MA Graphic Design - MA

You can opt to complete this module as either 180 credit points, or as 160 credit points with an additional module in Advanced Art and Design Research worth 20 credit points.

Graphic Design

(180 credit points or 160 credit points)

Phase One: Creative Research and Development You’ll work on a self-negotiated Masters project proposal, and on short design briefs or national design competition briefs. You’ll establish good practice in Masters learning methods, and develop sound approaches to creative research and design development.

Group tutorials with your appointed supervisor will give you an opportunity to present your work in progress and to receive feedback and advice on the development of your set projects and Masters project proposal.

With support from your supervisor and fellow students, you’ll research and develop your Masters project, ready for review and presentation at the end of the phase. To complement your project work, you’ll also set personal learning aims in a journal of professional practice. In this journal, you’ll record your research into current and future trends in your specialism. You’ll also be given set topics to explore in the wider context of research and development methodologies, techniques and processes in the creative industries. These topics and tasks may require illustrated case studies, the presentation of trend data, analysis of industry reports, and of emerging influences, materials or technologies.

Phase Two: Creative Development and Testing In this phase you’ll continue to develop your negotiated MA project. You’ll take an experimental approach, stretching the boundaries of your existing thought and practice to explore originality and innovation. You’ll examine future trends and emerging thought in your subject area, and combine research findings with imagination to propose new thought and practice.

You’ll conduct regular testing of the interim stages of project development, using appropriate methods of research and evaluation. Group tutorials with your appointed supervisor will provide an opportunity for you to present your work in progress, receive feedback, and set goals.

If you opt for the 180 credit point version of this module, you’ll continue to keep a journal of professional practice. You’ll use it to record your personal learning aims, and as a focus for learning across the broader context of your area of specialist study.

Phase Three: Design for Production and Media You’ll complete your Masters project and investigate and apply methods of production which, where practical, align with professional practice.

You’ll use suitable industry-standard software and select, reference and specify appropriate materials. You’ll continue to attend group tutorials, presenting work in progress and receiving feedback and advice on the further development of your project.

In your journal of professional practice, you’ll show and reference advanced knowledge of commercial processes, production and media commonly used for the design and distribution of graphic design media. Final outcomes must include background material that shows the development of your project work, including sketchbooks, screen shots, and other supporting visual items.

Optional research module

Advanced Art and Design Research
(20 credit points)

This module will expose you to a range of different research methods across diverse practice-led research projects and research-led practices within Art and Design. If you are interested in pursuing your practice in the form of a PhD, this module will prepare you for further study.