COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Graphic Communication programme is structured around a series of practice-led modules that enable students to develop an individual creative identity while building advanced professional, research, and collaborative skills. The course begins with Locating Your Practice, a module that explores the relationship between research, theory, and creative practice within contemporary graphic communication. Students investigate emerging and expanding forms of visual communication through experimentation, critical reflection, and practical exploration. By engaging with new techniques, technologies, and processes, they develop a deeper understanding of their own creative interests and begin defining the direction of their future professional practice. Building upon this foundation, the Masters Personal Practice module forms the core of the programme and represents the largest component of study. Here, students undertake an extensive self-directed project, creating a personalised professional portfolio that reflects their chosen area of specialism and career ambitions. Through research, experimentation, innovation, and creative risk-taking, they develop sophisticated visual communication outcomes while establishing professional working methods that prepare them for future employment, freelance practice, entrepreneurship, or further study. The Culture and Collaboration module broadens students’ understanding of the social, cultural, and theoretical contexts that influence contemporary art and design practice. Working alongside students from other creative disciplines, participants engage in collaborative projects centred on current debates and issues within art and design. Through research, critical analysis, idea generation, communication, and presentation activities, students contribute to a collective Festival of Ideas, gaining valuable interdisciplinary experience and strengthening their ability to work within diverse creative teams. The programme also offers optional modules that support professional and academic development. Professional Futures encourages students to explore emerging opportunities across the visual communication industries while engaging in cross-disciplinary discussions related to employment, enterprise, innovation, and future trends. Alternatively, Advancing Research Design: Maximising Your Methods provides advanced training in research methodologies and design inquiry, making it particularly valuable for those interested in research-led practice, professional development, or progression to doctoral study. Together, these modules create a highly flexible and personalised learning experience that allows students to develop expertise in areas such as branding, typography, digital design, UX/UI, moving image, packaging, or speculative design while building a strong portfolio and professional profile for careers across the creative industries.