Program Overview

Visual Communication (with Advanced Practice) MA

Course Overview

Master the future of visual communication. This course enables you to develop a deep understanding of design methodologies through critical inquiry and commercial practice. You will experiment with materials and processes in specialized workshop spaces and studio practice, nurturing innovation and creating impactful solutions for industry and society.

Top Reasons to Study This Course

• Get creative with the latest technology, including iMacs and Wacom digital drawing tablets.
• Collaborative modules allow you to interact with people from other MA subject areas, widening your perspectives and network.
• Industry-standard facilities enable you to develop your own personal style using diverse materials and processes.
• Expert faculty and subject experts provide guidance and support throughout your studies.
• Industry affiliations with Creative UK and the Association of Illustrators (AoI) expand your professional network.
• Future-focused, preparing you for future challenges by exploring alternate scenarios and emerging technologies.

Course Details

Core Modules

• Critical and Speculative Contexts: Investigate alternative design values and address social, political, and environmental issues.
• Design Direction: Develop innovative design directions for projects, combining digital and physical experiences with strong visual and creative direction.
• Integrated Practice: Build your confidence in integrating diverse approaches and evaluating abilities within entrepreneurial, value-oriented design activities.
• Masters Project: Unleash your vision as you dive into a major, in-depth, individual study tailored to your discipline and career aspirations.
• Specialist Approaches: Strengthen your skills through analysis, experimentation, and self-evaluation, adapting to the evolving visual communication landscape.

Advanced Practice (2-year full-time MA only)

• Advanced Practice: Undertake an opportunity that builds on your existing knowledge, skills, and experience and supports your future career interests and aspirations.

How You Learn

• Tutorials, seminars, and workshops enable you to apply key learning principles to your day-to-day interactions.
• Individual support, provided by a personal tutor, is an integral feature of the learning and teaching strategy.
• Research is also an intrinsic part of your study, finding and making sense of a wide variety of information from various sources.

How You Are Assessed

• Your assessments are primarily in-course assessments – you submit work during the module rather than sit timed exams at the end.
• Design modules are generally project-based and primarily assessed through appraising your portfolio of work, often accompanied by a verbal presentation.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants are normally expected to have at least a 2.2 UK honours degree, or equivalent qualification.
• A range of degree subjects are acceptable, including subjects related to arts, design, or other creative disciplines.
• Relevant experience or equivalent qualifications are also considered.
• Applicants may be asked to present a portfolio of work.

Employability

• There may be short-term placement opportunities for some students, particularly during the project phase of the course.
• Career opportunities include design-related employment, developing new enterprise propositions, or receiving project funding to take your ideas to market.

Information for International Applicants

• International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting the University's website.
• Useful information for non-UK students and applicants is available on the University's international pages.

Fees

• Full-time: £5,417.50 a year (UK applicants), £10,000 a year (international applicants)
• Part-time: Not available part-time

Length and Start Date

• Full-time: 20 months (September enrolment), 2 years (January enrolment)
• Start date: January or September

Choose Teesside

• Stand out from other job applicants with your higher-level qualification, specialist knowledge, and expanded networks.
• Improve your project management, critical thinking, research skills, time management, presentation skills, and teamwork.
• The median salary for working-age postgraduates (£45,000) was £6,500 more than for working-age graduates (£38,500) in 2022.
• Study in our friendly town-centre campus with £280m of recent investment.
• Develop your creative and digital skills at Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus.