MA Communication Design: Graphic Design Pathway

Overview

MA Communication Design: Graphic Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.

Working closely with global experts and established industry contributors, students develop their design skills within a framework of informed originality and excellence in practice. This approach brings together problem-solving for contemporary applications, contextual knowledge, sound professional judgement, and a reflective attitude to design exploration.

MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. These pathways allow for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.

Shared lectures, seminars and practical workshops enable students to develop fundamental knowledge of typography and specific areas of communication design. Additional taught sessions on reflective practice and research methods give students unique access to internationally significant collections and archives held by the University and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. These sessions equip students with the skills to interrogate original material for research, and provide insight into how practice connects with changing means of production, the wider historical context, and critical design discourse.

MA Communication Design combines elements of publication and editorial design with user-centred design, supported by advanced typography. Students work on projects that engage with text-intensive print and digital applications in each of these areas.

Entry requirements

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. 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.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500

New international students: £21,350

Careers

The Communication Design pathway equips graduates with the practical skills, intellectual attitude and lifelong learning abilities that are essential for a successful career in a rapidly evolving field. Overall, 97% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

Graduates can expect to take up positions in branding and design studios, with publishers, and information design studios. Many of our graduates develop their own businesses, or take up managerial roles in creative firms. Previous employers have included Apple, Financial Times, Microsoft Typography, Monotype, Nokia, Oxford University Press and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.