Graphic Design MA (Online)

Program Overview

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MA Graphic Design (Online)

Course Overview

The MA Graphic Design (Online) course is designed to push the boundaries of graphic design, exploring design on an international scale and applying academic and research practices to your own work. You will be supported by industry-active designers to challenge your capabilities and hone your unique creative perspective through a richer, global understanding.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Join a culturally and geographically diverse learning environment, networking and debating graphic design practices with the flexibility to study from your own location.
• Work on industry-set briefs, sharpen your research skills, and contribute to the future of graphic design practice.
• Acquire and embed the skills needed to develop your graphic design career or business venture.
• Have the chance to attend optional in-person events, such as course trips to international design studios.

Course Details

• Location: Online
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Attendance: Part-time

Modules

The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you'll study the modules depending on when you begin the course.

• MA: You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit Major Project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.
• PGDip: You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total), and will not complete a Major Project.

Module Details

• Contemporary Practice: In this module, you will be introduced to the development of graphic design today and the variety of contexts in which it is made and understood.
• History and Futures: In this module, you will explore how graphic design can be used to distil, reform or remodel stories for a new purpose.
• Studio and Entrepreneurship: In this module, we examine the building blocks of studio practice from a business perspective.
• Applications and Interactions: This module allows for a scoping of interests and challenges you to question the role and ethics of working as a contemporary designer.
• Final Major Project (MA only): Your Final Major Project will bring all your previous learning together and challenge you to position yourself and your work for next steps following graduation.

Learning and Support

• How Online Study Works: You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment.
• Assessment: All assessments are through online submission.
• Resources and Support: You will have access to a dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE), accessible online audio/visual content, a Student Advisor, and our Student Support Services.

Careers

This graphic design course will push you to assert yourself as an adaptable and highly knowledgeable designer. You will emerge from your MA in Graphic Design (Online) as a skilled and thoughtful individual, with the confidence to take on the next ambitious steps in your design career.

How to Apply

• Qualifications: An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
• Portfolio: You will need to submit a digital portfolio of your graphic design practice.
• Language Requirements: If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in speaking.

Fees, Costs, and Funding

• Tuition Fees: £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part-time - MA/MSc course, £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course.
• Typical Course Costs: You will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud, a laptop/desktop computer, and equipment such as a mouse and memory stick.
• Early Bird Discount: An Early Bird discount is available for early applications, offering up to £600 off MA tuition fees.

Meet the Team

The MA Graphic Design (Online) team works with global organisations, staff, and alumni to provide you with the breadth of experience and networks needed to accelerate your career. The course has previously included a wide range of contributors, interviewees, and guest lecturers.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Graphic Design MA (Online) program at Falmouth University is a 2-year part-time program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become bold and innovative graphic designers. The program focuses on pushing the boundaries of the field and challenging students to think critically about their work in a global context. The program is designed for students who want to:

• Apply academic and research practices to their own work
• Develop a deeper understanding of design history and theory
• Hone their unique creative perspective
• Master new design skills and techniques
• Become critical thinkers and problem solvers
• Contribute to the future of the design industry
The program features a diverse online community of students and instructors, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Students will have the opportunity to:
• Work on industry-set briefs
• Sharpen their research skills
• Collaborate with other students and professionals
• Develop their professional network

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Outline:

The Graphic Design MA (Online) program is divided into four modules and a Final Major Project:

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Module 1: Contemporary Practice

This module introduces students to the current state of graphic design and explores the various contexts in which it is created and understood. Students will examine local and global perspectives on the field and develop the skills needed to address problems and deliver messages for diverse audiences.

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Module 2: History and Futures

This module explores how graphic design can be used to distil, reform, or remodel stories for a new purpose. Students will develop a critical understanding of their own practice and examine key obstacles and challenges facing the field. This module also explores the role of designers in society and the communities they inhabit.

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Module 3: Studio and Entrepreneurship

This module examines the building blocks of studio practice from a business perspective. They will also develop a speculative framework for an entrepreneurial concept, envisioning professional ways in which it could be launched and put into action.

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Module 4: Applications and Interactions

This module allows students to scope their interests and challenges them to question the role and ethics of working as a contemporary designer. Students will work on personal and highly strategic live briefs, engaging in self-initiated work, competitions, and industry projects. These briefs will enable students to respond to new challenges beyond their normal field of experience and push them to work outside of their comfort zone.

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Final Major Project:

The Final Major Project brings all previous learning together and challenges students to position themselves and their work for next steps following graduation. Project work can develop from research, theory, personal, or professional interests.

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Assessment:

All assessments are submitted online and can typically include:

• Practice-based assignments: designing a digital tool or process to aid collaboration.
• Research-based assignments: reflecting on a cultural narrative with limited critical attention.
• Work-based assignments: grounded in existing practice, applying tools such as storytelling or market research.

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Teaching:

The program is delivered through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussion forums. Students also have access to a dedicated online learning environment with all course materials, announcements, and extensive resources. The program's teaching staff includes industry professionals and academics with expertise in various design fields. The program also features guest speakers and industry experts who provide students with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

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Careers:

The Graphic Design MA (Online) prepares students for various career paths in the design industry. Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Graphic Designers
• Art Directors
• Creative Directors
• Brand Designers
• UX/UI Designers
• Web Designers
• Marketing Designers
• Motion Graphics Designers
The program also equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to start their own design businesses.

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Other:

• Optional in-person events: The program offers optional in-person events throughout the year, allowing students to network and collaborate with peers and industry professionals.
• Resources: The program provides students with access to extensive online resources, including textbooks, journals, and online tutorials.

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£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course