Graphic Design MDes

Program Overview

Course Overview

The MDes Graphic Design course at the University of Gloucestershire offers students the opportunity to extend their portfolio and move their creative work into new spaces and career directions. This postgraduate program is designed to challenge students to build upon their communication and design research skills, applying them to successful problem-solving at a master's level.

Study Style

Students will learn through practical experience, working with staff and industry professionals. The course combines design thinking theory with supporting lectures and workshops, exploring design management scenarios, global trends, ethics, gender, and sustainability. Students will work on project and research-based assignments with a professional focus on their future career aspirations.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offers: A 2.2 Bachelors degree with honours.
• Interview: Possible attendance, with a guide available for further information.
• Essential Portfolio: A portfolio of work is required.
• IELTS 6.0: EU and international students need IELTS 6.0 overall (no less than 5.5 in writing and in any other band) or equivalent.

Course Modules

Level 7 (Postgraduate)

• Design Process (AD7401)
• Design Management (AD7408)
• Applied Creativity (AD7409)
• Studio (AD7411)
• Design Citizen (AD7412)
• Design Research Methods (AD7609)

Optional Modules

• Masters Thesis (AD7406)
• Masters Design Project (AD7407)

Fees and Costs

• Start date: Sep 2025
• Location: Park, Cheltenham
• Course code: —
• Fee (UK): £8,475
• Fee (international): £17,950

Careers

The MDes Graphic Design at the University of Gloucestershire opens a pathway to a variety of dynamic career opportunities. Graduates are well-equipped to lead as Creative Directors, strategize as design consultants, or innovate in academia as educators and PhD researchers.

Placements

As part of the course, students can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

• Duration: 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
• Location: Popular destinations include the UK, USA, China, and Europe
• Visa: May be required for placements abroad
• Finance: Reduced tuition fee for the placement year, with eligibility for a maintenance loan and money advice
• Placement support: Assistance in finding a great placement and getting the most out of the experience

Teaching Staff

• Jean Boyd: Academic Course Leader for Graphic Design

National and International Links

The University of Gloucestershire has close links to local, national, and international design agencies and academic institutions, including companies such as Superdry, Asha, Third Floor, SLG, Cult LDN, Bulletproof & Goodby, and Silverstein & Partners.

Shared Course Structure

The course offers the chance to study for an MA or MDes within the same course structure, giving students the flexibility to follow either an academic or professional route while working together as part of a single, shared creative community.

Program Outline

Graphic Design MDes

Degree Overview

• The Graphic Design MDes is a one-year postgraduate program designed for individuals seeking to extend their design portfolios, explore new creative spaces, and advance their careers.
• This program emphasizes communication and research skills, encouraging participants to explore contemporary design issues within global trends and dialogues across various disciplines.
• Students work with a partnership with Cheltenham Borough council's Climate Emergency team on real-life briefs, gaining practical experience and contributing to important initiatives.
• This course offers an approach grounded in spatial, visual, and kinaesthetic learning to develop students' design approaches.

Objectives:

• Advance communication and research skills in design.
• Explore contemporary design issues within a global context.
• Gain experience through collaboration with industry partners.
• Develop a distinctive design approach through spatial, visual, and kinaesthetic learning.
###

Outline:

The Graphic Design MDes curriculum includes various modules that cover essential areas of design practice.

Modules for Full Time (1 Year) Option:

• Design Management: This course explores managing a contemporary design agency in a global setting, addressing strategic issues, leadership, and creative processes.
(24 contact hours, 126 independent learning)
• Design Research Methods: This module delves into research methods and practices relevant to the design industry, focusing on social science research, cutting-edge practices, and real-life application.
(24 contact hours, 126 independent learning)
• Applied Creativity: Aims at developing nonlinear creative thinking to address communication problems, fostering an inclusive relationship between creativity and strategy.
(24 contact hours, 126 Independent learning hours)

Additional Modules for Part Time (2 Year) Option:

• Design Process:
Provides a holistic understanding of the strategic dimensions of design, focusing on design process models, client communication, and project development plan creation. (48 contact hours, 120 independent hours)
• Design Citizen:
Analyzes current social, cultural, and political themes relevant to contemporary design practice. Encourages critical thinking and real-life problem solving through interdisciplinary approaches. (24 hours contact,126 Independent Learning Hours) ###

Assessment:

Each module in the Graphic design MDes is assessed using various methods, typically presentations and assignments with specific word count and format requirements. Some examples include:
• Design Management: Presentation (20%) + Portfolio (80%).
• Applied creativity: Presentation (20%) and Assignment (80%)
• Level 7 modules:
• Design Process (AD7401): Presentation (40%) and Assignment (60%).
• Studio (AD7411): Presentation (20%) and Portfolio (80%)
• Master's Thesis (AD 7405):
Dissertation/major research project (15,855 words)
• Master's Design Project (AD7406): Dissertation/Major Project (70%) and Assignment (30%).
• Design Citizen (AD7412) 100 % Assignment
### Teaching: The Graphic design MDes employs various teaching methodologies including:
• Practical experience through collaboration with external partners.
• Lectures and workshops with industry and design professionals.
• Individual and group tutorials during Master's thesis or project development.
• Design thinking theory integrated with practical exercises and problem-solving activities.
• Exploring global trends, ethics, sustainability, and diversity through dedicated lectures and workshops.
## Careers: The program prepares graduates for various careers in the creative industries, such as:
• Graphic designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• User interface (UI) and User Experience Designer (UX)
• Brand consultant
## Other
• Entry Requirements:
• Applicants require at least a 2:2 bachelor's degree with honors.
• An interview may be conducted as part of the selection process.
• A strong design portfolio is essential for consideration.
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS 6.0.
• Fees:
The tuition fees vary based on student status. UK students pay £ 8075 for the Full-time option and International student fees are TBC for both the full-time and the Part-time options for both terms of study.
• Further information: The program offers scholarships and bursary opportunities for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• UK students: £8,075
• International students: £17,100
Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at moneyadvice@glos.ac.uk or call 01242 714535. UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.