MA Design Communication: Graphic Design*

Content

This course offers you the chance to extend your practice and explore new areas in the changing world of industry and design. You’ll learn to be independent, research effectively, question and be critical, and sustain practice for the long term.

You’ll study a curriculum carefully sequenced to deliver a dynamic student journey over three intensive terms.

The first term will include an immersive introduction to diverse graphic arts practices. You’ll be asked to push your existing perception of graphic design processes, becoming familiar with a breadth of techniques and technologies while responding innovatively to set briefs.

At the end of the first term, you'll explore and connect arts research and discourse across a community of postgraduate peers. This will result in the presentation of bold, change-making creative proposals.

The second term will provide opportunities for you to develop your graphic response to contemporary discourse in graphic design. Through conceptual and technical experimentation, you’ll realise a body of creative work. This development leads into the third term, where you'll have the opportunity to realise your ideas within a supportive community of interdisciplinary practice, technical expertise, and academic criticality when completing your final project.

You’ll present your work to the public at our MA Showcase.

Throughout the year, you'll develop your understanding of enterprise within the creative industries and develop knowledge of the contemporary character and conventions of the creative economy. You'll have the opportunity to refine your professional skills, attributes and identity in preparation to succeed in an uncertain and complex cultural landscape.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Our industry-inspired family of Design Communication courses work together in an interdisciplinary learning environment. This approach nurtures collaboration and knowledge exchange across different fields of study, allowing you to deepen your expertise within your chosen discipline while engaging with broader creative and critical perspectives. 

You’ll study through a combination of one-to-one tutorials, group sessions, seminars, lectures, technical workshops and live projects. Our teaching team includes award-winning practitioners, technical experts and leading academics and researchers, all committed to providing an innovative and inclusive learning experience.

As you move through the course, you’ll find a greater level of independence and the freedom to follow a specific area of interest. You’ll be encouraged to externalise your projects through collaborations, live briefs, and direct engagement with your chosen industry. Our students regularly work with a broad range of community groups, galleries, design studios and arts organisations. 

See our full glossary of teaching and learning terms.

Study time

This is a full-time course, which starts in September and runs for three terms over 12 months. Learning and teaching sessions typically take place over three days per week. Outside of your contact hours, you’ll have the opportunity to access the available resources.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a range of methods throughout the year including presentations, a portfolio, and practical and written work. You’ll spend your last term working towards your final outcomes for the year, which includes an opportunity to exhibit publicly. 

Learn more about our assessments.