MA Communication Design - Book Design pathway

Year 1

Students on the Book Design pathway work on three modules. The first involves a series of seminars that cover key areas in typography and book design, and build a foundation in critical reading and research methods. These seminars are shared with other master’s students, and include reading and discussion of key texts, and preparation of a presentation to peers.

The practical module for the Book Design pathway focuses on design for printed books and digital publishing platforms with cross-reference to related theories and histories of typographic design and visual culture. A lively studio environment is fostered through assignments for clients, practical projects set by practising designers, and through access to traditional and digital printing facilities.

The third module comprises preparation and work for a substantial dissertation, on an area that may be connected to the work in the other modules of the programme.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a design-related subject. For exceptional candidates without such a degree, you will need convincing evidence of relevant professional experience. In most cases, a relevant practice portfolio and an example of academic writing are also required. A relevant practice portfolio is essential. In most cases, an example of academic writing is also required. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interview.

The personal statement needs to demonstrate:

• an ability to articulate clear career goals and interests that align with the programme and pathway applied for
• the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for.

The portfolio needs to demonstrate that applicants can:

• conceptualise, develop and evaluate projects in response to design briefs
• incorporate relevant research into project work
• use text and images effectively in page layout design
• use typography to articulate and organise text (familiarity with text using the Latin or Roman alphabet must be demonstrated)
• demonstrate engagement with appropriate communication design genres and contexts. These might include branding and marketing, editorial design, exhibition design, information design, packaging, social media, and/or user interface design
• use Adobe InDesign for typesetting, layout and prepress design work
• use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit images (such as diagrams, illustrations, photographs).

It is advantageous if the portfolio also shows: 

• a strong foundation in complex typographic work
• experience using digital prototyping tools (such as: Sketch, Adobe HD, Invision, etc.)
• evidence of any complementary skills, such as: copyrighting, data journalism, illustration, marketing, motion graphics, project management, or technical communication.

The interview needs to demonstrate:

• how the applicant’s career goals and interests align with the programme and pathway applied for
• the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for
• an ability to articulate research interests and/or skills relevant to the programme and pathway applied for.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250 per year

New international students: £18,650 per year

We have an excellent employment record. Graduates take up positions with established book publishers and studios specialising in publication design. Many develop their own businesses and practices and some go on to PhD research and academic careers. Previous employers have included Apple, Financial Times, Microsoft Typography, Monotype, Nokia, Oxford University Press and the Victoria & Albert Museum.