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Postgraduate

MA Design for Data Visualisation

Mini Maker Fair, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Lewis Bush
College
London College of Communication
Start date
September 2024
Course length
1 year 3 months full time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

MA Design for Data Visualisation is driven by the intelligent interrogation of data and intensive, practice-led research. Using a range of media, tools and techniques, you will research, interpret, critique and visualise data developing creative narratives that a wide variety of audiences can understand.

Applying for more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3. Find out more in the Apply Now section.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Design-led and interdisciplinary: Recognising the uniquely interdisciplinary nature of data visualisation, this course will prepare you to work with specialists ranging from data scientists and journalists to developers and domain experts. You’ll also build your specialist data design skills through a rich culture of studio practice and technical workshops underpinned by advanced critical and theoretical perspectives.
  • Collaborative and industry-engaged: You’ll work on briefs designed and delivered by practitioners specialising in data visualisation such as Beyond Words Studio, or domain experts tackling data-related challenges such as The British Red Cross.
  • Subject and research expertise: You’ll build a portfolio of data visualisation work alongside your own self-initiated major project, which will be supported by workshops ranging from research to creative applications of technical tools.
  • Experimental and explorative: With access to LCC’s exceptional facilities, you’ll develop your ability to translate data into compelling narratives that challenge the definition and parameters of the discipline. Working with different mediums and modes of delivery, you’ll learn how to create work for a wide range of audiences.

Open Evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon.

Course overview

MA Design for Data Visualisation is driven by the intelligent interrogation of data and intensive practice-led research.

On this course you will develop the ability to translate data into creative narratives that a wide variety of audiences can understand using the most appropriate form of communication design for each project, including print, physical objects, environmental design or a screen based interaction.

What to expect

  • You'll be supported in developing an independent and critical view, producing visual narratives to bring about positive change, taking a collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach through the use of data.
  • You'll gain an in-depth understanding of information design within the context of communication design, acquiring a range of digital and analogue skills, underpinned by a historical, theoretical and critical framework.
  • The course recognises the social, cultural and ethical dimensions of data visualisation practices and will support you in developing a highly informed understanding of the role and implications of an editorial voice.
  • You'll produce work through a research-led body of enquiry that explores the power, potential, social and cultural impacts of data visualisation.

Industry experience and opportunities

A focus on collaborative practice across the course will support your gaining professional skills and experience. Past partnerships have included working with The British Red Cross, Beyond Words Studio and LSE Archive.

The involvement of a range of expert practitioners in the programme delivery ensures we maintain strong links with both with industry and academically-focused partners and collaborators.

Mode of study

MA Design for Data Visualisation is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into the curriculum and in everything we do. 

Term 1

Data visualisation research and practices (20 credits)
Visualisation tools, datasets and data stories (60 credits)

In this term, through a series of workshops, you will develop your specialist information design and data visualisation practice.

Pairing key areas from mapping to complex chart-making with a focus on fundamental design principles such as colour, visual language and typography, you’ll develop your expertise in both explorative, and explanatory data visualisation as well as structure, narrative and story-telling.

Alongside this you’ll engage with key texts, data visualisation practitioners and specialists from related disciplines through a series of lectures and seminars. This will support you engaging with the critical and theoretical context in which you are work and informing your approach to research methods and critical practice.

Term 2 and 3

Final Major Project Proposal and Critical Reflection (20 credits)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

During these terms you’ll define your major project focus through research-oriented workshops and group and individual seminars and tutorials. You’ll also work on the Collaborative Unit – responding to a brief defined and delivered with industry-leading practitioners working at the forefront of the discipline of data visualisation.

You’ll continue to participate in workshops designed to support you interrogating your own practice, defining methodologies and identifying interesting ways to integrate technical data visualisation tools and software into your research-led practice.

Through additional external briefs you’ll also work with your peers on group projects responding to provocations defined by domain experts working with data.

Term 4

Final Major Project and Critical Visual Report (60 credits)

In your final term, you will realise your research-led final major project, supported with lectures, seminars and tutorials as well as engagement with the wider community of practice at London College of Communication.

You’ll produce a design outcome for this piece of work as well as critical and reflective report, evidencing your engagement with advanced theoretical and critical positions within the field and related disciplines.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Practice-based workshops
  • Workshop
  • Seminars
  • Lectures
  • Academic tutorials
  • Personal tutorials
  • Self-directed learning
  • Speakers and visits
  • Assessed assignments

Online Open Day

(Recorded March 2023)

Course Leader, Henrietta Ross, gives an overview of studying MA Data Visualisation at London College of Communication.

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Gender Bias in AI System
    Gender Bias in AI System, Jinxiu Chen, 2023 MA Design for Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Data self-portrait and digital colonization
    Data self-portrait and digital colonization, Fanjie Wei, 2023 MA Design for Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Marriage Story
    Marriage Story, Hu Zhang, 2022 MA Design for Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Nature & Networks
    Nature & Networks, Muskeen Liddar, 2023 MA Design for Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Data Controllers of Newsfeed
    Data Controllers of Newsfeed, Hanli Zhang, 2023 MA Design for Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL

Student work

  • Amy-Powell,-2019.-MA-Data-Visualisation,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL..jpg
    Amy Powell, 2019. MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Chengcen-Wu,-2019.-MA-Data-Visualisation,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL..jpg
    Chengcen Wu, 2019. MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Leqi-Zhuang,-2019.-MA-Data-Visualisation,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL..jpeg
    Leqi Zhuang, 2019. MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Ting-Dong,-2019.-MA-Data-Visualisation,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL..jpg
    Ting Dong, 2019. MA Data Visualisation, London College of Communication, UAL.

Student voices

Elena Etter

Eleanor's final project, Emotional Hardware, looks at the impact of smartphones on the planet and our daily lives.

Amy Powell

Amy's final project uses of cans and bags to visualise the effect that a no-deal Brexit could have on supermarket supply chains.

Stories

Facilities

  • Students using the computers in the Digital Space
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    Creative Technology Lab

    A multi-purpose space that supports students with: Creative Coding, Physical Computing, Projection Mapping, Games, and Virtual Reality.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

  • Student soldering in the Creative Technology Lab
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    3D Workshop

    View images and find out about the range of tools and technologies on offer.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£13,330

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570

This fee is correct for 2024/25 entry and is subject to change for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world, who have achieved a honours degree qualification that evidences their aptitude, skill and engagement in the field of graphic design/communication or a related design practice. Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds, as well as those already within employment, are also welcome on the course.

Educational level may be demonstrated by:

  • Honours degree (named above);
  • Possession of equivalent qualifications;
  • Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required;
  • Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • Sufficient prior knowledge and experience of and/or potential in a specialist subject area to be able to successfully complete the programme of study and have an academic or professional background in a relevant subject
  • Also to show a willingness to work as a team player, good language skills in reading, writing and speaking, the ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject area and capacity for research-led design, intellectual inquiry and reflective thought through: contextual awareness (professional, cultural, social, historical); evidence of research, analysis, development and evaluation (from previous academic study and employment) and a grounded understanding of the world of sonic, visual and networked culture and be able to engage in and contribute to critical discussion
  • In the project proposal a description of the area of interest, field of study and the particular focus of their intended project. This should include an overview of how you intend to go about producing the project and the methodology
  • Portfolio should be conceptual and research-based, you must show your thinking and making process and a curious nature to explore, test and experiment

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio and video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio and video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)

Digital portfolio and video task deadline

Round 1:

16 January 2024

Round 2:

16 April 2024

Decision outcome

Round 1:

End of March 2024

Round 2:

End of June 2024

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
13 December 2023 at 1pm (UK time)
3 April 2024 at 1pm (UK time)
Digital portfolio and video task deadline
16 January 2024
16 April 2024
Decision outcome
End of March 2024
End of June 2024

All applications received by 3 April will be treated equally. If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

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How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement, CV and study proposal.

Personal statement advice

This should be about 500 words long and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Study proposal advice

Please provide a summary of your study proposal (300-500 words).

It should:

  • outline your intentions for your major project in your chosen field of visual communication and design research
  • describe your area of enquiry, research methods and objectives as well as how you intend to develop your project

Please note, your proposal serves to inform your application and we understand that your ideas will develop and change throughout your studies.

Step 2: Video task and digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a video task and digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool. Please submit your video task on the first page followed by your portfolio.

Video task advice

We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you. When recording your task, please face the camera and speak in English.

What to include in your video task

  • Choose 1 project from your portfolio and explain how it challenged you and your understanding of data visualisation.
  • Tell us how this experience inspired you to apply to MA Design for Data Visualisation at London College of Communication.

Read our guidance for how to submit your video task and which file types we accept.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 20 pages, featuring work from up to 5 projects
  • include short descriptions of each project, explaining the motivation, development, realisation and impact. If examples are from collaborative projects, also state your role and contribution.
  • include work that showcases your aptitude, skills and engagement in practices such as graphic design communication and information design
  • include examples of developmental work, sketches, tests and process-led experimentation.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for no more than 3 courses. You need to tailor your application, supporting documents and portfolio to each course, so applying for many different courses could risk the overall quality of your application. If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 equal consideration deadlines to ensure fairness for all our applicants. If you apply ahead of either of these deadlines, your application will be considered on an equal basis with all other applications in that round. If there are places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Careers

Upon completion of the course, graduates will be equipped with a keen critical understanding of the field of data visualisation and will have acquired a diverse set of technical and project management skills represented in a portfolio of data visualisation work.

We expect graduates to have the skills, experience and confidence to address a range of academic or professionally focused problems within this field; drawing on specialist knowledge and experience and a familiarity with related areas such as information design, user experience design and design thinking.

Graduates will have acquired leadership skills, an entrepreneurial mind-set and the ability to tackle complex problems with insight and determination.

Career options include:

  • Design Consultancy
  • Exhibition Design
  • Editorial
  • Data Journalism
  • Data Visualisation
  • Self-employment/freelance
  • Integration of design skills into other disciplinary areas