MA Design Communication

Apply now:

Sep 2026

Currently reading: Course overview

Starts: Sep 2026
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Full time
Fees: UK: £9,750 (2026/27) / International: £18,500 (2026/27)

Engage. Empower. Inspire.

Construct a critical practice to analyse, experiment and convey messages, meaning and experiences through a diverse range of media. This interdisciplinary course will enable you to produce a body of work tailored to your interests and motivations and position yourself in the creative and cultural industry.

An example of design communication work by Sara Carpiniello. An open book with abstract disc-like shape spanning across the pages.

Example of design communication work by Sara Carpiniello

Example of design communication work by Shirley Hui. A list of numbers roughly aligned with diagonal curve across the page.

A hand putting 50 pence piece into a slot on the top of an analogue clock.

An orange with a "2.020 min" price tag on it.

An example of design communication by Shirley Hui. A hand drawn mind map around the concept of time, the word "Time" is in the centre.

inside the design communication degree show. Students work is neatly lined up on display boards.

Why study this course?

Immerse yourself in emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methodologies
Establish an experimental, critical and sustainable design practice
Create design projects that are grounded in community engagement and collaboration
Gain insight into how cultural, historical and political contexts influence design practices
Foster audience engagement and create dynamic interacting design solutions
Analyse complex information and communicate it effectively through visual communication techniques
Collaborate with industry professionals and gain valuable connections

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.

Key study topics

Experiment across design systems and communication design strategies, focusing on user-centred design thinking and production
Explore information design systems, hierarchies, networks and spaces of experiences both physical and digital
Create powerful ideas and utilise the best channels and tools to reach your markets and target audience effectively
Explore advanced professional practice in contemporary communication design, from visual identity, publishing and design authorship, to marketing communications, digital marketing and social engagement
Explore approaches to innovative communication solutions based on design thinking, systems thinking and business strategy, supported by market research, problem-solving methodologies and the application of cutting-edge technology
Hone specialist design skills and build an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies within the digital media, creative industries and commercial and not-for-profit sectors

The specifics

Programme specification

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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.

Whether you are a UK resident or an international applicant, you will need to apply directly to Ravensbourne via our Online Applicant Portal. Each course and mode option has a unique link to apply.

Simply select and click your chosen start date and mode via the 'Apply now' drop down at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate page inside the portal.

Learn more: how to apply for a postgraduate course

We want to know why you chose the UK as your study destination, what attracted you to Ravensbourne and the course, and how it relates to or fits in with your plans for the future. We love to hear people's motivations and aspirations, so please make your personal statement, 'personal'.

Using a minimum of 500 words, please use your personal statement to explain:

Why you chose the UK as your study destination (if you are an international student)
What attracted you to Ravensbourne University London and the specific course you are applying for
Your experiences and interests
What you hope to gain from the course
What you hope to do after graduating
Any relevant work experience

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.

Once you've studied a Design Communication master's degree course, possible career paths include the following job titles:

Design Planner
Design Strategist
Senior Innovation Strategist
Director of Product Development
Director of Innovation Methods
Director of User Research
Brand Strategist
Director of Interaction Design
Senior Information Architect
Director of Strategy and New Business Development
Digital Enterprise Strategist
Director of Experience Design
Senior UX Researcher and Strategist.

You can’t learn in a vacuum, which is why industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. Ravensbourne University London will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links, while our suite of postgraduate courses has been designed with industry, for industry.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, having previously worked with the likes of: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

EventsHub

The EventsHub is a flexible space designed to house various industry-facing lectures, presentations, events, launches, promotions, showcases, exhibitions and short courses for Ravensbourne, the local community and across the Design District.

The Workshop

Ravensbourne’s prototyping facilities are designed to enable and support experimentation and exploration of materials and making through hi-tech, lo-tech and no-tech facilities. This includes 3D printing, large-format digital print, laser cutting and vacuum forming, Arduino and Raspberry Pi coding and workshop hand-tools.

CreativeLab

CreativeLab is Ravensbourne’s own in-house design and media production studio. Working across creative commercial projects, not-for-profit third-sector briefs and internal design and content requirements, CreativeLab combines professional design expertise with employment opportunities on projects for our students and graduates.

We very much welcome applicants from outside the UK. For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England, language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international student section.

Quick links:

Tutor profile

Dan Duran

HNC, BA, MA, SFHEA

José García Oliva

BA (Hons), MA (Distinction)

Tony Branch

BA Hons, PGCE (Dist), MA (Dist)

Commercial • 6 August 2020

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