Program Overview
Communication Design MA
Get to the heart of how design shapes our understanding of issues, our environment and each other.
Key information
- Course duration: Full-time 1 year, part-time 2 years
- Annual fees:
- Home (full-time) £10,000
- Home (part-time, over 2 years) £6,250 per year
- Overseas (full-time) £18,500
Course overview
The MA in Communication Design encourages you to research, discover, initiate, test and communicate your ideas within professional and real-world contexts. You will develop your own unique design voice by questioning what communication design is and what communication design could be, delving into contemporary communication design issues like sustainability, new technology, inclusivity, and ethics.
Why study with us
- Project-Based Skills: Develop and refine your skills through project-based learning, which includes working on real-world projects and live briefs helping you to apply your skills in practical contexts.
- Experimental and Challenging Approach: The course encourages an experimental approach, challenging you to explore and critically address complex design issues such as sustainability, new technologies, inclusivity, and ethics.
- Access to Professional-Level Resources: Utilise a variety of professional resources including a Design Studio, UV and large format printing, a Media Resource Centre, and a Print Making Workshop.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that mirrors industry practices, integrating new and emerging concepts and technologies enriching your learning experience.
- Expertise and Industry Recognition: Norwich University of the Arts is a centre of design expertise, with students and graduates frequently winning prestigious awards like the D&AD Pencils and the RSA Howarth Award.
- Preparation for Advanced Professional Roles: From moving image and sound to questions of brand management and publishing, you’ll stretch your skills and ambition ensuring you are well-prepared for complex professional challenges.
Course details
This programme is a one-year course including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete three units and one 60-credit Major Project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.
Core Practice and Context (60 Credits)
This unit launches your Masters’ study experience at Norwich. It will encourage you to explore communication design problems through a structured process of research, idea generation, development, iteration, execution, and presentation.
Collaborative Challenge (30 credits)
This unit is designed to tackle emerging and shifting issues in the field, such as sustainability, new technologies, and inclusivity. This unit emphasizes a creative, cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to experiment with various design methods that challenge and expand their existing practices.
Project Design and Development (30 credits)
This unit will help you develop skills in designing and developing a creative and/or research project. The unit is designed to provide a wide range of tools and approaches to creating a research project, preparing you for undertaking your major project and many other investigations, such as doctoral or industry research.
Major Project (60 Credits)
This unit forms the culmination of your Master’s study in which you will design, develop, and execute a major project, individually or collaboratively. You will be supported and receive guidance in developing your projects through talks and group sessions.
Learning and teaching
The course is delivered through a variety of engaging learning and teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Technical labs
- Independent and group work
Assessment
Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. These methods may include:
- Critically reflective essay
- Course work
- Presentations
- Learning journal
- Reflective evaluation
- Body of creative work
- Reflective research report
- Team project evaluation
- Major project
- Supporting documentation
Entry Requirements
Entrants should normally have achieved a BA (Hons) / BSc Degree of 2:1 or above (or its equivalent), in a subject related to your proposed course of study.
Applicants who hold a Degree from another discipline may also be considered for entry, subject to the submission of a satisfactory portfolio of art, design or media-related work in support of their application.
Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed.
English language requirements (International/EU)
If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Portfolio requirement
When you apply for this course, we will ask you to prepare your portfolio and a written submission. We might also ask you to prepare for an interview. These methods are used to assess your suitability for the course.
Fees and funding
- Home: Full time: £10,000, Part time: £6250 per year
- International: Full time: £18,500
How to apply
Applications to our postgraduate courses should be made directly to Norwich University of the Arts using a Postgraduate Application Form.
Related courses
- Design for Publishing BA (Hons)
- Graphic Communication BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design BA (Hons)
- Illustration BA (Hons)
Norwich University of the Arts
Overview:
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is a public university specializing in art, design, architecture, media, performance, technology, and business management. It is located in Norwich, England, and boasts a campus that blends historic buildings with modern, innovative spaces.
Services Offered:
NUA offers a range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees:
A wide variety of programs across various creative disciplines.Short courses:
Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.Integrated Foundation (Year 0):
A preparatory year for students seeking to enter undergraduate programs.Campus facilities:
Modern studios, workshops, and learning spaces.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Student support:
Services for academic, personal, and career development.International student support:
Dedicated resources for international students.Fees and funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NUA provides a vibrant and stimulating campus environment where students can:
Engage in creative exchange:
Collaborate with peers and faculty in a supportive atmosphere.Explore a historic and modern campus:
Discover inspiration in the university's unique architectural blend.Benefit from a city full of possibilities:
Immerse themselves in Norwich's creative and diverse culture.Connect with industry professionals:
Gain valuable insights and networking opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-winning teaching quality:
Recognized for its high standards of education.Gold-rated Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
Demonstrates commitment to excellent teaching and learning.Industry-relevant programs:
Courses designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.Vibrant and supportive community:
A welcoming environment for students to thrive and develop their creative potential.Location in a creative city:
Access to Norwich's rich cultural scene and opportunities for inspiration.Academic Programs:
NUA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:
Undergraduate degrees:
Acting, Animation, Architecture, Business Management, Computer Science, Creative Computing, Creative Technology and Robotics, Design for Publishing, Electronic Music and Sound Production, Esports, Fashion, Fashion Communication and Promotion, Fashion Marketing and Business, Film and Moving Image Production, Fine Art, Games Art and Design, Games Development, Graphic Communication, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Marketing, Photography, Psychology, Textile Design, User Experience Design.Postgraduate degrees:
Advertising, Animation, Illustration, Interaction Design, Creative Computing, Games Computing, Data Science and AI in Creative Industries, Service Design, User Experience Design, Architecture, Creative Education, Communication Design, Film, Fine Art, Games, Textile Design.Other:
NUA is committed to research and innovation, supporting inclusive communities and shaping the future of creative industries. It also operates East Gallery, a public art space showcasing exhibitions by renowned artists and designers.
