City

What you'll study

This MA combines studio practice, critical theory and professional preparation. Core activity centres on self-directed projects in which you develop visual strategies for editorial, brand, information design, motion and interactive media. Teaching typically includes seminars and tutorials, practical workshops and technical sessions on typography, layout, image-making, motion graphics and user-centred digital design.

• Studio practice: sustained project work with regular crits and individual supervision to build a substantial final project or portfolio.
• Research methods: approaches to practice-led research, visual analysis, qualitative methods and writing for design.
• Professional practice: briefs with industry partners, project management, pitching and entrepreneurship for creative careers.
• Technical modules: workshops covering typography, editorial design, motion and time-based media, information design and basic front-end prototyping.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: opportunities to take modules in related fields such as interaction design, photography or advertising depending on availability.

The course culminates in a major independent project — often a public exhibition, publication, website or series of moving-image works — supported by a written contextual statement or reflective project report.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree (or equivalent professional experience) in graphic design, illustration, communication design or a related discipline. A strong portfolio demonstrating creative ability, visual thinking and evidence of independent project work is required. Applicants without a first degree but with substantial professional experience may be considered.

All applicants should submit a personal statement outlining their interests and proposed direction of study. Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or to discuss their portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates work across the creative and cultural industries. Typical roles include graphic designer, art director, brand or identity designer, information designer, motion graphics designer, UX/UI designer, design researcher and creative producer. The programme also supports those aiming to work freelance, found small studios or progress to further research degrees.

Many students use the course to reposition their practice, develop a distinctive portfolio for competitive roles, or to move into specialist areas such as editorial design, interaction design or moving-image content within agencies, in-house creative teams and cultural organisations.

Why study at City

City’s Visual Communication MA is based in a major global city with extensive links to the creative and cultural sectors, which supports opportunities for live briefs, placements and networking. Teaching is delivered by practitioners and researchers, providing a balance of industry-relevant skills and theoretical rigour. Students benefit from accessible studio space, digital labs and workshop facilities alongside careers support and extracurricular events.

The programme’s emphasis on practice-led research and professional engagement helps students refine a distinctive voice and produce work ready for exhibition, publication or professional use.