MA Art & Design
The MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is a one-year, intensive postgraduate course d...
MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design
Cambridge
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design program at CSVPA is a one-year, full-time postgraduate course designed to enable students to explore and advance their skills and understanding of graphic design as a powerful tool for communication. The program encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and the development of innovative visual solutions across a range of media. It culminates in a significant final project and a professional portfolio that showcases the student's individual design philosophy and capabilities.
Curriculum: The MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design curriculum at CSVPA is project-based, encouraging students to engage with diverse briefs that challenge their creative and strategic thinking. The program emphasizes the importance of research, conceptual development, and the application of design principles to solve communication problems effectively. Students explore various aspects of graphic design, including typography, branding, information design, interactive design, and visual storytelling. The curriculum also incorporates workshops, seminars, and critiques to foster technical proficiency, critical analysis, and peer learning.
Research Focus: The MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design program at CSVPA is underpinned by a research-informed approach to design practice. Students are encouraged to conduct both visual and contextual research to inform their design decisions and develop conceptually strong and relevant solutions. The program emphasizes the critical analysis of existing visual communication and the exploration of innovative design methodologies. Self-initiated projects allow students to delve deeper into areas of personal interest and contribute to the evolving discourse within graphic design.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design program at CSVPA is its strong connection to the creative industries. The program benefits from guest lectures by practicing designers, industry visits, and opportunities for collaborative projects and live briefs. This exposure to professional practice provides students with valuable insights into the demands and expectations of the graphic design industry, helping them to develop a professional network and prepare for their future careers.
Global Perspective: While based in the UK, the MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design program at CSVPA attracts a diverse international student body, fostering a rich multicultural learning environment. The program encourages students to consider the global context of visual communication, exploring international design trends, cultural influences on visual language, and the challenges of designing for diverse audiences. The development of a strong professional portfolio also prepares graduates for opportunities within the international graphic design community.
Location
Cambridge
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28995
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.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is supporting talented international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, creative potential, and to make quality education more accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CSVPA offers merit-based scholarships that reward students with outstanding academic records or exceptional creative portfolios. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and are awarded based on the quality of the student’s previous work and achievements.
Creative Talent Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of artistic ability, CSVPA provides scholarships specifically for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual arts, performing arts, design, or related fields. Applicants are usually required to submit a portfolio or audition as part of the selection process.
Financial Need Scholarships: Some scholarships are allocated to students who demonstrate genuine financial need. These aim to support talented individuals who might otherwise face challenges funding their education abroad.
An MA in Visual Communication: Graphic Design from CSVPA equips graduates with advanced conceptual, technical, and strategic design skills, positioning them for a wide range of impactful careers within the dynamic field of graphic design and visual communication. The program's emphasis on individual expression and industry relevance prepares graduates to be innovative and adaptable professionals.
Graphic Designer (Agency or In-House): Creating visual concepts and designs for various media, including branding, print, web, and digital platforms, for diverse clients or within a specific organization.
Brand Identity Designer: Developing and implementing visual brand strategies, including logos, color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines, to establish a strong and consistent brand presence.
User Interface (UI) Designer: Focusing on the visual elements and interactive design of digital interfaces (websites, apps), ensuring they are aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.
User Experience (UX) Designer (with Visual Focus): Combining visual design skills with UX principles to create intuitive and effective digital experiences, often involving user research and prototyping.
Information Designer: Transforming complex data and information into clear, accessible, and visually engaging formats, such as infographics and data visualizations.
Editorial Designer: Designing the layout and visual presentation of magazines, newspapers, and books, ensuring readability and visual appeal.
Motion Graphics Designer: Creating animated visuals and visual effects for websites, videos, television, and other digital media.
Art Director (Graphic Design Focus): Overseeing the visual style and images for design projects or campaigns, providing creative direction to design teams.
Design Educator (Higher Education): Teaching graphic design principles and practices at the university level, mentoring aspiring designers (often requires further qualifications).
Freelance Graphic Designer/Design Consultant: Working independently on a variety of projects for different clients, offering specialized graphic design services and expertise.
