Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Graphic Design MA
Overview
The MA Graphic Design course at UCA Farnham emphasizes research and problem-solving, giving students the tools and confidence to develop their practice as skilled professional communicators. The course focuses on ensuring that students' work comes from a place of informed and independent research, and that they master their own unique style and visual language within graphic design.
Course Structure
The course is divided into three terms:
- Term one: Studio 1 and Research & Professional Contexts 1
- Term two: Studio 2 and Research & Professional Contexts 2
- Term three: Major Project
Entry Requirements
- A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline
- Relevant work experience, demonstrating the ability to study at postgraduate level
Tuition Fees
- UK: £10,500 (2025/26)
- EU: £10,500 (2025/26)
- International: £18,000 (2025/26)
Facilities and Equipment
- Dedicated graphics studios
- Campus digital media suites with Macs and PCs
- Open access printmaking studios with screen printing and letterpress facilities
- 3D printers and book binding facilities
- Modern library with a wealth of books, journals, special collections, and online resources
Career Opportunities
- Graphic design
- Museum design
- Web or interactive design
- Picture editing
- Freelance design or illustration
- Brand design
- Packaging design
- Retail design
- Art direction
- Design management
Industry Connections
- Design Bridge
- Pearlfisher (design group)
- FutureBrand
- The Brewery
- The BBC
- Imagine
- Bloom
- Interbrand
Guest Lecturers
- Richard Williams - Founder of Williams Murray Hamm
- Tim Perkins - Group Director of Design Bridge
- Philip Carter - Founder of Carter Wong Tomlin
- Helen Healy - Picture Editor for the Guardian newspaper
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (Master's Degree)
- IELTS: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (Pre-Master's 13 Weeks)
- IELTS: 5.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (Pre-Master's 30 Weeks)
Integrated Pre-Masters
- A recognised bachelor degree or 3-year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject
- A recognised bachelor degree or 3-year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject (Integrated International Pre-Masters)
Country-Specific Requirements
- Please refer to the UCA website for country-specific requirements and English language requirements.
How to Apply
- Please use the application link provided on the UCA website.
Related Courses
- Graphic Design MA at UCA Farnham
- Interface & Interactive Design MA at UCA Farnham
- User Experience Design MA at UCA Farnham
- Visual Communication MA/MFA at UCA Canterbury
Contact
- For more information, please visit the UCA website or contact the university directly.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Title:
MA Graphic Design
Campus:
UCA Farnham
Start Date(s):
September 2024, September 2025
Duration:
1 year full-time
Focus:
Research and problem-solving; development of graphic design skills with emphasis on independent research, unique style, and visual language.
Benefits:
- Extensive industry links with BBC, FutureBrand, GF Smith, Typocircle, etc.
- Guest lectures, live briefs, networking opportunities
- Professional experience, enhancing practice innovation
- Mastering research skills, personal research project
- Master's in the UK preparation (Integrated International Pre-Masters option)
Outline:
Term One:
- Practice and Process: Advanced tools, methods, concepts, and processes in graphic design.
- Research Methods: Rigorous investigation of postgraduate research purpose and process within Graphic Design.
Term Two:
- Professional Practice: Develop framework for major project; investigate existing practices
- Major Project: Conceptualization and Development: Exposition of central ideas and concepts.
Term Three:
- Major Project: Continuation and Realisation: Produce and refine major project, drawing on prior experience and future aspirations.
Assessment:
- Major Project
- Coursework assignments
- Presentations
- Portfolio
Teaching:
- Experienced faculty, industry professionals
- Guest lecturers
- Individual tutorials
- Workshops
- Studio-based learning environment
- Advanced technical sessions
Careers:
- Graphic design
- Museum design
- Web/interactive design
- Picture editing
- Freelance design/illustration
- Brand design
- Packaging design
- Retail design
- Art direction
- Financial support options (scholarships, discounts, etc.)
- Additional course costs
- 360 virtual tour available
Additional Notes:
- Syllabus content subject to change
- English language requirements apply
Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information) Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 (£17,500 for May 2024 entry) 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry Requirements:
UK Students:
MA Graphic Design:
- A good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related discipline.
- OR Relevant work experience demonstrating the ability to study at the postgraduate level.
- Consideration may be given to applicants with a strong case for admission based on a specific project and potential to complete the course successfully.
Portfolio Requirements:
- A portfolio for review is required.
- You can submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person review with the course team.
International and EU Students:
MA Graphic Design:
- Entry requirements depend on the applicant's country of origin.
- Additional UK requirements, such as subject requirements, work experience, or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants with equivalent qualifications.
Portfolio Requirements:
- A portfolio for review is required.
MA Graphic Design with Integrated International Pre-Masters:
- A recognised bachelor's degree or 3-year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.
- Additional UK requirements, such as subject requirements, work experience, or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants with equivalent qualifications.
Portfolio Requirements:
- A portfolio for review is required.
English Language Requirements:
- Applicants need to have a certain level of English language proficiency to study at UCA.
- You may be able to enter the course through the following entry pathways:
- Pre-sessional English courses
- UCA International Foundation courses