Graphic Design MA

On this course we will introduce you to bespoke methods for designing digital experiences, with the support of our industry partners. You will also build analytical and practical skills to help you develop, test and deliver exciting design solutions for a range of communication challenges.

You will explore a range of media in the fields of graphic design, branding, illustration, moving imagery, and virtual and augmented reality. We will support you to create an exciting and contemporary personal portfolio of work informed by your research and practice.

Studying on this course will also ensure you are familiar with both virtual reality and augmented reality. You will have the chance to apply your creative talent and transferable skills through a diverse range of digital sectors so that you will be ready to work in industry.

This degree is part of a suite of courses. Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at the other masters degrees we offer:

Virtual and Augmented Reality MA

Product Design MSc

Interior Design MA

How you will study

This course will take 1 year to complete and must be studied full time. You will study:

• 5 compulsory modules
• A Major Project

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Teaching will consist of a mixture of group seminars and individual tutorials. This includes sessions with staff from across the university.

As a graduate student independent learning will be central to your study. We place a significant emphasis on independent learning, encouraging you to take responsibility for managing your own learning and its outcomes. Our Academic Support team can help with written English, study, research, and technology skills if needed.

We keep our group sizes small so we can get to know your creative personality and support your aspirations. We deliver your modules through:

• Workshops
• Visiting speakers
• Field visits
• Work related learning
• Seminar discussions
• Supervised projects

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

There are no formal examinations on this course. You will be assessed through live events and coursework, which will include:

• Portfolio work
• Creating artefacts
• Presentation of visual works
• Research reports
• Case studies

You will receive continuous informal feedback on works in progress through a combination of showings, discussions and written proposals.

Qualifications

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Interview and portfolio

Entry onto this postgraduate course is subject to attending an interview.

At interview you will need to demonstrate examples of your own practice.

You will also be asked to complete a portfolio. This portfolio should show examples of previous and current media production practice.

We are happy to arrange interviews via Microsoft Teams for international students.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2023 - 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £8,000 for full time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2023 - 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2023 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £11,300 for full time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Graphic Design take you?

This degree could lead you to a career directly related to Graphic Design, or it could take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferable skills you will develop. These include problem solving, developing arguments, analysing and evaluating information, collaboration, independent working, communication and more.

This will give you an advantage in careers such as:

• Graphic design
• Advertising
• Photojournalism
• User experience design
• Concept art
• Animation

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.