social, cultural, ethical and economic factors have studio on graphic communication design

• To submit work in progress including an annotated bibliography and a 1,500-word project proposal

• To be introduced to the three research themes: Proximities and Encounters, Mobilising the Studio, and Materiality and the Post Real

Unit 2 - Developing a design framework: critical and practical

In this unit you will start to build your individual project proposal. It will be a period of creative exploration and academic discovery.
 

• To look at existing and emerging design theory and practice

• To develop a design framework from which to work from

• To contribute to a working peer group identified by a shared theme

• To be able to communicate how you situate your practice in relation to other practitioners

• To formulate a clear direction for you practice and writing

• To take part in cross MA Design courses collaborations and learning opportunities

• To submit work in progress and a 3000-word document

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:
 

• BA (Hons) degree or equivalent academic qualifications

• Alternative qualifications and experience will also be taken into consideration

• Personal statement - within the personal statement you should discuss your professional and academic background. You should provide a clear explanation of your goals whilst on the course and afterwards, and how the course is suited to supporting these goals. This statement should address one of the 3 research themes. Limit your statement to 500 words

• Portfolio of work

Each application will be considered on its own merit, but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
 

• Related academic or work experience

• The quality of the personal statement

• A strong academic or other professional reference

• A combination of these factors

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English is not your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:
 

• IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Home fee
£11,550

International fee
£23,610

Many graduates are employed in interdisciplinary design studios and as senior designers in graphic and communication design companies. Graduates have also founded their own design studios working across digital environments and physical spaces as well as specialist publishing and new forms of graphic content.