Design Communication

1. Engage with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methodologies to inform contemporary design practice
2. Establish an experimental, critical and sustainable design approach informed by cultural, historical and political contexts
3. Develop design projects grounded in community engagement, collaboration and meaningful audience interaction
4. Analyse complex information and communicate insights effectively through advanced visual communication techniques
5. Collaborate with industry professionals to gain practical experience and build valuable professional networks.

Expand and master your visual communication design skills

In this course, you’ll explore theoretical frameworks, creative techniques, and research methods to investigate a subject of your choice, transforming your findings into impactful visual narratives that engage diverse audiences.

Our MA Design Communication course will equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills to position services, systems, and need-driven design products creatively. You’ll develop your graphic communication design skills, exploring digital design tools, emerging technologies, and the value of design thinking in a competitive marketplace.

You will establish a critical design practice, create dynamic spaces, and apply design to address various needs. By synthesising creativity with business theory, you’ll boost your employability across multiple career paths.

Upon completing the course, you’ll have:

• Practical design thinking skills to turn creative ideas into engaging assets
• Business acumen to inspire audiences across all sectors
• Confidence to drive change and influence decision-making at senior levels

Classes are Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and 9:00pm, with some evening sessions included.

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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. You will also need to submit a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.

If you are applying directly from an undergraduate degree course without experience or professional practice, you must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of your chosen subject area.

International

If you have international qualifications, please view our entry requirements per country. Along with your academic qualifications, you will also need to submit a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume.

In order to be eligible for this course, you will need to be a competent speaker and writer of English. If you require a Student Visa you need to provide us with an IELTS or equivalent English language qualification, which demonstrates a minimum of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub test) or CEFR Level B2 in each component. Please read the English Language requirements or contact [email protected] for more information.

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.

Applications are welcome from a wide range of backgrounds and experience including from students who may not necessarily possess formal academic qualifications. It is important that applicants can demonstrate an aptitude for learning and continued professional development through a research-led approach. 

Interview and portfolio requirements

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.

There isn't a perfect recipe for a portfolio, but here's an outline of some key ingredients that can effectively showcase your work and interests.

The pivotal element is illustrating your thought process. Provide insights into the methodologies you employ when unpacking a brief and ideating a project. Include sketches, notes, and pictures depicting the making process. Subsequently, reveal the potential outcomes and demonstrate how the work fits into a broader context.

Feel free to incorporate a variety of pieces, whether personal or commercial, ideas yet to be fully developed or student projects. The crucial factor is only to include what you are genuinely proud of. Each piece should reflect your interests, skills, and ambitions, guiding the viewer towards understanding the direction in which you aspire to develop your practice.

Remember, your portfolio is a personal representation, so curate it with pieces that authentically resonate with you and effectively communicate your unique perspective and abilities. Please feel free to include your website, blog or Instagram page if you would like us to see a broader range of your work.