The MA Graphic Design and Branding program at the University of Hertfordshire equips students with professional skills and knowledge in graphic design and branding. Through practice-based modules, research training, and industry connections, the program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurialism. Graduates are prepared for careers in various design roles, including graphic design, brand design, and freelance work.

MA Graphic Design and Branding

Degree Overview

• Overview: This program aims to refine your professional skills as a graphic designer and equip you with the skills needed for a successful career.
• Objectives:
• Develop your professional practice and skills.
• Enhance your creativity and employability in the design industry.
• Gain a strong understanding of the graphic image's social, global, and cultural value.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills to thrive in the creative and cultural industries.
• Program Description:
• The program is delivered through practice-based modules, research skills training, entrepreneurialism workshops, professional practice guidance, and a final major project.
• You will learn from experienced professionals and visiting designers, benefit from international exhibitions, and enjoy close industry connections.
• You will explore traditional and digital graphic design processes, focusing on both professional practice and freelance work, covering social, political, environmental, and commercial contexts.

Outline

• Course Content:
• Design Studio Practice (2 modules)
• Research Methods
• Advanced Design Skills Lab
• Professional Design Practice
• Major Study: Graphic Design and Branding
• Structure:
• Full-Time (1 year) or Part-Time (2 years)
• Modules are delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and independent study.
• Module Descriptions:
• Design Studio Practice 1 & 2:
Develop your design skills, explore current themes in the creative industries, and create a project proposal based on your research.
• Research Methods: Learn how to conduct robust research, analyze design issues, and formulate a project strategy based on your findings.
• Advanced Design Skills Lab: Enhance your knowledge of current design processes and techniques, develop your own design style, and explore your creative interests.
• Professional Design Practice: Gain crucial skills for pursuing a professional career, including ethical considerations and entrepreneurial strategies.
• Major Study: Graphic Design and Branding: This culminating project allows you to showcase your expertise, creativity, and originality through a self-driven body of work that addresses contemporary issues.

Assessment

• Assessment Methods:
• Coursework assignments
• Presentations
• Research reports
• Portfolio
• Final Major Project
• Assessment Criteria:
• Creativity and originality
• Technical skills and knowledge
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research and communication skills
• Professionalism and presentation

Teaching

• Teaching Methods:
• Seminars
• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Workshops
• Independent study
• Project supervision
• Faculty: Experienced professionals and internationally renowned artists, including visiting designers and industry partners.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on professional practice and real-world applications.
• Strong focus on research and critical thinking skills.
• Collaborative learning environment with other postgraduate students and staff.
• Exposure to diverse media and creative disciplines.

Careers

• Career Paths:
• Graphic designer
• Brand designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• Design consultant
• Freelance designer
• Employment Prospects:
• Graduates work in various design roles, such as at Fiora and Emperor, and many practice as freelance designers.
• Opportunities:
• The program prepares you for a career in national and international design agencies, studios, and freelance work.

Other

• Program Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, but applications open to international and EU students with pre-settled/settled status in the UK for the next academic year are open until 30/09/2025.
# Please note:

UK Students Full time £9450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £790 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year £865 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year

Hertfordshire International College

Overview:

Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is a pathway college dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate pathway programs designed to prepare students for prestigious degrees at the University of Hertfordshire. HIC emphasizes a supportive and engaging student experience.

Services Offered:

HIC offers a variety of services to support students, including:

Pre-Sessional English:

A course to improve English language skills for international students.

Undergraduate Pathway Programs:

Foundation and first-year level programs in various disciplines.

Postgraduate Pathway Programs:

Pre-Master's programs to prepare students for postgraduate studies.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

HIC provides a vibrant and diverse campus environment with modern facilities. Students can expect:

Campus Location:

Just 25 minutes from London.

Modern Facilities:

Continuously invested in and updated.

Supportive Environment:

A welcoming and supportive atmosphere for international students.

Student Life Activities:

Opportunities to enhance the international student experience.

Key Reasons to Study There:

University of Hertfordshire Affiliation:

Provides access to a reputable university with strong research capabilities.

Research Excellence:

Ranked in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact.

World-Leading Research:

78% of research considered 'world-leading'.

Enterprise Zone Status:

One of only 20 universities with this designation.

Top Rankings:

Ranked 1st in the UK for Paramedic Science.

Academic Programs:

HIC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Undergraduate:

Accounting and Finance, Animation, Film, Games and Creative Media, Architecture, Art, Design and Fashion, Biological Sciences, Psychology and Sport, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Cyber Security and Data Science, Education and Teaching, Engineering, AI and Robotics, English and Linguistics, Geography and Environment, Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Law and Criminology, Media, Journalism and Politics, Music Composition, Technology and Production, Physics, Astrophysics and Mathematics, Tourism and Event Management.

Postgraduate:

Animation, Film and Creative Media, Art and Design, Business and Management, Education and Teaching, Finance and Investment Banking, Master of Business Administration, Music Composition, Technology and Production, Tourism and Event Management.