MA Graphic Communication

This degree is based at USW’s purpose-built campus, in the creative centre of Cardiff.

Our MA Graphic Communication is an ideal opportunity to develop your skills and interests by exploring the creative issues and technical aspects of graphic design today.

For designers working in industry, it offers a platform for career development by revising, developing and updating your skills.

The practical element of this graphic design masters is strengthened by an enhanced critical understanding of contemporary professional design debates, issues and trends, plus a greater understanding of research methodologies and how to apply them effectively.

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A purpose-built city-centre campus in Cardiff, the home of creative industries

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2023
2024

Study Mode 2023	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	1 Year	September	Cardiff (ATRiuM)	B
Part-time	2 Years	September	Cardiff (ATRiuM)	B

Study Mode 2024	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	1 Year	September	Cardiff (ATRiuM)	B
Part-time	2 Years	September	Cardiff (ATRiuM)	B

The MA Graphic Communication includes the following modules:

Graphic Communication Masters Project
Graphic Communication Priniciples
Graphic Communication Applications
Professional Design Practice
Research and Practice in the Creative and Cultural Industries
Graphic Communication Final Major Project

Visiting speakers from industry also regularly come in to take guest lectures in specialist areas such as UX (user Experience and UI (User Interface).

Teaching

We pride ourselves on providing a creative, friendly and professional environment.

Studio and workshop tutorials are supplemented by lectures, seminars, integrated case-study analysis, discussion groups and multimedia presentations.

Staff are active in research and/or consultancy, and are often joined by a range of visiting designers and practitioners.

Facilities

Our well-equipped studios include state-of-the art Macintosh computers and PC facilities with industry-standard software packages.

Lecturers

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

A good Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or an appropriate professional qualification, or HND/HNC and appropriate experience. UK applicants will be interviewed with their portfolio. Part-time students are usually required to be practising professionals. Relevant subjects include, but are not limited to, Art/Fine Art, Design, Graphics, Illustration, Art History, 3D Design, Fashion Design/Textiles, Interior Design, Advertising, Design Marketing, Animation, Game Art, Web Design, Fashion Promotion, or any subject that uses creative conceptual thought as part of its main process.

Equivalent accredited international qualifications are acceptable. International students need to supply a CD or DVD of their work, or a link to their personal website, to evidence their ability. Commitment to study will be considered. Where possible, video-conferencing, Skype or other communication will be used to contact you.

International Entry Requirements:

We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.

English requirements

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August 2023 - July 2024 Fees

Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £14950
Part-time UK: £1055 per 20 credits

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: £15850
Part-time UK: TBC

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

Funding

Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs

Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.

USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24

The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24

Apply directly to the University for this course.

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Admissions statement

During the graphics masters, you will develop the practical, analytical, technological and problem-solving skills needed to meet the complex and changing role of the graphic designer. Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.