Graphic Design

At Edinburgh College of Art students are given the opportunity to work across the multi-faceted graphic design discipline. Our focus is on fundamental design skills and the ability to develop and use original ideas and approaches. The cornerstone of the teaching is the stream of conceptual and visual thinking what allows students to work in any medium from pencil and paper to an interactive digital interface. It is paramount that students can work independently of technology and changing trends to create original work which communicates powerfully with its audience. There is also a strong tradition of collaboration with other departments, and the resulting cross-fertilisation is a dynamic component of the programme.

Students join an international body of postgraduate students coming from different cultural traditions to work in a broad range of graphic design media within an integrated framework.

While a written dissertation forms part of the assessment process, the programme is designed as a means of developing and extending creative practice.

Programme Structure and Content

Students produce a body of work on an agreed proposed topic coupled with set projects within the programme curriculum, a dissertation completed in the summer term, and an additional extended body of work on an agreed proposed topic, completing 260 credits.

Streams

• Studio
• Professional Practice
• Theoretical and Written Studies

The aim is to encourage postgraduate students who wish to explore graphic design as a means of expressing ideas and opinions. Study entails 70% of time devoted to studio work with the remaining 30% for theoretical and written studies.

Students take an Introduction to Postgraduate Study course (contributes 10 credits) that introduces them to the rigours and possibilities of postgraduate research, which will help provide a transition from more directed modes of study at undergraduate level. The aim of this introductory course is to promote innovative, experimental and ambitious research that relates to academic study and creative practice at the forefront of graphic design.

The programme also includes a professional practice course (contributes 10 credits) - preparing our students for employment in the industry, and a contextualising lecture/seminar series focusing on ‘media and material cultures’.

The programmes are project led and accompanied by set assignments exploring typography; layout; promotion; research; and national competitions. The programmes are delivered through workshops, regular group/individual tutorials and presentations.

Objectives

The aim of the postgraduate programme in Graphic Design is to:

• produce professionally able students skilled in the creative and production process through a range of projects
• combine the contemporary energy and discipline of fine art practices with the professionalism and accountability of contemporary graphic design practices, in order to produce innovative and grounded work
• facilitate the interrelationship between different cultural traditions and traditional and emerging design technologies
• provide postgraduate education in graphic design which constitutes a clear progression from undergraduate education whilst maintaining distinctiveness from industrial training
• challenge boundaries, encourage original thought, and develop intellectual and critical approaches to make meaning in the field of communication.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first- or second-class degree or the equivalent in a relevant discipline. However, applications from those with honours degrees in other, unrelated disciplines or from applicants with a relevant combination of qualifications and work experience will be considered. We are pleased to receive applications for postgraduate study throughout the year.

International applicants are welcome. International students should be able to demonstrate equivalent qualifications to those laid down for UK applicants. Non-native English speakers must have passed a relevant English language qualification. For postgraduate study, as a guideline, the College requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 (paper-based test); 76 (internet-based test).