Graphic Communication - MA
    Duration1 year (s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 23,786 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Graphic Communication - MA

    About

    MA Graphic Communication is a dynamic, inclusive course that values diverse cultures and creative backgrounds. It supports you in refining your skills, developing a unique design voice and exploring bold, self-directed projects. Through critical thinking and experimental practice, you’ll shape a professional identity and prepare for your next career step.

    Graphic Communication Principles

    Explore key principles of graphic design, including composition, typography, hierarchy and colour. You will develop and create thoughtful, concept driven visual outcomes through hands-on experiences.

    Graphic Communication Applications

    Examine branding as a strategic element in graphic design, creating a future-focused identity that reflects values, behaviour, services and audience through creative practice.

    Research and Practice in the Creative Industries

    Learn design research methods and participate in critical discussions using theoretical frameworks and emerging ideas to develop research-driven design concepts.

    Graphic Communication Masters Projects

    Discover graphic design in digital spaces, focusing on motion graphics, UX, and UI design. Learn how graphic design can move, respond, and interact to create dynamic visual experiences that captivate screen-based audiences.

    Professional Design Practice

    Study the professional practices of contemporary design studios and agencies, including workflows, client relationships, and creative services. You will develop a creative portfolio that showcases your skills and readiness for the industry.

    Final Major Projects

    In this self-directed module, you will develop a final major project that reflects your design philosophy and diverse skills within your chosen specialism. You will create a substantial body of work that showcases innovation, originality, and professional relevance.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Academic Qualifications

    • Students who have completed a 4 year Bachelor degree (60% overall or a GPA of 2.5 or above on the scale of 4, 4 being the highest) can be considered for entry onto a relevant postgraduate programme of study.
    • Applicants with other relevant qualifications or work experience may be considered on a case by case basis.

    English Program Requirements

    English Qualifications

    Proficiency in English is essential for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The University of South Wales recognises the following English Language qualifications:

    • GCSE/O Level English at grade C or above
    • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 with at least a 5.5 in each component.

    Please note that some courses may require a higher level of English language proficiency than the University’s standard requirements. Please see the course page for further information.

    Don’t worry if you do not meet these requirements as we offer a range of English Language courses.

    Career

    Career Paths

    • Graphic Designer
    • UX/UI Designer
    • Motion Graphics Designer
    • Brand Strategist
    • Freelance Designer

    Careers and Employability

    Graduate careers

    Graduates of USW’s MA Graphic Communication course aspire to enter the creative industries with a more sophisticated, distinct competitive edge that builds on the foundations of their BA or previous education experiences. The MA aims to encourage a more refined level of conceptual thinking and maturity to tackle complex design challenges with diversity and confidence.

    Employers seek design graduates that are not afraid to take the creative lead, critically engage with a wide range of local, national or global issues and aspire to demonstrate innovation through design practice, this is central to postgraduate study at USW. Graduates commonly peruse roles in agencies or as freelance designers offering services in graphic design, branding, UX,UI motion graphics. Some choose to continue their studies through teacher training or pursue further academic research with an MPhil or PhD. MA student’s standout in their fields for their maturity, attitude and diversity of creativity and skillsets.

    Industry links

    The Graphic Communication courses at the university have an excellent reputation and long-serving history of working with the professionals that are shaping the creative industries. The design courses have been written through primary research and consultation with a variety of creative practitioners and academics. This professional network continuously creates opportunities within the curriculum for our students to meet, interact and learn directly from our industry contacts.

    Careers support

    You will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and post-graduation. 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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    23,786 / year

    Graphic Communication - MA

    University of South Wales

    University of South Wales

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Cardiff