MA Visual Communication

Program Overview

This intensive master's program in Visual Communication enhances creative skills and provides a comprehensive understanding of theories shaping visual communication practices. It explores innovations in visual practice, examining the impact of technological and cultural changes on contemporary thinking. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills and a portfolio for a range of careers in the creative industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This intensive master's degree helps students improve their creative skills and build a solid understanding of academic theories that shape visual communication practices. The curriculum covers the latest innovations in visual practice, examining the way technological and cultural changes contributed to contemporary academic thinking and vice versa. The course provides opportunities to explore semiotics; digital culture; professional practice; interdisciplinary practice; collaboration; editorial design; interactive multimedia; information design; image creation; illustration; fine art; typographic design; print-making and photographic technique. Students may have workshop sessions with the letterpress, screen-printing, etching and relief printing facilities, as well as the wet darkroom and photo studio. Depending on their creative background, graduates will be well prepared for a range of careers in the creative industries. Critical research papers and final master’s projects are supported by the University’s expanding research base, encouraging students to make an innovative contribution to visual communication practice and theory.

Outline:

Year One

• Core Modules
• Visual Communication Practice
• Digital Media
• Professional Practice

Year Two

• Core Modules
• Master's Project Development and Proposal

Careers:

This master's degree delivers the skills you’ll need for a wide range of creative careers. Students on the course come from a range of disciplines including graphic design; make-up and hair design; fine art; photography; computer games design; film; marketing (to name a few). Students are supported in developing transferrable skills and practices that will bring them closer to their desired profession. The course includes time to develop hands-on creative skills. Students are encouraged to create work for their professional portfolio.

Other:

• Students will develop transferable skills in decision-making under pressure; visual, written and verbal communication; critical thinking; and presentation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• The course has access to specialist facilities, including Mac computers, professional creative software, digital printing facilities and traditional printing presses.
• Students will have access to a full range of print-making facilities including letterpress, screen-printing equipment, etching and relief printing, and digital resources.
• Solent provides a comprehensive media loans scheme, giving students free access to high-end photographic equipment and accessories.
• The course encourages students to engage, critically and creatively, with the concept of being a ‘visual communicator’, expanding discourses around visual communication to include art as well as design.

• UK and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,250 per year
• International and EU part-time fees: Students from outside the UK are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study.