Communication Design: Graphic Design pathway

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a design-related subject. For exceptional candidates without such a degree, you will need convincing evidence of relevant professional experience. In most cases, a relevant practice portfolio and an example of academic writing are also required. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interview.

The personal statement needs to demonstrate:

• an ability to articulate clear career goals and interests that align with the programme and pathway applied for
• the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for.

The portfolio needs to demonstrate that applicants can:

• conceptualise, develop and evaluate projects in response to design briefs
• incorporate relevant research into project work
• use text and images effectively in page layout design
• use typography to articulate and organise text (familiarity with text using the Latin or Roman alphabet must be demonstrated)
• demonstrate engagement with appropriate communication design genres and contexts. These might include branding and marketing, editorial design, exhibition design, information design, packaging, social media, and/or user interface design
• use Adobe InDesign for typesetting, layout and prepress design work
• use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit images (such as diagrams, illustrations, photographs).

It is advantageous if the portfolio also shows:

• a strong foundation in complex typographic work
• experience using digital prototyping tools (such as: Sketch, Adobe HD, Invision, etc.)
• evidence of any complementary skills, such as: copyrighting, data journalism, illustration, marketing, motion graphics, project management, or technical communication.

The interview needs to demonstrate:

• how the applicant’s career goals and interests align with the programme and pathway applied for
• the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for
• an ability to articulate research interests and/or skills relevant to the programme and pathway applied for.

Please see the Department’s advice for a successful application.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Months of entry

September

Course content

MA Communication Design: Graphic Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment. 100% of our research judged to be of international standing and 100% of our research impact classed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions).

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding