MA Design - Graphics

Program Overview

The MA Design – Graphics program at the University of Sunderland encourages diversity in graphic design study. Students focus on visual communication research, theory, and practical work development, while exploring various design disciplines. Assessed solely through coursework, the program emphasizes the creation of a cohesive professional portfolio supported by a critical evaluation report. Graduates enhance their career opportunities in commercial design practice, particularly within the advertising industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Design – Graphics course encourages the diversity of design study opportunities possible within the wide field of Graphic Design. The course focus is rooted in visual communication research, underpinned by theory with an emphasis on the development of a very personal body of practical work. Students may choose to work within any area of contemporary graphic design practice or explore the potential for design diversity. Throughout the course students are encouraged to pursue a unique personal line of inquiry within the broad subject area of Graphic Design. By the end of the course all students should have completed a cohesive body of work to a professional standard and be able to clearly articulate a sound intellectual rationale and a broad critical viewpoint.

Outline:

Duration: 13 months

Educational Form: Taught

Education Variants: Fulltime

Language: English

February’s 2025 Intake:

Induction Start Date: 10th February 2025

Class Start Date: 17th February 2025

October’s 2024 Intake:

Induction Start Date: 30th September 2024

Class Start Date: 7th October 2024

British Degree: Master of Arts in Design – University of Sunderland

Course Structure:

Stage 1: Design Ideation (60 credits)

Negotiate a ‘programme of study’ with your tutors to identify the topics that you intend to study and develop.

Choose to specialise in just one discipline or explore a number of different disciplines.

Your studies will include aspects of creative studio practice that are relevant to your named pathway.

There is also a theoretical element that contextualises your chosen discipline(s), alongside other design media, within the broader field of design.

Stage 2: Design development and Prototypes (60 credits)

Test out your ideas and experiences in this prototyping stage before the final outcome in Stage 3.

Practical output and theoretical contextualisation will continue to interact and build on each other.

Stage 3: Design Realisation and Production (60 credits)

Produce your final design outcomes leading to a portfolio of creative work that has evolved from the practice and theoretical research developed up to this point.

A Critical Evaluation Report will support your portfolio.

Assessment:

Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.

The course is continually assessed through module requirements, allowing students to achieve target awards.

Final modules are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction.

Graduates will improve their chance of employment in the advertising industry with their demonstrated enhanced specialism and understanding developed on the course.