MA Communication Design: General Pathway

Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months

Start date: September 2019

MA Communication Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment. Working closely with global experts and established industry contributors, students develop their design skills within a framework of informed originality and excellence in practice. This approach brings together problem-solving for contemporary applications, contextual knowledge, sound professional judgement, and a reflective attitude to design exploration.

MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. These pathways allow for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.

For pathway-specific information, please visit the individual pathway course listings:

Shared lectures, seminars and practical workshops enable students to develop fundamental knowledge of typography and specific areas of communication design. Additional taught sessions on reflective practice and research methods give students unique access to internationally significant collections and archives held by the University and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. These sessions equip students with the skills to interrogate original material for research, and provide insight into how practice connects with changing means of production, the wider historical context, and critical design discourse.

The MA Communication Design: General Pathway combines elements of publication and editorial design with user-centred design, supported by advanced typography. Students work on projects that engage with text-intensive print and digital applications in each of these areas.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: At least 2:1 honours (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a design or design-relevant subject or, for exceptional candidates without such a degree, convincing evidence of relevant professional experience. Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio and an example of academic writing as part of the application process.

What will you study?

Students on the Communication Design pathway work on three modules. The first involves a series of seminars that cover key areas in typography with options to take seminars from other pathways, and build a foundation in critical reading and research methods. These seminars are shared with other master’s students, and include reading and discussion of key texts, and preparation of a presentation to peers.

The practical module for the Communication Design pathway combines elements of publications and editorial design, including on digital content platforms, with user-centred design, and a solid background in typography. Students work on projects that span text-intensive applications such as editorial design, wide-platform applications such as branding projects, and user-centred design such as application design. The module situates practical work within the context of a rapidly evolving technological environment in communication design, and with sensitivity to the patterns of development in the field in different geographic areas. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of the impact of technology, and changes in social conditions globally, and integrate an awareness of evolving issues of inclusion and diversity in their work.

The third module comprises preparation and work for a substantial dissertation, on an area that may be connected to the work in the other modules of the programme.

How much will it cost?

New UK/EU students: £7,360 per year per year

New international students: £15,650 per year per year

Additional Costs

These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The fees given are for entry in the academic year starting in September 2019, and will be confirmed in your offer letter. You can find more information on fees and funding, including for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

What career can you have?

The Communication Design pathway equips graduates with the practical skills, intellectual attitude and lifelong learning abilities that are essential for a successful career in a rapidly evolving field. Graduates can expect to take up positions in branding and design studios, with publishers, and information design studios. Many of our graduates develop their own businesses, or take up managerial roles in creative firms. Employers of past graduates of the Department include Apple, Monotype, Microsoft Typography, Victoria & Albert Museum, Oxford University Press, Financial Times and Nokia.

Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months

Entry requirements

What will you study?

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Additional Costs

Financial support for your studies

What career can you have?

What career can you have?

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Full Time: 12 months | Part Time: 24 months

How much will it cost?

Additional Costs

Financial support for your studies

What career can you have?

Ready for more?