Program Overview

Introduction to MA Communication Design

The MA Communication Design programme at Robert Gordon University is designed to support students in developing their subject-specific disciplinary expertise and skill sets to pursue a career in the creative and cultural sectors. This programme provides a series of connected learning experiences that critically challenge students to develop and reflect on their specialist disciplinary practice.

Course Overview

The MA Communication Design programme is a postgraduate course that enables students to develop the skills, critical understanding, and specialist knowledge required to follow a rewarding career as an independent communication designer. The course is suitable for students with an undergraduate honours degree in Design, Illustration, Graphics, Photography, or those who want to develop their career and specialist academic knowledge in these disciplines based on prior professional experience.

Mode of Study and Attendance

The programme is available in two modes of study:

• On Campus: Students attend classes and workshops on the university campus. The mode of attendance is:
• Full Time: Students attend the programme full-time, completing the course in 12 months.
• Part Time: Students attend the programme part-time, completing the course in 24 months.

Course Structure

The programme consists of four modules:

1. Applied Practice: Students are supported in identifying and acquiring the most appropriate research and practice-based strategies for the development of their Communication Design creative practice.
2. Critical Contextual Studies and Research Methods: Students are introduced to a key set of research methods and thematic issues integral to the programme, delivered through discursive lectures and seminars.
3. Personal Development and Professional Networks: Students reflect, evidence, evaluate, and present their work across a range of outputs, including exhibition, online journal, and collaborative networks.
4. Master's Project: The culmination of the previous modules provides a critical platform for a self-directed major piece of practice-based research, accompanied by an extended piece of analytical and critical writing.

Teaching and Assessment

The main teaching strategies for this practice-based course are delivered through:

• Structured seminars and critiques
• Workshops
• Individual one-to-one tutorial support Assessment typically includes:
• Written assignments, including essays
• Dissertations
• Portfolios
• Project outputs
• Oral assessments

Staff and Guest Lecturers

The programme is delivered by a team of recognised artists, designers, critical theorists, and curators from within Gray's School of Art, along with guest lecturers drawn from a network of professional and cultural partnerships.

Placements and Study Abroad

The pathway has been designed to enable students to study and practice in context, offering opportunities to undertake collaborations with cultural partners or gain professional experiences. There is also a possibility of an overseas exchange as an alternative to the placement opportunity.

Job Prospects

On completion of the Communication Design pathway, students will have the experience to pursue a career as a professional illustrator, communications or graphic designer, or work within a related role in the creative industries.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in a relevant subject. Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. English language requirements apply for applicants whose first language is not English.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees vary depending on the student's nationality and the mode of study. Additional costs include a studio fund, and some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as the cost of books, printing, and accommodation.

Academic Support and Online Learning

The university provides academic support through the Inclusion Centre, Study Support Team, and Library. All students have access to the university's collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle, which offers 24/7 online access to learning material and resources.

Facilities

The university offers various facilities, including an audio-visual suite, photographic darkroom studio, and IT Mac Lab, to support students in their studies.

Alumni Discount and Scholarships

The university offers a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU. There are also scholarships and financial awards available for students.