Graphic Design MA (Online)

In this module, you will be introduced to the development of graphic design today and the variety of contexts in which it is made and understood.

As with the central ethos of the course, you will seek to examine local and global perspectives of the subject and the emergent skills required to address problems and deliver messages for both regional and global audiences.

The module seeks to establish the fundamental essence of being a contemporary graphic designer and the ability to use curiosity, risk, play and care in the delivery of a message. 

(30 credits)

In this module you will explore how graphic design can be used to distil, reform or remodel stories for a new purpose. 

You will develop an in-depth critical and contextual understanding of your own practice and examine key obstacles and challenges facing the subject.  

This module also questions the role that designers must play in society and the communities that we inhabit.  

(30 credits)

In this module we examine the building blocks of studio practice from a business perspective.  

Exploring the day-to-day aspects of studio life, you will reflect on innovative ways to collaborate with creative partners around the world. 

You will do this through engaging with specific design studio case studies and develop a speculative framework for an entrepreneurial concept, envisaging professional ways in which this could be launched and put into action.  

(30 credits)

This module allows for a scoping of interests and challenges you to question the role and ethics of working as a contemporary designer.  

Working on both personal and highly strategic live briefs, you will engage with self-initiated work, competitions and industry projects; the latter being collated from client-set opportunities. These briefs will enable you to respond to new challenges beyond your normal field of experience and push you to work outside of your comfort zone. 

(30 credits)

Your Final Major Project will bring all your previous learning together and challenge you to position yourself and your work for next steps following graduation. Project work can develop from several perspectives: being research or theory led (for further research study at PhD level) or personally or professionally orientated (for independent or studio practice).          

(60 credits)

You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment. This is also where you'll find all key documentation, get course announcements and access extensive learning resources.

You'll refine dynamic practices, spending 20-25 hours a week working on your craft. We incorporate optional in-person events for all our online students. There will be up to two per year and will typically run over a long weekend, to fit around your other commitments.  

Find out more about learning online

All assessments are through online submission. Assignments on MA Graphic Design (Online) can typically include:  

• Practice-based assignments, for example designing a digital tool or process to aid collaboration 
• Research-based assignments, for example reflecting on a cultural narrative (either historical or contemporary) which has received only limited critical attention. 
• Work-based assignments that are grounded in your existing practice, where you apply tools such as storytelling or market research. 

You'll be supported academically by Online Tutors, who will also deliver weekly webinars and facilitate the online forums. If you need assistance with anything that isn't directly related to course material, a dedicated Student Advisor team will be on hand to help. You'll also have access to Falmouth University's excellent Employability Service. 

You can apply to begin your studies in September 2024 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

You can apply to begin your studies in January 2025 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

Qualifications

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply. If you'd like to discuss our entry requirements, speak to an advisor. 

Portfolio 

You will need to submit a digital portfolio of your graphic design practice. This may include previous project work and your current work-in-progress. It can take the form of a link to your blog or website and/or be presented as an interactive PDF. This will help the academic team assess your suitability for the MA Graphic Design. 

If you'd like to talk to us about your application, get in touch. 

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take an English Language test.  We accept:  

• IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening  
• TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components  
• LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)  

We also accept a range of other recognised English language qualifications.  You can visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.  

For more information about equivalent international qualifications or English language requirements please contact our friendly Course Advisors.