This course focuses on graphic design in combination with the innovative new technologies and communication channels at the heart of the entertainment, advertising and creative industries.
Working with a variety of media, and focusing on the dimension of movement, it explores the emerging practices and possibilities in the communication of information, typography and graphics.
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
The course encourages an exploration of motion graphics in an international design context. Students learn to develop and research their own work for a wide variety of industry contexts.
Projects may be developed in areas of the subject ranging from various types of video and animation practices, to experimentation with motion graphics for 3D design, alternative and mobile spaces.
You will be expected to show an ethical awareness and an understanding of the impact that 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:
- study of video and animation
- study of illustrative practices
- exploration of 3D experimentation
- virtual environments
- digital media techniques
- post-production techniques; and
- techniques for creative direction.
How you study
MA Motion Graphic Design is one of five specialist courses within the broader area of visual communication at Masters level in the School; the others being MA Branding and Identity Design; MA Design For Publication, MA Graphic Design and MA Illustration. You attend lectures, seminars and workshops with students from these other subject areas; cross disciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
You attend regular group tutorials throughout the course with an appointed supervisor and receive seminars on topics relevant to your chosen subject.
You present and critique practical work in these group sessions and debate issues arising from them as part of the process.
You also join in lectures, presentations and programmed events by industry professionals and experts from within the broader contexts of graphic 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 throughout. This subject area benefits from comprehensive multimedia suites, photographic studios and darkrooms, traditional and digital print facilities, 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.
We have excellent links with the design industry and host regular guest lectures. Recently, in the specific area of Motion Graphic Design, this has included lectures by Mike Smith from Channel Four News, Noah Harris from Channel E4 and Frazer Davidson from Mainframe.
Study trips include the 4 Designers design conference in London, an annual trends conference, and visits to established design agencies Jupiter Design and Purple Circle.
Recent projects in this area include:
- the development of a 3D stereoscopic mobile phone interface
- an investigation into the influence of national culture on visual identities for broadcasting for a Greek TV station; and
- the development of an interactive website for the hip-hop dance community.
Career destinations
Future careers in the area of motion graphic design include post-production in film and video; animation, creative direction; concept development and the development of creative business opportunities in visual communications.
Recent students 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
Applications for this course should be made through our website. Apply now for our MA Motion 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 Motion 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.
