The scope of graphic design today is truly dynamic, ranging from advertising in all its many forms, to information design, packaging, retail and corporate communications on a global scale. The course allows for individual development, focused on print-based design, across a wide range of project types within these areas.
This course focuses on creative thinking and innovation, to equip you with a range of specialist visual and problem-solving skills and push the boundaries in the ways and formats that core ideas and messages are communicated and conveyed
Study routes
You can study this course:
Our MA by Registered Project is a flexible route that can be adapted to your individual studying needs.
Scholarships
The School of Art & Design is offering a number of scholarships for full-time Masters study. To find out more visit our Postgraduate Scholarships webpage.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
Please note the following information for applicants
Course focus
Through the proposal, research and development of a major project, you will increase your understanding and use of professional thought and methodology so as to develop advanced practice in your chosen area.
Your project could be located in new or future markets, as well as those which are already established. Its purpose could be to create communication for traditional, commercial, government, charitable, industrial or service-based clients.
Whatever physical form your final design takes, you will be expected to show an ethical awareness and an understanding of the impact design can have on the environment.
Assessment
Assessment is by coursework and a presentation at the end of each stage, culminating in the exposition of your work towards the end of the course.
Course content includes:
- development of research skills, with a focus on gaining insights into markets, audience, current technologies, media channels and materials used in professional practice
- investigation into the area of audience perception of visual language
- development of message and meaning
- experimentation with media and material
- critical debate and development of presentation skills; and
- negotiated workshops in specific technologies and materials to meet individual project development.
How you study
MA Graphic Design is one of the School’s five specialist courses within the broader area of visual communication at Masters level. The others are MA Branding and Identity Design, MA Design For Publication, MA Illustration and MA Motion Graphic Design. Throughout the course you will attend lectures, seminars and workshops with students from these other subject areas and crossdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
You will also attend regular group tutorials with an appointed supervisor and take part in seminars. During these group sessions you will present and critique practical work and debate issues arising from them as part of the process.
You will also take part in lectures, study visits, presentations and events led by industry professionals and experts from within the broader contexts of design.
Students are asked to develop and maintain a reflective journal; this is a record of your project’s journey and will include critical analysis, research, evaluation of thoughts and activities, as well as professional theory and practice in relation to your subject.
Special facilities
We offer a creative, supportive environment with industry-standard equipment. This includes comprehensive multimedia and digital video editing suites, photographic studios and darkrooms, and a large suite of latest generation Apple Macs.
Learning opportunities
You are encouraged to visit industry contacts and attend conferences to connect with current practice and developments, and to take part in live briefs and competitions.
Recently, students have participated in:
- the 4 Designers design conference in London, an annual trends conference featuring leading designers and practice-based
workshops - student awards and creative briefs run by the Young Creative Network, a UK-wide organisation supporting new talent in the field of graphic design
- a specialised design for print development workshop led by prestigious paper and stock suppliers GF Smith
- competitions set by sector leaders such as D&AD London, The Roses Awards and the International Society of Typographic Designers; and
- interaction with creative businesses, design agencies and studios;recently this has included established national agencies such as Jupiter Design and Purple Circle.
Career destinations
Our graduates go on to work in literature design for business, government, social and charitable agencies; advertising; design for direct mail and other sales literature; wayfinding design and information design.
Graphic designers collaborate with other creative and technology specialists to produce web and other screen-based media, packaging and a wide range of consumer-facing communications.
Recent graduates have set up their own successful businesses, progressed to further study, worked within related careers in the design sector and also returned to their previous occupations with a new focus and vigour.
If you are interested in starting your own creative business, the University provides start-up training and support through The Hive business incubator unit.
Work placements
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links with industry.
How to apply
Apply now for our MA Graphic Design.
You can study this course:
Our MA by Registered Project is a flexible route that can be adapted to your individual studying needs.
Application deadline
Applications should normally be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Overseas applicants must take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying for an MA course.
Personal Statement
Your course of study will be based on the research, development and production of a major project that you'll propose.
Your personal statement should be submitted as part of your online application form in the personal statement field.
It should be approximately 500 words and include the following:
- your aims and motivations to study within Graphic Design
- what you hope to achieve upon graduation from this course
- any specialist areas or ideas that you'd like to explore within your studies
- any practical skills that you possess that you think are relevant to your studies.
Please also include what your expertise is within the subject area, and whether you have any professional working experience.
Examples of work
In order for us to consider your application, we need you to submit examples of your practical work.
Please upload these as part of your online application.
For full details on what we require, please read our Masters Work Submission information 
.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Art & Design, and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP)
If you don't currently have the English Language requirements for this course, we offer a range of PEAP courses that will help you improve your language skills.
We offer six to thirty week courses, according to your current language level. Even if you have achieved the English language requirements for this Masters course, our six week course is highly recommended as it is an ideal preparation and study skills course which is very important for successful academic study.
Find out more about our Pre-sessional English Academic Purposes courses.
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate art and design courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities. Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course or admissions, please contact us.
