Our MA Graphic Design course is designed to create accomplished designers and thinkers, whose practice is shaped by innovation in a discipline that is at the forefront of global communication.
Central to the course is an intensive practice-led enquiry, which will take the shape of a major project that you will create. Through visual exploration, contextual research and reflection, you will gain a deeper understanding of this exciting discipline.
Key features
- Develop a project tailored to your own personal interests and career aspirations
- Engage with industry by undertaking short internships and studio visits.
- Work in our dedicated Art & Design postgraduate studio
- Benefit from regular lectures from leading figures in the design industry
- Attend workshops such as Locating your Practice as a Graphic Designer, Typography and Branding and Ideation for designers in addition to technical workshops
- Opt for an additional advanced research module if you’re thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study.
- We are proud to be in the top ten in England and Wales for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020).
Student profiles
What you'll study
At the start of the course you’ll work on short projects which are aimed at challenging conventions and giving you the intellectual grounding that you need for your MA project. You’ll then focus on a subject of your choice and through research, development and testing, create a bespoke design project which truly represents your own specific interests as a designer.
You’ll also benefit from working alongside other Masters students from Branding and Identity, Design and Illustration, providing you with the opportunity to collaborate.
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Year One
You can opt to complete this module as either 180 credit points, or as 160 credit points with an additional module in Advanced Art and Design Research worth 20 credit points.
Graphic Design
(180 credit points or 160 credit points)
Phase One:Creative Research and Development You’ll work on a self-negotiated Masters project proposal, and on short design briefs or national design competition briefs. You’ll establish good practice in Masters learning methods, and develop sound approaches to creative research and design development.
Group tutorials with your appointed supervisor will give you an opportunity to present your work in progress and to receive feedback and advice on the development of your set projects and Masters project proposal.
With support from your supervisor and fellow students, you’ll research and develop your Masters project, ready for review and presentation at the end of the phase. To complement your project work, you’ll also set personal learning aims in a journal of professional practice. In this journal, you’ll record your research into current and future trends in your specialism. You’ll also be given set topics to explore in the wider context of research and development methodologies, techniques and processes in the creative industries. These topics and tasks may require illustrated case studies, the presentation of trend data, analysis of industry reports, and of emerging influences, materials or technologies.Phase Two:
Creative Development and Testing In this phase you’ll continue to develop your negotiated MA project. You’ll take an experimental approach, stretching the boundaries of your existing thought and practice to explore originality and innovation. You’ll examine future trends and emerging thought in your subject area, and combine research findings with imagination to propose new thought and practice.
You’ll conduct regular testing of the interim stages of project development, using appropriate methods of research and evaluation. Group tutorials with your appointed supervisor will provide an opportunity for you to present your work in progress, receive feedback, and set goals.
If you opt for the 180 credit point version of this module, you’ll continue to keep a journal of professional practice. You’ll use it to record your personal learning aims, and as a focus for learning across the broader context of your area of specialist study.Phase Three:
Design for Production and Media You’ll complete your Masters project and investigate and apply methods of production which, where practical, align with professional practice.
You’ll use suitable industry-standard software and select, reference and specify appropriate materials. You’ll continue to attend group tutorials, presenting work in progress and receiving feedback and advice on the further development of your project.
In your journal of professional practice, you’ll show and reference advanced knowledge of commercial processes, production and media commonly used for the design and distribution of graphic design media. Final outcomes must include background material that shows the development of your project work, including sketchbooks, screen shots, and other supporting visual items.Optional research module
Advanced Art and Design Research
(20 credit points)
This module will expose you to a range of different research methods across diverse practice-led research projects and research-led practices within Art and Design. If you are interested in pursuing your practice in the form of a PhD, this module will prepare you for further study.
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
How you’re taught
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- lectures
- individual and group tutorials
- seminars
- workshops
- live projects and competition briefs
- independent studio practice
- self-directed research.
Specific workshops may include:
- Locating Your Practice as a Graphic Designer
- Typography
- Branding and Ideation for Designers
- technical workshops.
Find out when our postgraduate term dates for the School of Art & Design are. Please note that these are slightly different to other Schools within the University.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% by coursework and involves:
- project proposal
- set project research and development
- Professional Journal
- practical work
- verbal and visual presentations
- the planning and design of a display of your work.
Attend workshops covering typography, visual language, branding, storyboarding and life drawing sessions.
Careers and employability
Connections with industry
We’ll support and encourage you to undertake short internships and studio visits to engage with industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to enter industry competitions and take on live projects.
Recent examples have included:
- RSA competition briefs
- Creative Conscience competitions – focused on ethically conscious design
- collaborative projects with galleries such as Nottingham Contemporary.
You’ll benefit from guest lectures from visiting professionals who will cover a wide range of creative and professional practice.
Recent guests have come from companies such as:
- Baxter and Bailey
- Landor Brand consulting and Design
- Chrissie Levett from Creative Conscience Awards
- social media consultant, Debbiedooodah.
You’ll also benefit from design graduates returning to give guest lectures through our Graphic Design Symposium. Recent visiting alumni include Reece Hines, brand strategist for Blup, and Stuart Watson, creative director of Nomad.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship skills through business development courses (such as The Hive’s HeadStart programme), and attend events held by industry experts and organisations. You will keep a professional journal, which you will develop throughout the course to become an in-depth examination of current professional theory and practice in your specialist subject area. You will also attend work-related learning sessions on topics such as self-promotion and marketing, interview skills, and CV and portfolio building.
Study trips
Study trips will inspire and inform your projects. Recent visits have included the Manchester Design Conference, as well as the First Tuesday and RAW Print industry networking events in Nottingham. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on a study trip to a design capital – such as Berlin or New York – where you’ll visit internationally renowned design studios.
Career prospects
This course will equip you with strong creative and problem-solving skills. Our graduates become valuable members of professional teams working together on a range of visual communication projects, involving all kinds of cross-discipline collaborations.
Our graduates often pursue careers in digital and printed media for advertising, branding, marketing and promotion, and a diverse range of publications.
Recent graduates roles and destinations include:
- digital marketing designer, Highlight
- graphic designer, MYDM
- graphic designer, Games Workshop
Others have:
- set up their own businesses, in the UK and abroad
- progressed on to further study at PhD level
- found work within related areas in the design sector
- returned to their previous occupations with a new focus.
YouFirst – working with our Employability Team
Our friendly, experienced careers consultants will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice you won't find in a book or on the internet. You can benefit from this at any time during your studies and up to three years after completing your course.
Get inspired
Take a look at a recent zine produced by our graduating Masters students to get a flavour of the innovation and creativity that goes on within the School of Art & Design.
Set up your own business, progress to further study, academia or pursue a career in digital and printed media for advertising, branding, and marketing and promotion.
Student work
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Work by Alex Duncan -
Work by Farah Kamel -
Work by Nygilia McClain -
Sketchbook work by Karla Novak -
Work by Megan Kerr -
Work by Megan Kerr -
Work by Sarah Watts -
Work by Sarah Watts -
Work by Sarah Watts
Facilities
The Waverley building lit up during Light Night, a city-wide festival of light
You’ll be based in the Waverley building – a beautifully restored, listed building with real design heritage dating back from 1863 – the original home of the Nottingham School of Art. Our City Campus is right in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Facilities and equipment include:
- a dedicated postgraduate studio – a vibrant professional space where you will work alongside other MA designers and illustrators
- Mac suites equipped with software including Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection and CINEMA 4D
- studios dedicated to print, interactive media and moving image
You’ll also have access to specialist resources across the School of Art & Design and wider University, including:
- laser cutting and engraving equipment
- a digital print facility
- a print room, for hand screen, transfer and collograph printing
- camera stores
- photography studios
- embroidery, weave and knitwear facilities
- a leather and metal embossing press
- library resources relevant to the study of visual design, arts and culture
- academic journals and databases for visual research
- access to subscriptions such as WGSN and Mintel
- Boningtons Art Shop
- Bonington Gallery
- Café Bonington
Work in the postgraduate community of visual communication students in our dedicated studio.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- 2.2 honours degree in a related subject.
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and / or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Other requirements:
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contacts us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
What are we looking for?
- 2.2 honours degree in a related subject.
- Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and / or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Other requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill); and
- a creative portfolio.
If you hold international qualifications, take a look at the alternative qualifications we accept for this course.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. You can check our language requirements and list of accepted English language tests. Your British Council office can tell you where you can take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test locally. Applicants who have taken a higher degree at a UK university don't usually have to meet this requirement.
Pre-masters courses
Are you an international student whose qualifications don't meet the entry requirements? You can do a pre-masters course at Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). The college is on our City Campus and NTIC students can use all of the University's facilities.
Next steps
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our staff at the International Development Office, who are always happy to help. Or speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
Application deadline
You can apply for this course throughout the year, but we'd recommend that applications should be received by the end of July for entry in September.
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.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieve, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.
Application deadline
You can apply for this course throughout the year, but we'd recommend that applications should be received by the end of July for entry in September.
Make sure you take into account the time required to apply for a visa (if applicable) before applying.
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.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieve, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Next steps
Please also take a look at our International students page and our application guide for international students, which are full of advice and information about the University.
If you need any more help or information, please contact our International team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200. Alternatively, you can speak to one of our official NTU representatives for your country.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Fees for 2021 entry are yet to be confirmed. As a guide, the 2020 entry fees are below.
| Course | Home / EU full-time | Home / EU part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MA Animation | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Graphic Design | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Branding and Identity | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Illustration | £8,200 | n/a |
| MA Graphic Design Theory and Practice (Part-time) | n/a | £4,100 |
Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.
Postgraduate loans
The government introduced a new postgraduate loans scheme in the 2016/17 academic year for Masters degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs.
Scholarships
We are offering a number of scholarships for Masters study.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on
+44 (0)115 848 2494.
Find out more about our terms and conditions of study for this course.
Fees for 2021 entry are yet to be confirmed. As a guide, the 2020 entry fees are below.
| Course | International full-time | International part-time |
|---|---|---|
| MA Animation | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Graphic Design | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Branding and Identity | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Illustration | £15,100 | n/a |
| MA Graphic Design Theory and Practice (Part-time) | n/a | £7,550 |
Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount
We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.
International scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to international students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our International students page for information about fees, scholarships for international students, visas and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494