MA Graphic Design (Online)

Our course seamlessly blends theory and practice centred around the three pillars of design: Design Strategy, Usability, and Creativity. Together with your peers, you’ll explore your discipline through critical debate, theoretical enquiry, and multi-modal practice.  

What is the graphic designer’s fundamental role in society? In what ways does culture and human behaviour influence (or get influenced by) the graphic designer’s work? How can graphic design be channelled to tackle contemporary social issues such as climate change, waste, inclusivity and accessibility? These are just the beginnings of what you will dive deep into with your cohort, as you broaden your career prospects and shape a better future for our world. 

The units within this course have been designed to broaden your creative horizons and give you a global perspective of how graphic design fits into the bigger picture. Together with our academics, you’ll hone your craft as part of a virtual studio community, inform your practice with evidence-based research, and explore how design can be used to drive positive change.

This introductory unit is designed to orientate you with postgraduate study. Where does your past and present practice fit within contemporary graphic design? Which directions might you take in the future? You’ll also be challenged to expand on your own reference points as a practitioner.

Combining theory and practice, we’ll delve far beyond the aesthetic surface of graphic design. You’ll be introduced to design thinking: a research-informed, iterative process for understanding audiences, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that your designs have the right impact. This will shape your creative output before the creation stage, elevating your work as a catalyst for problem-solving.

For designers, the five senses are an important consideration when it comes to promoting certain customer behaviours. In this theory-based unit, we’ll explore how sensory design can be used to influence brands and branded environments. You'll then work collaboratively with your peers to design, present and reflect on a branded experience.

Contemporary design practice often focuses on user needs, and this has ultimately shaped the landscape of customer experience. In this unit, you'll learn how to adopt human-centred design: a problem-solving technique that puts real people at the heart of the development process.

This unit will delve into cognitive science: the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence. We'll explore how the graphic design process and typography has been revolutionised by neuroscience, evidence-based design, and AI. You’ll also be tasked with creating a statement and either choosing or creating typography that amplifies, enhances, or elucidates your message.

Together, we’ll explore how to become champions of inclusive design. Inclusive design is a design process that considers diverse groups of people and their needs in visual communication. You'll learn how to make your products, designs and services usable by as many people as reasonably possible – no matter what their age, ability, and socioeconomic background.

Through several real-world case studies, we’ll explore ‘nudge theory’ in visual design. You’ll develop a profound understanding of how your projects can influence audience behaviours, shift social perceptions, and act as a catalyst for positive social change.

Through the combined lens of both design and theory, we'll help you centre your practice on the UN’s sustainable development goals. Mirroring professional experience, you’ll be asked to make a successful communications strategy or campaign that prioritises eco-consciousness every step of the way – from the use of sustainable materials to the creation of impactful messaging.

This unit represents a pivotal point in your academic journey. Together, we’ll help you define the study focus for your Final Project. You’ll also reflect on your purpose as a graphic designer and determine the lines of enquiry you will delve into in your future practice.

This final unit is your opportunity to demonstrate the vast breadth of knowledge and skills you have acquired. You’ll work independently to produce a resolved, research-informed, practical project on the topic outlined in your research proposal.