MA Design (Communication) at Arts University Plymouth

Programme overview

An MA for those with experience in illustration, graphic design, photography or marketing, exploring how social, critical and technological change reshapes narrative-driven artefacts and brand-led campaigns. Students create a feature project prototype or series of artefacts from concept to display for an external client.

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: 2026 and 2027 entry | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Developing a personal style and visual methodology, collaborative and external briefs centred on co-design and participation, using the Imprint Lab, Digital Print Bureau, Fab Lab South West and multimedia studios. Three units: Practice-Led Research Methods, Creative & Critical Development and Independent Final Project, with critiques, seminars, research intensives, site visits and lectures shared with MA students in other disciplines.

Career pathways

Career opportunities include Communication Designers, Graphic Designers, Visual Designers, Illustrators, Brand Designers, Interface Designers, Storyboard Designers and Packaging Designers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above; applicants without the standard requirements are encouraged to make contact. Portfolio requested after application and an interview where the strength of creative practice and experience is considered. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (or equivalent, e.g. PTE Academic 50, WAEC English C4). Recommended application deadline 1 July.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,500 for the whole programme (2026/27). Masters full-time UK fee (1-year course); part-time £5,320 Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 for the whole programme (2026/27). Masters full-time EU & international fee (1-year course); part-time £9,275 Source

Intake: 2026 and 2027 entry

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://somis.plymouthart.ac.uk/index_app.php?page=app_pre_dashboard.php&crs_code=MACD1F2728

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