MA Communication Design
Communication design is a critical tool that probes the complexities of contemporary culture — in, through and for society — while always striving to incite change. This research-led taught programme develops acute awareness with respect to heritage and a boldness to shape futures. Communication Design uses a variety of media to creatively communicate ideas and concepts that can inform, challenge, educate and transform lives. The field of communication continues to evolve rapidly. Our students are encouraged to discover new possibilities and creative practices while developing the critical, creative and technical excellence needed to succeed within the fields of contemporary graphic design, illustration and moving image design. The MA Communication Design is aimed at building on knowledge and practice acquired at undergraduate level and within professional practice, with applicants proposing a research agenda that will provide a focus for their study. The programme is designed, timetabled and delivered in such a way as to enable design practitioners to undertake their study alongside maintaining their professional career.
What to Expect
The MA Communication Design operates across a range of communication design disciplines and methodological approaches and contexts. It combines core taught elements in research and critical studies, with students proposing a specific creative subject for advanced studio practice. The aim of the MA is to create a design culture that thrives on new ideas, new ways of doing things and new areas of exploration. We encourage our students to experiment and take risks in order to carve new understandings of Design and make technical innovations within, and across communication design. In challenging the purpose, methods and ambitions of contemporary communication design practice and research, students will identify opportunities and develop their own creative careers. The MA provides the opportunity for students to engage in an interdisciplinary educational experience, working alongside postgraduate students from across the School of Design. We encourage our students to explore contemporary themes that connect all the design disciplines. Building on the knowledge and skills developed at undergraduate level and professional practice, students encounter new contexts in which to develop their skill-sets and deepen their knowledge of design through a range of projects, before undertaking a major self-directed project.
Opportunities to Engage
The programme will reflect the changing field of Communication Design and continue to develop industry links offering relevant career pathways. This will be supported by a visiting lecture programme of leading industry and creative practitioners. The programme has the option of a further 30 credits of study in Design Internships or Design Incubation and Enterprise. Additional modules enable students to undertake industry placements, working in a real-world design environment; or pursue further research to support the commercialisation of their design work, providing an incubation support system for students.
Programme Team:
John Paul Dowling, MA – Head of Communication Design
John Paul holds a degree in Graphic Design and an MA in Interactive Media. He is heavily involved in typography, both in his own practice and in education. His work in typographic research, education and as a practitioner has been recognised in various capacities by AtypI, ISTD and SOTA. He has lectured internationally and featured in many leading design publications. He is currently Education Director, Board Member and Fellow of the International Society of Typographic Designers.
After Your Degree
The taught masters programme provides an in-depth, professionally informed pro-gramme of study and studio practice. As a consequence of the range of skills acquired MA Communication Design graduates have access to a wide range of local and global opportunities in industry, services, and design consultancy or as creative entrepreneurs, designer-makers and educators. The School of Design actively participates in the EU-funded Erasmus+ programme, which offers recent graduates the opportunity to avail of internships in high profile design companies within the European Union.
Eligibility
The programme is open to graduates with an honours degree award of 2.2 or higher, or an equivalent academic or professional qualification in a related discipline. The College also takes into consideration prior learning and experience. English language: Students who have not been educated through English must show proof of achieving IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in the writing section on the Academic Version) or an equivalent score in another recognised English language assessment.