MA Visual Communication

Program Overview

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The MA Visual Communication program at Teesside University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to become innovative leaders in visual communication. The program emphasizes research, scenario building, and future-proofing, preparing graduates for emerging trends and technologies. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and individual support, students develop critical thinking, design skills, and the ability to create solutions for real-world design issues. Graduates can pursue careers in various design-related fields or continue their studies at the doctoral level.

Program Outline

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Comprehensive Information Extraction on the MA Visual Communication Program at Teesside University

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Degree Overview

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Program Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to become innovative leaders in visual communication.
• Develop critical thinking and theoretical understanding of visual communication in the 21st century.
• Foster the ability to create solutions for real-world design issues.
• Enhance visual and sensory communication skills and prepare for emerging studio practices in design and art direction.
• Encourage independent research, project development, and professional practice.

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Description:

• The MA Visual Communication program is a specialist, dynamic program that focuses on visual communication in various forms, including graphic design, visual communication, and infographics.
• The program emphasizes scenario building, foresighting, and future-proofing as crucial elements in shaping the program's direction and potential developments in the design, communication, and cultural industries.
• This program is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in developing new business ideas, products, systems, and artifacts.
• It provides a stimulating environment for high-level inquiry into emerging and future aspects of creative practice through individual and collaborative action.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• The program focuses on key contemporary practices in the creative industries.
• It covers branding, graphic design, illustration, marketing, user experience, new media, and future technologies.
• Students will learn to explore and visually represent important information.

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Program Structure:

• The program is divided into three stages, each with its focus and objectives.
• Stage 1 focuses on developing professional skills, research, and project work through collaborative opportunities and co-working.
• Stage 2 involves preparing, researching, and developing project proposals for a feasibility study.
• Stage 3 allows students to direct and display their major project work, supported by tutorials and studio interaction.

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Course Schedule:

• The course schedule is not explicitly mentioned in the context.

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Modules:

• Critical Thinking and Theoretical Contexts: Explores key concepts and critical thinking in the 21st century, focusing on cultural theory in relation to design practice.
• Launchpad: Exit to Industry: Develops professional assets to support career aspirations and analyzes work-related practices in media, events, and creative arts industries.
• MA Visual Communication Major Project: Enables students to create challenging solutions to real-world design issues and demonstrate leadership potential in the field.
• Post Digital Practices: Provides insight into evolving technological developments for visual communicators and explores self-sustaining and independent working methods.
• Research Methods: Develops research skills and processes in creative arts disciplines, enabling students to construct a critical framework for their creative practice.
• Visual Communication and Creative Direction: Focuses on visual and sensory communication processes in the design and art direction of creative projects.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Primarily through in-course assessments, where students submit work throughout the modules instead of sitting timed exams at the end.
• Modules are generally project-based and assessed through appraising a portfolio of work, often accompanied by a verbal presentation.
• Assessment is based on both the development process and the final outcome.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate critical thinking, utilize key learning principles, and apply design skills to solve real-world problems.
• The development process is also assessed, including research, concept development, and project execution.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and individual support to facilitate learning.
• Lecturers and briefings introduce topics and key aspects of knowledge.
• Practical workshops introduce specific skills, followed by independent learning, project work, tutorials, and critiques.
• Individual support from personal tutors is an integral part of the learning strategy.

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Faculty:

• Information about faculty is not explicitly provided in the context.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes research, scenario building, and future-proofing to prepare graduates for emerging trends and technologies.
• It encourages independent learning and project work, fostering creative problem-solving and innovation.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates can pursue careers in various design-related fields, develop new enterprise propositions, or receive project funding to take their ideas to market.
• Further study at the doctoral level is also an option.

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Other

• Students are encouraged to participate in the Creative UK membership and benefit from networking events, resource hubs, and workshops.
• The program also provides membership to the Association of Illustrators, offering access to talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and discounted membership.

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Overall:

The MA Visual Communication program at Teesside University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the field, preparing graduates for successful careers in the evolving landscape of visual communication.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £7,365 a year Fee for international applicants £17,000 a year

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Part-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £820 for each 20 credits