Course overview

This course allows you to extend your understanding and skills related to designed visual communication and professionalise your approach to graphic design – whether practical or theoretical in terms of engagement.

You will identify and explore an in-depth, research-driven project through a range of possible design methodologies including:

• typography
• information design
• publication design
• digital-based media

Historical, contemporary and theoretical contextual discourses constitute an essential role within the development of the work, alongside the challenging of conventional attitudes towards design.

You are encouraged to firmly ground your developments within a professional context by testing and applying your work in 'real world' situations and scenarios – creating links with industry and the professional design community. This will also open future possibilities for employment and entrepreneurship on graduating from the course.

Course content

The MA Graphic Design is delivered in both full-time and part-time modes. The course is aimed at developing independent learning through research-based study. The programme comprises four units.

• The first unit will introduce you to the theme of the research question as a basis of enquiry.
• The second unit relates to the first in that you will develop your own research questions and propose your major area of research.
• The third and fourth will involve you undertaking research and developing an artefact from this in answer to your proposal. A critically reflective report will document the iterative development of your research, whilst outlining the various relationships to theory and historical and contemporary contexts for your chosen research area. You will also position your work in relation to what is happening at the forefront of the subject area.

Teaching and assessment

Structured feedback will be given throughout the programme in response to timetabled presentations and staged deliverables. You will receive guidance and supervision throughout the programme that encourages independent learning. This will be scheduled within regular contact teaching time and you are encouraged to participate in the wider studio culture that develops within the subject area alongside the undergraduate degree in graphic design.

Assessment is conducted throughout the programme on the completion and submission of work for each unit. Units comprise of ratings of 15, 45 and 60 credits.

The award of Master of Arts is given on successful completion of the course to those who have attained 180 credits at Master's level.

Career prospects

Typical destinations for MA graduates include website design, new media design, magazine design publishing, book publishing, television and media industries, corporate design consultancy, art direction, design management and research.

Facilities and features

Purpose-built studios and specialist workshop provision, with excellent technical assistance, allow practical and creative development in a versatile and wide range of production methods. This includes wood, metal and ceramics workshops, as well as letterpress and screen printing equipment.

We have dedicated computer suites equipped with the latest software so you can produce digital media and design interactive content through manipulating images, editing videos and sound. You will also have access to a virtual reality and motion capture suite.

There is a lively programme of visiting speakers – artists, theoreticians, historians, curators and arts administrators – encouraging a vibrant culture of debate and interaction, as well as bringing you into contact with established professionals in various stages of their careers.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MA Graphic Design are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: School of Art, Design and Media (ADM)
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 2421
Email: create.admissions@port.ac.uk