When Senior UX Designer, Janet Gonzales, decided to study for her MA in Graphic Design, she didn’t just look across the street, she looked across the Atlantic.

Based in the US and already holding an MBA, Janet wanted to build a deep, foundational understanding of design and push her creative thinking skills. Choosing MA Graphic Design (Online) at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) allowed her to combine international study with her fast-paced career in tech.

Having recently graduated from AUB with a Distinction in her MA, Janet sat down with us to share her experience of transatlantic distance learning, the power of small cohorts, and how her time at AUB has already paid for itself.

You already had a strong background in UX design and an MBA under your belt in the US. What made you decide to study an MA in Graphic Design with AUB in the UK?

I chose AUB because I wanted a different perspective. I had studied UX design in the US and gained a certificate, but I really wanted an educational foundation in design. I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to learn from different viewpoints and discover new designers.

The small cohort size at AUB was a huge factor for me choosing it. Also, the curriculum itself seemed really cool; it was designed around global challenges, taking in perspectives like inclusivity and sustainability alongside design principles.

Having a conversation with Stephanie Horan, the Programme Leader for MA Graphic Design (Online), before getting started made all the difference for me, too. She answered all my questions and made sure it felt like the right fit. Because I didn't have conventional, formal graphic design training, I wasn't sure how it would work out, but the personal attention from the lecturers was awesome.

Going straight into a Master’s degree without a formal graphic design background sounds like a steep learning curve! How did you find that transition?

It helped that I had taken classes in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign before starting, as we didn't learn the software tools on the Master's programme. Technically, I felt capable, but for me, the real goal was pushing beyond technical execution into outside-the-box, creative thinking. Having a dedicated couple of years to focus purely on becoming more creative and a better, well-rounded designer was invaluable.

Could you tell us about your current role and how your studies at AUB have influenced your day-to-day work?

I’m a Senior UX Designer designing customer experience software, I work primarily on the innovation and AI side of the business. While my job is technical, AUB has been a strong differentiator for me. It’s helped me think outside the box and bring far more creative ideas to my products, like exploring how to incorporate tactile, human details into digital workspaces and everyday dashboards for example.

Beyond my main role, I also freelance on the side. Because of the education and brand strategy skills I gained at AUB, I’ve been able to take on brand identity projects that mean the Master's degree has essentially paid for itself!

A lit garden staircase at dusk with handrails, benches and trees, with the words “HIGH FIVE” written on the path.

Three wooden benches line a curved forest path covered with fallen leaves, with the words "MILE 4" overlaid near the bottom.

A teal park bench with the words “YOU GOT THIS” in yellow lettering, set among fallen leaves beside a tree and dark green foliage.

A lit woodland path at night with small ground lights along the trail and a green FINISH marking painted near the foreground.

A purple poster with four heart-shaped photos of mothers with children, the headline reading 'You already belong here' above a QR code and walking group details.

Could you tell us a bit about your final project?

My final project was very close to my heart. It focused on spatial and experiential design, an area I’d never explored before. I wanted to create a wayfinding system to encourage people to stay active outdoors at night.

Through my research, I found that many people only have free time after dark, but safety and lighting are major barriers. I designed a wayfinding system featuring glowing, light-sensitive markers that respond to pedestrian movement while considering environmental factors. It challenged me to create an icon library, brand identity, and physical design system all in one.

Were there any unexpected challenges during the project that helped you grow as a designer?

Around July, ahead of our September deadline, I thought I was nearly finished! But my lecturer, Andrew, challenged me to push much further outside my comfort zone. He gave me a crucial piece of advice – "If you can take your design, apply it elsewhere and it looks like it belongs, it’s not unique enough."

Rethinking the concept alongside full-time work and travel was tough, but it was one of the strongest lessons I learned. He really cared about making sure I produced work I could be proud of, and that mindset is something I apply to every new branding project today.

How did you find connecting with your peers while studying remotely?

We had a class WhatsApp group where we stayed in touch constantly. I collaborated closely with an English classmate, Dan Bramfitt, on a joint project, he tackled the branding and I designed the UX for an app idea we plan to build out for real.

Being able to meet such brilliant, like-minded people was a real highlight. I even got to meet up in London with Steph and Dan the day after submitting my final project to celebrate!

What’s next for you? And what advice would you give to other international students considering an online degree at AUB?

I’m really interested in expanding further into creative direction and advertising to complement my web work. AUB gives you so much foundational strength, but it’s always exciting to keep learning.

My advice to anyone thinking about taking the leap is simply to go for it! AUB goes far beyond teaching design tools; it teaches you how to think creatively, solve complex problems, and become a systems thinker. I wish more people in the US knew about it, because it was genuinely a life-changing experience.