Communication Design: Graphic Design

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a good BA(Hons) degree or equivalent qualification in graphic design or a related subject, such as moving image, graphic communication, illustration, 3D design, advertising, photography, packaging, computer-related design, architecture or fine art.

We also welcome applicants with relevant experience, which demonstrates the necessary skills and intellectual achievement needed to undertake the course.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This course encourages the exploration and understanding of the methods and processes at work in contemporary visual communication, and will develop your personal practice and approach to graphic design.

It focuses on individual research and inquiry and helps you to better understand the significance of the wider cultural role of the visual designer. In addition, you will be introduced to disciplinary and interdisciplinary models of thinking that will underpin your own focused study on the course.

The emphasis on problem-finding, research methods and critical thinking is intended to enhance your long-term employment possibilities through an understanding of the changing global, technological and social context of design.

You'll be taught by academics who are practising designers and researchers. You'll visit studios and hear from guest speakers from industry, work on live projects, competitions, lectures and workshops.

Reasons to choose Kingston University:

• The course is taught by practising designers, researchers in design, and visiting tutors from industry. You will visit studios, work on live projects and take part in competitions.
• You will work with students from other design-based MA courses, benefitting from interdisciplinary methods and ways of working.
• You can explore your individual interests and develop your personal practice within graphic design and contemporary visual communication.
• You will develop your practice through four platforms: Interactive Image, Graphic Identity and Experience, Social Design Activism and LetterForms.

What you will study:

Project work will challenge you to develop and enhance your existing ways of working. You will explore the importance of research in underpinning your practice and will be encouraged to build your own visual language and ‘tools' in response to set briefs within each module. In the final stage of the course, you will propose and develop your independent major project.

This specialist pathway of the Communication Design MA course is part of the School of Design's postgraduate programme. The structure – shared with other postgraduate students – enables you to explore your individual specialist interests in graphic design within an integrated learning environment that provides a comprehensive understanding of the value and role of interdisciplinary methods and ways of working.