MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
Mdes Graphic Design
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MDes in Graphic Design at the University of Gloucestershire is a dynamic and future-focused postgraduate program aimed at designers who wish to push the boundaries of visual communication. This course allows students to experiment, innovate, and refine their personal design practice while developing strategic and conceptual thinking skills. Whether students want to work in digital design, branding, editorial, or user experience (UX), the program is tailored to equip them with advanced capabilities that align with current industry demands. It also serves as a platform for those wishing to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or creative leadership roles in design.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MDes Graphic Design program is comprehensive and creatively intensive. It includes modules focused on advanced design research, creative experimentation, critical analysis, branding strategies, and interactive design. Students explore both traditional and contemporary media, applying their design thinking to real-world issues and design briefs. The course structure encourages collaborative projects, self-directed learning, and portfolio development. Through practical workshops, lectures, seminars, and critiques, students gain mastery in areas such as typography, motion graphics, UX/UI design, and sustainable design practices. The culmination of the course is a major design project or dissertation, where students present a significant body of original work that demonstrates their design philosophy and professional vision.
Research Focus: At the University of Gloucestershire, research in graphic design is driven by curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through visual communication. The MDes program encourages students to explore the socio-cultural, political, and technological dimensions of design. Research areas include design for social change, inclusive and accessible design, design theory, and emerging media technologies. Students work closely with experienced academics who are active in the creative industries and research communities. This supportive environment fosters critical engagement and innovation, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to contemporary design discourse.
Industry Engagement: The MDes in Graphic Design places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring that students are career-ready upon graduation. The program offers numerous opportunities for students to connect with design professionals through live briefs, guest lectures, studio visits, and industry placements. These collaborations not only enhance practical skills but also provide insight into current trends and expectations within the design world. The university has established partnerships with creative agencies, cultural organizations, and design consultancies across the UK, giving students the chance to work on real-world projects and build professional networks that support long-term career growth.
Global Perspective: The University of Gloucestershire promotes a global outlook within its design programs, encouraging students to think internationally and engage with global issues through their design work. The MDes Graphic Design program welcomes students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, fostering a rich, collaborative learning environment. Modules often include projects with global themes, and students are encouraged to consider how design can be used to influence international audiences and contribute to global sustainability goals. The university’s international partnerships and exchange opportunities further enrich the educational experience, preparing students to navigate the global design landscape with confidence.
Location
Park, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Postgraduate Scholarships: The university also offers specific scholarships for postgraduate international students. These awards range in value and are designed to encourage students to pursue further studies in fields such as business, education, media, and healthcare. Postgraduate scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and, in some cases, professional experience or research potential.
Graduating from the MDes in Graphic Design at the University of Gloucestershire opens up a diverse range of career paths, both within the creative industries and in other sectors where design plays a crucial role. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, which includes advanced design thinking, critical analysis, and hands-on project experience, enables graduates to pursue positions in various fields of graphic design and visual communication.
Graphic Designer: As a core profession within the design industry, graphic designers create visual concepts for a variety of media, including print, digital, and interactive platforms. Graduates can work in design studios, advertising agencies, or as freelancers, providing creative solutions for branding, advertising, web design, and more.
Brand Designer: Brand designers focus on developing visual identities for companies, organizations, and products. This includes creating logos, color schemes, typography, and other visual assets that communicate the brand's personality and message. Graduates can work for branding agencies, corporate marketing teams, or as independent consultants.
UX/UI Designer: The growing demand for user-centered design in digital platforms has led to a rise in UX/UI designers, who focus on creating engaging and intuitive user interfaces for websites, mobile applications, and other digital products. Graduates can work in tech companies, startups, or as part of design teams that specialize in enhancing user experiences.
Motion Graphics Designer: Graduates of the MDes Graphic Design program with an interest in animation and digital media can pursue careers in motion graphics design. This role involves creating animated visuals, titles, and visual effects for films, advertisements, video games, and social media content. Motion graphics designers combine graphic design skills with animation techniques to create compelling visual narratives.
Creative Director: With experience and seniority, MDes Graphic Design graduates can take on roles as creative directors. Creative directors lead and manage creative teams within advertising agencies, design firms, or in-house departments. They oversee the overall visual direction of campaigns, branding initiatives, and projects, ensuring that design concepts align with client goals and market trends.
Art Director: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and imagery in advertising, publications, and other media. Graduates can work in publishing houses, advertising agencies, film studios, and digital media companies. Art directors collaborate with designers, photographers, and illustrators to bring creative concepts to life across various platforms.
Web Designer: Graduates interested in digital design can specialize in web design, creating visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly websites. This career involves working with HTML, CSS, and design software to build websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also responsive and easy to navigate.
Advertising Designer: Advertising designers create visual content for promotional campaigns, whether for digital platforms, print ads, billboards, or television commercials. Graduates can join advertising agencies, marketing firms, or work independently, developing design concepts that align with client objectives and target audiences.
Print Designer: While digital design is growing in prominence, print design continues to be a significant area of focus. Print designers create layouts for magazines, brochures, posters, packaging, and other printed materials. Graduates can work in publishing, marketing, or design agencies, managing print projects from concept to final production.
Packaging Designer: Packaging design is an essential part of branding and marketing, and graduates can work as packaging designers for consumer products. This role involves creating packaging that is visually appealing, functional, and communicates the brand identity effectively. Packaging designers often work with companies in retail, food, cosmetics, and technology industries.
Freelance Designer/Entrepreneur: Many graduates of the MDes in Graphic Design program choose the path of freelancing or starting their own design studios. This entrepreneurial route allows them to work with a wide variety of clients across different industries, creating custom design solutions while having the flexibility to manage their own business and projects.
Design Educator or Researcher: For graduates who wish to pursue academic careers, the MDes program provides a solid foundation for teaching design at the university level or conducting design-related research. Those interested in research can contribute to design theory, exploring topics such as design ethics, sustainability, and new technologies in graphic design.
