Program Overview

MA Graphic Design and Art Direction

The MA Graphic Design and Art Direction is designed for creative practitioners who wish to advance their knowledge, skills, and specialism within the field of visual communication. This program aims to develop a deeper understanding and fuel a personal obsession with the visual communication of ideas.

Course Overview

The MA in Graphic Design & Art Direction is a practice-led investigation within the broader context of visual communication. Students will develop a bespoke body of design knowledge that combines theory, practice, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation from a wide range of creative activities.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum 2:2 UK undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in a related subject
• A portfolio submission
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 and no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: £12,000 per year (full-time), £2000 per 30 credits (part-time)
• EU and non-EU international students: £22,000 per year (full-time), £3667 per 30 credits (part-time)

Course Structure

The MA in Graphic Design and Art Direction is composed of five units, totalling 180 credits.

Core Modules

• Design Thinking: This module introduces an applied understanding of how design can be used as an iterative process for creative problem-solving.
• Design Practice: Graphic Behaviours: This module is intended to acclimatise students to the challenges of MA level research and practice.
• Message / Audience / Context: This module is concerned with the development and production of a body of work realising individual creative ambition within the fields of graphic design and art direction.
• Synthesis Project: Graphic Design & Art Direction: The synthesis final MA module will support students to develop, resolve, and present a significant body of work.
• Art & Design: Culture & Context (MA:X): This module offers a focused opportunity for students to extend and enhance their practice by including working in a wider design research community.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 35% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 65% independent study
• Part-time: 35% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 65% independent study
• Assessment: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Careers Support and Prospects

The program cultivates highly motivated, independent, and creative thinkers who can transfer their skills into the creative marketplace. Past graduates predominantly achieve graduate-level positions or practise as sole traders, design studio artists, exhibiting artists, museum curators, archivists, researchers, academics, community practitioners, specialist technicians, and filmmakers at national and international levels.

Additional Information

• A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits.
• Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
• The University has invested £400 million in new, award-winning facilities, including state-of-the-art studios, labs, and lecture theatres.