Communication Design: Illustration

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 that demonstrates the necessary skills and intellectual achievement needed to undertake the course.

You must submit a portfolio.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Communication Design Illustration MA course is structured to challenge you and your preconceptions about both illustration and design. The course place an emphasis on the patterns of research you develop and the visual methods you employ to explore and unravel briefs. You will be expected to demonstrate how you research and develop your ideas. In this context, research is not only a working process it can also be considered an outcome in its own right.

This programme asks you to examine: what, how, why and who as key factors in design thinking. This represents a shift from the traditional definition of design and illustration as a problem solving activity to a placing the focus on problem finding. The course encourages the exploration and understanding of the methods and processes at work in contemporary illustration.

This course has been designed to enhance your long-term employment possibilities through an appreciation of the changing global, technological and social context of illustration and design.

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.