This hands-on postgraduate qualification will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the innovative, changing world of communication design.

With a strong focus on adaptability and the importance of being able to respond to changing design issues, you will gain advanced skills in areas such as web and print design, as well as emerging technologies and research processes.

In conjunction with industry, you will also be given the opportunity to work on creative projects, developing skills in writing project proposals and presenting information.

In addition to the necessary practical skills, a key part of your learning will relate to advanced research and you will graduate with the cognitive skills needed to review and analyse information.

You may also complete an industry placement as part of an elective.

What you'll learn

To be an effective communication designer you need to be able to identify problems, and to examine and develop strategies and approaches to overcome them. This qualification addresses design issues that you may be faced with in the workplace, such as:

• socio-cultural change
• economic constraints
• environmental impacts

You will also develop an advanced understanding of communication design principles and graduate with the ability to develop and design effective communications for a range of audiences. Cognitive skills needed to review and analyse research will also be developed.

This master degree comprises design research studio classes, advanced research skills and a choice of electives, including an internship.

Graduates from this degree enjoy careers in a variety of roles, such as:

• animation and motion designer: use graphic software to create animated images
• art director: responsible for the visual aspects of a publication, campaign, or other published material; a chief liaison between the client and designers
• graphic designer: create visual concepts to inspire, inform or captivate an audience
• communications designer: use software applications to create visual design elements for publishers, web developers and multimedia companies
• illustrator: produce still drawings for use in advertisements, magazines, on packaging, greeting cards and in newspapers
• typographer: create the typeface that graphically reflects a client’s brief
• web designer: create and maintain websites, this may include the design, layout and coding  

Creativity, patience, motivation, commitment and, of course, excellent communication skills, are all qualities of a successful communication designer.