MA Graphic Design Theory and Practice - 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 Theory and Practice
(180 credit points or 160 credit points)

This module is taught in three phases.

Phase One: Creative Research and Development
You’ll work on a self-negotiated project proposal and, if you’ve opted for a practical project, short design briefs set by your supervisors. Group tutorials will give you an opportunity to present your work in progress and to receive feedback and advice to further develop your set projects, and your project proposal. These short projects have been specifically designed to give you the knowledge and grounding with which to launch into your MA project. You’ll establish good practice in design and illustration research methods. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend presentations, workshops and seminars on topics relevant to professional theory and practice in design.

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.

If you’re producing a practical project, you’ll 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.

Phase Two: Creative Development and Testing
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 also 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’re writing a dissertation, you’ll aim to produce a fully developed structure for this, including an outline of key arguments and research findings, and proposals for illustration, design, and distribution. You’ll discuss and develop your ideas about the final form of your dissertation, and consider all kinds of media and design. You’ll also be presenting ideas on how best to exhibit your work.

If you’ve chosen a practical project, you’ll keep a journal of professional practice, where you’ll record your personal learning aims. You’ll then use these aims as a focus for learning across the broader context of your specialist study area. You’ll also be encouraged to enhance your employability profile by engaging in field and primary research, making connections with professionals, and arranging short internships or visits.

If you opt for the 160 credit point version of this module, you won’t be required to complete a journal of professional practice. Instead, you’ll undertake reflective practice as part of the 20 credit point Advanced Art and Design Research module.

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.

If you’re writing a dissertation, you’ll be expected to produce finished outcomes that extend the scope of academic or critical discourses on the subject of graphic design.

In support of your practical project, your journal of professional practice should show and reference advanced knowledge of commercial processes, production and media commonly used for the design and distribution of graphic media. You’ll also keep a record of your project feedback.

You’ll continue to attend group tutorials, presenting work in progress and receiving feedback and advice to further develop your project. Final designed outcomes must include background material that shows the development of your project work, such as sketchbooks, screen shots, and other visual support items.

Optional research module
(20 credit points).

Advanced Art and Design Research
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.