MA Communication Design at Robert Gordon University

Programme overview

Our MA programme provides a series of connected learning experiences, which are delivered through four modules. The Communication Design pathway within the Programme enables you to develop the skills, critical understanding and specialist knowledge and methodologies required to follow a rewarding career as an independent communication designer: illustrator, graphics or web, or related work. This pathway provides a tailored learning environment that encourages and supports your creative development, independence in creativity, imagination and ideas.

Faculty: Gray's School of Art | Duration: 16 months full-time; 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: January; September | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The programme provides a series of connected learning experiences (3+1 modules), which critically challenge you to develop and reflect on your specialist disciplinary practice. You will be supported in identifying and acquiring the most appropriate research and practice based strategies for the development of your Communication Design creative practice. Critical Contextual Studies and Research Methods You will be introduced to a key set of research methods and thematic issues integral to the programme.

Career pathways

The MA Programme is designed to support you in further developing your subject-specific disciplinary expertise and skill sets to pursue a career in the creative and cultural sectors. On completion of the Communication Design pathway, you will have the experience to pursue a career as a professional Illustrator, Communications or Graphic Designers, or work within a related role in the creative industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in a relevant subject. Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis. As part of the application process, applicants will be contacted with a request to share examples of their creative work and explain their motivation and ambitions. Applicants may be offered the option to have an online meeting with the Course Team, or to provide a digital portfolio and project proposal. Once a preferred option has been indicated, more detailed guidance on the requirements and next steps will be provided. Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,100 a year (2026/2027). Scottish students, full time on campus, over 1 year Source

International applicants: GBP 19,240 a year (2026/2027). International students, full time on campus, over 1 year Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: 16 months full-time; 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/pgcert-pgdip-ma-communication-design#apply

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