Communication Design

The programme provides a series of connected learning experiences (3+1 modules), which critically challenge you to develop and reflect on your specialist disciplinary practice.

Applied Practice

You will be supported in identifying and acquiring the most appropriate research and practice based strategies for the development of your Communication Design creative practice.

Critical Contextual Studies and Research Methods

You will be introduced to a key set of research methods and thematic issues integral to the programme. These are delivered through a set of discursive lectures and seminars, resulting in a reflect essay exploring your contextual, societal or theoretical outlook related to Communication Design.

Personal Development and Professional Networks

You will reflect, evidence, evaluate and present your work across a range of outputs; exhibition, online journal and collaborative networks.

Master's Project

The culmination of the 3 previous modules provides a critical platform for a self-directed major piece of practice-based research. You will also be required to produce an extended piece of analytical and critical writing in support of your practice-based work.

Activity Summary

You will work in a tailored, dynamic, creative environment which encourages independent thinking and original ideas.

The main teaching strategies for this practice-based course are delivered through structured seminars and critiques, workshops and individual one-to-one tutorial support. Although a practice-based programme, the MA places great emphasis on contemporary critical and visual cultural debates and appropriate research practices. You will work as an individual but also will take part in group activities, presentations and discussions. 

You will have opportunities to engage and learn from invited artists, designers, experienced researchers and speakers from industry through our Guest@Gray’s lecture programme.

• Lectures - 12 hours per term
• Seminars - 12 hours per term
• Tutorial - 6 hours per term
• Project Supervision - 6 hours per term
• Demonstration - 3 hours per term
• Practical class or workshop - 3 hours per term
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 60 hours per term
• Independent Study -  270  hours per term
• External Visits - 3 hours per term
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 1 per term

How long is a Communication Design course?

The total learning effort upon completion of this course is:

• 1 year (full time)
• 2 years (part time)

Staff Delivering on This Course

The MA Programmes teaching staff are made up of a team of recognised artists, designers, critical theorists and curators from within Gray’s School of Art, together with guest lecturers drawn from a network of professional and cultural partnerships.

The pathway is delivered by an experienced team of consultants and designers who encourage and support a diversity of approaches within your specialist practice and its expanded field. You will be assigned a specialist tutor based on your disciplinary needs.

The programme also benefits from close collaborative links with a number of arts and cultural organisations together with a varied and weekly Guest@Gray’s lecture programme.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

Full time

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment

Part-time

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 project output

Year 2

• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Independent Study

The pathway emphasises directed independent learning, negotiated independent project work and individually focused research. You will be challenged to develop your own work and ideas with the support and advice of staff and/or external partners, within a supportive learning environment of cooperative critical debate.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

The pathway has been designed to specifically enable you to study and practice in context and offers you the opportunity to undertake collaborations with cultural partners such as Grampian Hospital Arts Trust, Peacock Visual Arts and Deveron Projects, or gain professional experiences by working with Creative Learning Team ACC. You will be able to carry out your placement as part of the Applied Practice module or your master's project.

Study Abroad

There is a possibility of an overseas exchange as an alternative to the placement opportunity.

Job Prospects

The MA Programme is designed to support you in further developing your subject-specific disciplinary expertise and skill sets to pursue a career in the creative and cultural sectors.

On completion of the Communication Design pathway, you will have the experience to pursue a career as a professional Illustrator, Communications or Graphic Designers, or work within a related role in the creative industries. 

If you wish to pursue opportunities for further study towards a higher degree, Gray’s School of Art offers art and design research degrees both full-time and part-time at MPhil, MRes and PhD level.

What is needed to study MA Communication Design?

• Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in a relevant subject.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £150 Studio Fund (£75 per year for Part-Time students) – this covers access to darkroom, printmaking, ceramic, workshop and 3D areas.