Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MA Design Communication
Course Overview
The MA Design Communication course is ideal for creatives interested in expanding and mastering their knowledge of visual communication through exploring visually storytelling, design thinking, and critical analysis techniques.
Key Study Topics
- Experiment across design systems and communication design strategies, focusing on user-centred design thinking and production
- Explore information design systems, hierarchies, networks, and spaces of experiences both physical and digital
- Create powerful ideas and utilise the best channels and tools to reach your markets and target audience effectively
- Explore advanced professional practice in contemporary communication design, from visual identity, publishing, and design authorship, to marketing communications, digital marketing, and social engagement
- Explore approaches to innovative communication solutions based on design thinking, systems thinking, and business strategy, supported by market research, problem-solving methodologies, and the application of cutting-edge technology
- Hone specialist design skills and build an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies within the digital media, creative industries, and commercial and not-for-profit sectors
Programme Specification
Entry Requirements
- Home: A lower second-class honours (a 2:2, or equivalent non-UK qualifications) or higher in a relevant subject, or an equivalent professional qualification in a related subject.
- International: If you have international qualifications, please view our entry requirements per country
Selection Criteria
We welcome suitably-qualified applicants who are able to demonstrate a good level of skills in areas associated with this subject. To get a holistic view of your ability and aptitude to succeed on the course, we will also consider your enthusiasm and interest in the subject area, how you manage the creative process, previous study, and your professional skill-set.
How to Apply
Whether you are a UK resident or an international applicant, you will need to apply directly to Ravensbourne via our Online Applicant Portal. Each course and mode option has a unique link to apply.
Personal Statement
We want to know why you chose the UK as your study destination, what attracted you to Ravensbourne and the course, and how it relates to or fits in with your plans for the future. We love to hear people's motivations and aspirations, so please make your personal statement, 'personal'.
Using a minimum of 500 words, please use your personal statement to explain:
- Why you chose the UK as your study destination (if you are an international student)
- What attracted you to Ravensbourne University London and the specific course you are applying for
- Your experiences and interests
- What you hope to gain from the course
- What you hope to do after graduating
- Any relevant work experience
Portfolio
Your portfolio can be accepted as a PDF uploaded to the applicant portal, or as a weblink. This should be a portfolio of work containing 6-8 final design solutions with accompanying research materials / sketches. We are looking for applicants that can demonstrate their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities as well as their technical skillsets within their work. Your portfolio must include only work that you have created and where any group projects are submitted you should identify your role in the project. Your portfolio should be a reflection of your journey thus far and also demonstrate your interests and your enthusiasm for your discipline.
Career Opportunities
Once you've studied a Design Communication master's degree course, possible career paths include the following job titles:
- Design Planner
- Design Strategist
- Senior Innovation Strategist
- Director of Product Development
- Director of Innovation Methods
- Director of User Research
- Brand Strategist
- Director of Interaction Design
- Senior Information Architect
- Director of Strategy and New Business Development
- Digital Enterprise Strategist
- Director of Experience Design
- Senior UX Researcher and Strategist
Industry Connections
You can’t learn in a vacuum, which is why industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. Ravensbourne University London will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links, while our suite of postgraduate courses has been designed with industry, for industry.
Facilities
- EventsHub: The EventsHub is a flexible space designed to house various industry-facing lectures, presentations, events, launches, promotions, showcases, exhibitions, and short courses for Ravensbourne, the local community, and across the Design District.
- The Workshop: Ravensbourne’s prototyping facilities are designed to enable and support experimentation and exploration of materials and making through hi-tech, lo-tech, and no-tech facilities. This includes 3D printing, large-format digital print, laser cutting, and vacuum forming, Arduino and Raspberry Pi coding, and workshop hand-tools.
- CreativeLab: CreativeLab is Ravensbourne’s own in-house design and media production studio. Working across creative commercial projects, not-for-profit third-sector briefs, and internal design and content requirements, CreativeLab combines professional design expertise with employment opportunities on projects for our students and graduates.
International Students
We very much welcome applicants from outside the UK. For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England, language, and entry requirements, application requirements, and access to international agents, please visit our international student section.
Fees
- UK: £9,750
- INT: £18,000
Duration
- FT: 1 year
Mode
- Full-time
Start Date
- September 2025
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Ideal for: Creatives seeking to deepen their knowledge of visual communication through storytelling, design thinking, and critical analysis techniques.
- Focus: Enables mastering the application of visual communication techniques to construct critical practices for analyzing, experimenting, and conveying messages, meaning, and experiences across various media.
- Outcome: Students will develop a body of work tailored to their individual interests and motivations, positioning them for success in the creative and cultural industries.
Outline:
- Full time: 1-year duration
- Starts: September 2024
- Fees: £9,250 (UK)/£18,000 (INT)
- Modules:
- Experimentation across design systems
- Information design systems and hierarchies
- Creating impactful ideas
- Exploring professional practices
- Design thinking and technology integration
Careers:
The program equips graduates with skills beneficial for various career pathways, including:
- Design Planner
- Design Strategist
- Senior Innovation Strategist
- Director of Product Development
- Director of Innovation Methods
- Director of User Research
- Brand Strategist
Other:
- The program curriculum encourages exploration of emerging technologies, interdisciplinary methods, and sustainable design practices.
- Emphasis is placed on fostering dynamic interactions between students and their target audiences through design practices.
- The program prepares graduates with the necessary skills to generate social impact and influence decision-making at senior management levels.
- Collaboration opportunities with industry professionals provide students with valuable connections and real-world experience within the creative and cultural industries
Missing Sections:
- Assessment
UK: FT £9,250 INT: FT £18,000
Ravensbourne University London
Overview:
Ravensbourne University London is a creative university located in London's Design District. It is known for its strong industry connections and its focus on producing creative talent. The university boasts a diverse and close-knit community of creators, makers, and innovators.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Ravensbourne University London can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment. The university offers a range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, studios, and workshops. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and they can also benefit from the university's strong industry links.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Industry Connections:
Ravensbourne University London has strong links to industry, providing students with opportunities to work on real-life projects with recognized brands.Innovative Approach to Creative Education:
The university offers an innovative approach to creative education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the creative industries.Diverse and Close-Knit Community:
Ravensbourne University London is a diverse and close-knit community, providing students with a supportive and welcoming environment.Location in London's Design District:
The university's location in London's Design District provides students with access to a vibrant and creative hub.Academic Programs:
Ravensbourne University London offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in creative disciplines, including:
Further Education
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to successful careers in the creative industries. Ravensbourne University London is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- A lower second-class honours (a 2:2, or equivalent non-UK qualifications) or higher in a relevant subject, or an equivalent professional qualification in a related subject.
- Applicants will also need to be competent speakers and writers of English.
- If requiring a Student Visa, they need to provide an IELTS or equivalent English language qualification demonstrating a minimum of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-test) or CEFR Level B2 in each component.
Other Considerations:
- Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those without formal academic qualifications.
- However, all applicants should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for learning and continuous professional development through a research-led approach.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International applicants who require a Student Visa must provide an English language qualification demonstrating:
- IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each sub-test)