Communication Design MA
Arts University Plymouth Campus, United Kingdom
MA Design (Communication)
Arts University Plymouth
Communication Design
MA Design (Communication) at Arts University Plymouth
The MA Design (Communication) at Arts University Plymouth builds upon your knowledge and practice experience of Illustration, Graphic Design and other communication media to explore how current social, critical and technological paradigms are changing how designers create and distribute narrative-driven artefacts or brand-led campaigns. This research-led, studio-based programme positions you at the forefront of creative and societal forces that are challenging design norms to reimagine production and consumption for a changing world.
The course pushes the boundaries of how we structure and convey stories and subjects through an interdisciplinary community of practice, challenging you to deepen your personal style and develop the theoretical and practical skills necessary to express it across many media and sectors. You will strengthen your ability to use visual language — form, colour, type, motion, light, image and character — in a dialogic process that captures the expressive potential of communication beyond words.
As part of a specialist arts university founded in 1856, you will benefit from access to outstanding workshop facilities including Fab Lab South West, the first FabLab of its kind in the UK. The programme emphasises sustainable, non-extractive and regenerative approaches to working with materials, putting you at the forefront of contemporary design thinking aimed at developing more sustainable industries.
Key Programme Highlights
- Research-led, studio-based learning within an interdisciplinary postgraduate community of makers and thinkers
- Access to Fab Lab South West and over 13,000 square metres of specialist studios, labs and workshops
- Emphasis on sustainable design thinking, circular economy principles and regenerative material practices
- Research Intensives programme featuring deep-learning sessions led by research-active staff and external specialists
Curriculum and Module Structure
The MA Design (Communication) follows a comprehensive taught Masters structure shared across specialist subjects, enabling a focus on creative strategies and processes through three sequential units. The core tuition covers research methodology, critical thinking, design, practice-led research methods and professional and conceptual frameworks. A unique component is the Research Intensives programme, which invites all MA students to participate in short-format, deep learning sessions in areas of creative expertise.
Explores foundational creative strategies through research-led inquiry, developing your ability to investigate and test new ideas within the field of communication design across material and digital interfaces.
Develops your understanding of research methodology and critical thinking, equipping you with frameworks for iterative, material-led examination of human need, behaviour and community in design contexts.
Builds entrepreneurial skills and helps you explore your professional identity, developing work with social, environmental and economic relevance within the communication design sector.
Provides opportunities to work collaboratively or with external partners on briefs that prioritise co-design, participation and reflective evaluation, extending your practice through dialogue with diverse perspectives.
Short-format, deep learning sessions led by research-active staff and external specialists that enrich subject-specific study with adjacent practices, cultural theories and creative methodologies.
Elective and Specialist Pathways
Admission Requirements
The MA Design (Communication) welcomes applicants from a range of creative backgrounds. Admission is based on a combination of academic qualifications, portfolio strength and creative potential. All applications and enquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeNormally a 2:2 honours degree or above in a relevant subject
- Relevant DisciplinesIllustration, Graphic Design, Publishing, Art, Creative Writing, Digital Media or similar design-related disciplines
- PortfolioA portfolio demonstrating creative work you have made, organised or been involved in is required
- Professional ExperienceApplicants with lower grades but strong creative practice and relevant professional experience may be considered
- ReferencesSuitable references from previous academic institutions and/or employers
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 50 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each section
- LanguageCert AcademicMinimum grade of 70 in any component (B2 level minimum required)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Plymouth offers a range of scholarships to support international students entering their first year of postgraduate study. These awards aim to help with the costs of international study by way of a fee reduction. Contact Uni4Edu to learn about your eligibility and how to be considered.
Vice-Chancellor's Arts University Plymouth Excellence Award
GBP 3,500A competitive award applied to a student entering a full-time 1-year MA programme. Awarded on a competitive basis by application and panel selection. Contact Uni4Edu for application details.
Creative Scholarship
Up to GBP 2,000Awarded on merit via a panel to students entering the first year of a postgraduate course. Applicants must meet benchmarks for portfolio excellence and demonstrate a commitment to study.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Design (Communication) are well-prepared for a variety of roles within the creative and design industries. The programme develops innovative thinking, strong visual communication skills and a deep understanding of design principles, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and professional identity that supports both employment and independent practice.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Plymouth has earned significant recognition for its student experience, teaching quality and specialist creative facilities. As a specialist arts institution, it is consistently rated among the top creative universities in the UK by students and national ranking bodies alike.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | Top 10 |
| Student Satisfaction | Times Higher Education | #2 in UK |
| Facilities | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | #13 in UK |
| Staff-to-Student Ratio | Complete University Guide | #2 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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