Graphic Design MA

About the course

Graphic Design is made up of many different creative processes and inhabits a multitude of contexts. In the design of graphics for different commercial and artistic platforms the world of the graphic designer occupies both physical and digital arenas. Graphic Design is at the forefront of innovative and dynamic communication tools of the future.

Our MA in Graphic Design offers continuing or recent graduates from creative art and design subjects with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, creative skills and employment prospects. Our course aims to encourage you to push the boundaries of graphic practice with the development of innovative and imaginative concepts and ideas relevant to the design of graphic products and artefacts. We will introduce you to a variety of platforms and a range of situations and contexts within which graphic design sits, enabling you to experiment, expand, progress and communicate your ideas through different forms and processes, both digital and print-based. Our practice-led modules facilitate opportunities for you to produce high quality portfolios often underpinned by industry focused trends and competition briefs.

Our specialist staff and research expertise in the School of Art, Design and Architecture brings our students into contact with a wide range of academic staff, many of whom have industry experience. The Department of Art and Communication also hosts workshop weeks and a vibrant guest lecture programme, with opportunities to participate in creative activities led by external speakers and practitioners from industry. Students are welcome to participate in these activities as part of their studies with us at the University of Huddersfield. Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant. For more information see our Research Centres in the School of Art, Design and Architecture:

G (is for Graphics) and Centre for Sculptural Thinking

Course detail

Term 1

•  Research Methods and Project Proposal
•  Graphic Design Concepts

Term 2

•  Creative Innovation and Entrepreneurship
•  Graphic Design Processes

Term 3

•  Major Project

The course is part of an MA suite within the School of Art, Design and Architecture and thus offers a cross-disciplinary approach to Graphic Design. In addition to undertaking subject specific modules in Graphic Design Concepts and Graphic Design Processes which leads to a Major Project, we also deliver shared modules in Research Methods and Creative Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These modules facilitate opportunities for students to engage in cross-disciplinary working and to participate in the School’s own research and enterprise activities.

We have a fully equipped postgraduate suite dedicated to our MA students. This space is a lively and friendly environment where students can engage in creative exchanges across different subject areas in art and design.

What can I research?

Research plays a relevant role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant. For more information see our Research Centres in the School of Art, Design and Architecture:

G (is for Graphics) and Centre for Sculptural Thinking

Your career

We know you’re coming to university to undertake your course, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.  

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the Service.

Career support

Every area of visual communication in life, business and industry uses graphic design. Consequently the opportunities are endless. A visually literate, innovative ‘creative producer’ has the edge and potential to lead in whatever area they choose; in freelance/consultancy, corporate, national and global contexts. The expectation is that you will be seeking to enter the cultural and creative industries into roles such as graphic artists, creative directors, visual designers, animators, web editors and designers, production artists, information designers, package designers and marketing designers for advertising. You may also be seeking to develop proposals for further postgraduate research. The education sector or further doctoral study are also options.

After studying within the subject area of Art and Design, a few of the careers graduates have gone on to be successful within include: Design Intern for Oslok Design Studio; Trend Forecaster for Scarlet Opus; Design Manager for PWAR Creative Ltd; Graphic Designer for Book MY Show; Creative Director for Home of Millican; and Artist for Digital Powers.*

*Source: LinkedIn

Further study

Following successful completion of your Master’s course, there are opportunities to progress onto research study such as your PhD.

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Visit the Graphic Design MA page on the University of Huddersfield website for more details!