MA Design Communication: Graphic Design*

UWE Bristol's MA Graphic Design course builds on our celebrated reputation for postgraduate study in design communication. Ideal for ambitious designers looking for an inclusive, creative community committed to pushing the graphic arts industry in new and dynamic directions.

Why study this course?

In our increasingly visual society we're discovering innovative, radical ways to engage with both established and emerging audiences. In this context, graphic design is being redefined, reimagined, and reshaped.

On our MA Design Communication: Graphic Design, you'll experiment with new, analogue, digital and traditional practices, strengthening your design vocabulary and communication with dynamic expertise.

Developed over decades, our interdisciplinary approach to the graphic arts has built a global profile for pushing the discipline. Through a curriculum that encourages both conventional and unconventional means of creative inquiry, collaboration, and critical reflection, you'll establish your own place in this exciting interdisciplinary field.

For aspiring graphic designers, this culture of collective ambition, extensive technical resources and industry links is your launchpad into the profession.

Why UWE Bristol?

Based on Bristol's historic waterfront at the Arnolfini, you'll hone your craft at this internationally renowned centre for contemporary art. You'll be at the heart of Bristol's creative and cultural hub, with access to UWE Bristol's City Campus and all it has to offer.

As a creative student, you'll be perfectly placed studying in Bristol. As a socially and politically progressive city, it's widely recognised as one of the most creatively influential settings in the UK. Our strong partnerships with local organisations mean you'll benefit from their input, along with many valuable networking opportunities in this thriving creative context.

Where can it take me?

Whether you're a recent graduate or mid-career designer, you'll benefit from the University's strong connections with the creative and media industries. You'll gain invaluable real-world knowledge, experience and exposure through regular guest speakers, live brief projects and opportunities to enter local and national awards and competitions.

You'll graduate with a globally recognised qualification and have a broad range of career options available to you regionally, nationally and internationally.

Hear from Graphic Arts graduate, Woon Bing, about exhibiting their work at the end of year degree show.

The image above shows the fantastic work from one of our students (Claire Tan, 2024 Graphic Arts graduate).

Careers / Further study

You'll be taught by practising designers, illustrators, photographers and researchers, bringing their skills and expertise exclusively to you studying at postgraduate level.

Our graduates go on to work in the creative industries both nationally and internationally in a wide range of careers. These include roles in design agencies, publishers, fashion houses, photography studios, or as self-employed creatives, designers running their own businesses, or in teaching in both formal and community education programmes.

Previous regional employers have included: Sons of Graham, Proctor & Stevenson, Immediate Media Co., Kennedy Publishing, HommGrp, EZ Education, The Damien Hirst Studio and LED Architects.

In London, previous employers include: 59 Productions Ltd, North House Creative, Space Agency Design Ltd, The Rodnik Bank Ltd, The Creative Place Ltd, Graham & Green and notonthehighstreet.com.

Examples of overseas previous employers include: Wonderworks Ltd in Taiwan, Dell in Texas, Genius Loci and Zaman Branding in Dubai and Studioplace in Rome.

Graduates have received awards in design, illustration, and publishing competitions like D&AD, and exhibited in international exhibitions. Some have given public lectures, and been interviewed for BBC radio and regional newspapers about their research or practice.

You may also choose to progress to further study, such as a PhD.

Our award-winning Careers Service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.

Learn more about our graduate destinations.