
Opleiding: MA Graphic Design
Learning purpose
The MA Graphic Design course is built around an major self-initiated design project, the aim of which is to make a new and original contribution to the field of graphic design.
We encourage investigation across the entire spectrum of graphic design from solving real world problems to experimenting at the boundaries of contemporary design practice. You will engage in critical analysis, identifying new types of problems and researching creative and innovative ways of solving them.
The course holds talks and masterclasses with designers working across the field including: Editorial Design; Bookbinding; Typography and Type Design; Branding; Screen & Moving Image. These workshops combined with films, exhibition visits (taking full advantage of our location in London, a world centre for graphic design) and guest lectures that have included Jon Powner (Atelier Works); Jonathan Barnbrook; Jonathan Ellery (Browns); Michael Johnson (Johnson Banks; Vaughn Oliver; Joel Veitch (Rathergood); Tomato; Andy Altman (Why Nor Associates) give our students a rich and deep understanding of contemporary design practice which helps to inform and develop their own projects and design practice.
The masters course attracts international and UK graduates, practising designers and mid-career professionals from a variety of communication design disciplines.
Programme
The objective of the programme is to foster a creative, experimental, original and reflective approach to the design process, within which you developa design research project. Approximately three quarters of the programme is devoted to developing and completing your subject specific personalproject,comprising creative work with an accompanying research reportandpresentation. This work is supported by regular group seminars andreviews and by a system of personaltutorials in which individualprojects are discussed with specialists in the field. The remainingquarter of thecurriculum addresses issues common to all designdisciplines including the foundations of post-graduate researchand thedynamics of professional practice. These aspects of the programme arediscussed during the early stagesof your project and provide a forumfor discussion and debate, shared with students from related designspecialties.
Full-time students attend two to three days a week; devotingthe remaining time to self directed study. Part time studentsattend oneday a week over two years. Final assessment is based on yourresearch project, supported by a written report. The work should exceed,interms of depth and scope, that which would normally be expected atundergraduate level.
Full-time students attend one day a week; devoting the remaining time to self-directed study. Part time students attend one day a week over two years.
Final assessment is based on your research project, supported by a written report. The work should exceed, in terms of depth and scope, that which would normally be expected at undergraduate level.
- Foundations of Postgraduate Research (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- To develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake research at postgraduate level MPhil, MA Design Research and PhD in a design discipline. To develop metacognitive strategies in a reflective approach to learning, research and design. To develop professional/academic composition and presentation skills to a postgraduate standard. To understand the context historical, philosophical, cultural of the topic and areas of study. To prepare a coherent and comprehensive project proposal in terms of scope, approach, research methodology, and standard of presentation.
- Project Completion (60 Credits) - Compulsory
- To articulate the principles determining the development of a design or design research project. To employ advanced skills to develop the project acknowledging interrelated perspectives. To demonstrate systematic critical reflection, identifying appropriate design research methods and communicating these to peers. To make explicit major assumptions or determinants uncovered. To understand the interrelationship between theory and practice in the application of method. To demonstrate mastery of a design or design research project
- Project Development (60 Credits) - Compulsory
- To extend and develop the Project Proposal by: critical reflection on the provenance and appropriateness of decisions whether deliberate or intuitive - and the methodologies employed in their creation obtaining data, refining the working brief and identifying appropriate criteria for evaluation, testing and modification of the project outcomes the use of rhetorical structures in design thinking and presentation. As part of this process the module will: develop planning and organisational skills consider design work as a constitutive part of the argument or process of investigating the validity of the hypothesis use reflective practice in the development of self-managed learning.
- Project Proposal (30 Credits) - Compulsory
- Aims To explore a variety of practical design working methods and approaches employed in the resolution of visual communication problems. To identify and initiate a practicable project brief in parallel with the work on research in DES 4102, and to determine the most appropriate methods, materials and resources necessary for it s successful completion. To compare and contrast ones own approach to design problems with that of current and past professional practice. To develop effective communication skills.
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
English language requirements
You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL (paper based) 575 or TOEFL (internet based) 90 with specified minimum scores for each component.
Professional perspective and employment market
Graduates go on to work in design for advertising, web and digital graphics, editorial and narrative illustration, film and animation as well as furthering their studies at MPhil and PhD level.
Middlesex has strong links with art and design employers. Our industry partners sponsor final year undergraduate students and give visiting lectures.
Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you're studying with us - and after you've graduated.
Placements
Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market - as well as being a fantastic experience. We encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.
We have a dedicated Placements Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.

