MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement
The MSc Cybersecurity Technology with Placement program at Canterbury Christ Church Uni...
MA Visual Communication
Canterbury
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers an MA Visual Communication program designed for aspiring and experienced professionals who wish to leverage their specialist skills in graphic design, photography, and illustration to address contemporary social issues and create positive impact. Situated within the interdisciplinary environment of the School of Creative Arts and Industries, this Master's course challenges students to respond innovatively to both local and global challenges, combining theory and practice to foster original research and a honed professional portfolio. The program is unique in its delivery alongside multiple degree routes within the broader Creative and Cultural Industries subject areas, encouraging multi- and interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with a diverse range of creative professionals. It is suitable for graduates from related fields seeking career advancement or those transitioning into visual communication, offering flexibility with intensive in-person sessions, online interactive learning, and individual tutorials.
Curriculum: The MA Visual Communication curriculum at CCCU is structured to develop advanced creative and critical thinking skills essential for impactful visual communication. The program's modules include "Creativity, Culture, and Community," "Applied Critical Thinking for Visual Communication," "Collaborative Practice," "Project Development for Visual Communication," "Professional Development," and a culminating "Final Project" (60 credits). Through these modules, students delve into the interplay of contemporary social issues, ethical practice, and specialist visual skills. The course delivery combines intensive in-person sessions on the Canterbury campus with online interactive and self-directed teaching, supplemented by group and individual tutorials. This blended approach provides over 260 scheduled contact hours, encouraging students to extend their learning through independent study and engage with peers and tutors via a Virtual Learning Environment.
Research Focus: The MA Visual Communication program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by a team of experienced educators who are also internationally recognized researchers in the field, ensuring a strong research focus permeates the curriculum. The program challenges students to produce cutting-edge work and research, developing imaginative and original research that combines theoretical understanding with practical application. The core modules like "Applied Critical Thinking for Visual Communication" and the substantial "Final Project" (dissertation) directly support students in conducting rigorous research, investigating areas such as how visual communication can create positive social impact. Furthermore, the university's broader research interests in media, art, and design, including topics like immersive technology and artificial intelligence in communication, offer a rich intellectual environment for students to explore diverse research avenues.
Industry Engagement: Canterbury Christ Church University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its MA Visual Communication program, aiming to enhance graduates' effectiveness and confidence in the workplace. The course benefits from contributions from a group of non-academic partners and advisors who provide visiting talks, lead debates and discussions, contribute to assignment briefs, and offer valuable networking opportunities. The program is designed to reflect how creative industries operate, encouraging students to collaborate with a range of creative professionals. The focus on developing a honed portfolio of individual work, alongside practical skills, directly prepares students for various roles in the creative sector. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in areas like art direction, creative leadership within publishing, creative agencies, branding, charities, arts organizations, and education, with many also choosing to establish their own businesses.
Global Perspective: The MA Visual Communication program at Canterbury Christ Church University fosters a significant global perspective, enabling students to respond innovatively to local and global issues. The curriculum encourages students to understand how visual communication can create positive social impact that benefits the world, transcending geographical boundaries. The program's interdisciplinary nature and its delivery alongside multiple degree routes within the broader Creative and Cultural Industries subject areas attract a diverse cohort, including international students, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural insights and perspectives on visual communication. This global outlook prepares graduates to work in an interconnected world, where visual messages have the potential to sway opinion, inform, and enlighten audiences across diverse cultures and contexts.
Location
Canterbury
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15500
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 60.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their studies and make the most of their university experience.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance and achievements. It provides a significant discount on tuition fees, making it more affordable for high-achieving students from abroad to study at CCCU.
Global Students Scholarship: This scholarship is aimed at supporting international students who demonstrate excellent potential and their studies. It offers a percentage reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Postgraduate International Scholarship: For postgraduate students, CCCU offers specific scholarships that provide financial assistance for those pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide an opportunity for international students to study in the UK at a reduced cost.
Graduates of the MA Visual Communication program from Canterbury Christ Church University are exceptionally well-prepared to navigate and lead within the diverse and expanding creative industries. This postgraduate degree cultivates advanced specialist skills in areas such as graphic design, illustration, and photography, coupled with a strong understanding of how visual communication can address contemporary social issues and create meaningful impact. With a honed professional portfolio and a network of industry contacts developed through practical projects and collaboration, alumni are highly competitive for roles that demand both creative flair and strategic thinking.
Graphic Designer: Creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. This can be for branding, advertising, websites, publications, or packaging.
Art Director: Leading the creative vision for projects in advertising, publishing, film, or digital media. This role involves overseeing the design team, making decisions about visual style, images, and overall artistic elements.
Illustrator: Producing original artwork, often digitally, for books, magazines, advertising, websites, video games, and other media, translating complex ideas or narratives into engaging visuals.
UX/UI Designer (User Experience/User Interface Designer): Focusing on the design of user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interfaces for websites, mobile applications, and software, ensuring an optimal user journey and visual appeal.
Brand Strategist/Identity Designer: Developing and maintaining visual brand identities for companies and organizations, including logos, typography, colour palettes, and brand guidelines to ensure consistent and impactful communication.
Communication Designer: Working across various media platforms to design effective visual messages for clients in sectors like marketing, public relations, education, or non-profit organizations.
Digital Photographer/Photojournalist: Creating compelling visual narratives through photography for editorial, commercial, or documentary purposes, often integrating digital manipulation and storytelling techniques learned in the MA.
Motion Graphics Designer/Animator: Designing and creating animated graphics and visual effects for video, film, television, web content, or interactive media, bringing static designs to life.
Creative Lead/Manager: Taking on leadership positions within creative agencies, in-house design departments, or marketing teams, overseeing projects, managing creative teams, and driving innovation.
Design Educator/Researcher: Pursuing further academic study (e.g., PhD) and contributing to the field through research and teaching visual communication, graphic design, or related subjects at universities or art colleges.
