MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Design (Visual Communication)
Locksbrook campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Design (Visual Communication) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with a strong foundation in graphic design, illustration, digital media, or related visual communication disciplines. It is structured to encourage students to push the boundaries of traditional visual communication practices, explore emerging technologies, and develop a sophisticated understanding of strategic visual messaging. Students are encouraged to define their specific areas of interest within visual communication, such as branding, information design, user experience (UX) design, motion graphics, data visualization, or visual storytelling, and develop a personalized learning journey through project-based work and elective opportunities. A key element involves rigorous critical inquiry, experimentation with diverse visual languages and media, and the creation of a compelling portfolio that showcases their unique design vision and advanced visual communication skills. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging peer feedback and the exchange of ideas within a vibrant community of visual practitioners.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Design (Visual Communication) program is designed to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of advanced visual communication practices. Core modules typically explore topics such as visual communication theory, user-centered design methodologies, information architecture and design, branding and visual identity systems, motion graphics and animation, interactive design principles, data visualization techniques, and strategic communication planning. Students will engage with industry-standard design software and technologies, developing mastery in visual communication across various media. The program emphasizes the conceptual development of visual solutions, strategic thinking in communication design, and the effective application of visual language to address complex communication challenges and reach diverse audiences. Students are encouraged to undertake projects that involve research, experimentation, and the creation of innovative visual communication strategies for real-world scenarios. The curriculum promotes critical reflection on contemporary visual communication trends and the development of a personal design philosophy rooted in informed practice.
Research Focus: The MA Design (Visual Communication) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Art, Film and Media and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises active visual communication researchers and practitioners who bring their cutting-edge work and insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current visual communication research, explore emerging media and technologies, and develop their own research questions within their chosen areas of specialization. Students are expected to integrate research into their design projects and their final research project or dissertation, contributing to the evolving discourse within visual communication studies and practice. The university's research strengths in areas such as visual culture, digital media, human-computer interaction, and communication design provide a rich and interdisciplinary context for visual communication inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Design (Visual Communication) program actively fosters connections with the professional visual communication industry. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by leading visual communication designers, creative directors, and industry professionals from branding agencies, design studios, digital media companies, and advertising agencies. Students may have opportunities to undertake live briefs, collaborate with external organizations on visual communication projects, and participate in industry events and exhibitions. The curriculum often incorporates elements of professional development, such as portfolio building, pitching design concepts, and understanding the business aspects of visual communication. Networking opportunities with designers and industry representatives are often facilitated through university events and career services. The program's location within a region with a thriving creative sector can also provide valuable industry links and opportunities for internships or placements.
Global Perspective: The MA Design (Visual Communication) program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse visual communication traditions, international design trends, and the impact of globalization on visual culture and communication practices. The curriculum may include the study of visual communication history and theory from a global standpoint, examining different cultural approaches to visual problem-solving and information design. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different visual design perspectives. The program may also feature guest designers from around the world or opportunities to participate in international design workshops or competitions. This global outlook prepares graduates to be adaptable and culturally aware visual communication designers in an increasingly interconnected world of visual media.
Location
Locksbrook campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18560
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 65% 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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the future-oriented MA Design (Visual Communication) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly adaptable and strategically valuable skillset, positioning them for a wide range of impactful careers within the dynamic field of visual media and communication. The program's emphasis on advanced design principles, user-centered approaches, and strategic thinking equips graduates to lead and shape visual narratives across diverse platforms.
Visual Communication Designer: Creating comprehensive visual strategies and assets for organizations and brands across print, digital, and experiential platforms.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Focusing on the overall experience of users interacting with digital products and services, ensuring usability, accessibility, and satisfaction through visual design and information architecture.
Information Architect/Designer: Structuring and organizing complex information in a clear and accessible visual format for websites, applications, and other media.
Brand Identity Designer: Developing and implementing visual brand identities, including logos, color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines.
Motion Graphics Designer/Animator: Creating dynamic visual content for video, web, social media, and interactive installations.
Data Visualization Designer: Transforming complex datasets into compelling and understandable visual representations for analysis and communication.
Digital Marketing Designer: Creating engaging visual content for online marketing campaigns, social media, email marketing, and website design.
Exhibition and Environmental Graphic Designer: Designing visual systems and experiences for physical spaces, including museums, galleries, and public environments.
Design Strategist (Visual Communication Focus): Applying visual communication principles and design thinking methodologies to solve strategic business and communication challenges.
Freelance Visual Communication Designer/Consultant: Offering a range of visual communication services to various clients, building a diverse portfolio and managing their own design practice.
