MA Graphic Branding and Identity student develops design practice through shared learning and industry engagement

Tell us about yourself

My name is Purna, and I am currently studying MA Graphic Branding and Identity at London College of Communication (LCC), part of University of the Arts London. As part of my practice, I am currently exploring how branding shapes the way we understand and experience design.

What did you do before you joining London College of Communication (LCC) and why did you join this course?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Communication Design from Symbiosis Institute of Design in India, after which I worked for over three years at a design studio in Mumbai.

During this time, I gained hands-on experience across a range of projects, including packaging, publication, and exhibition design, primarily responding to brand-led briefs.

Across these varied projects, I realised that branding sat at the core of my practice. This insight led me to pursue MA Graphic Branding and Identity at London College of Communication, a course that offered the ideal balance of research, strategy, and design to further develop and deepen my approach.

What have you learned on the course and how will this help you with your career path?

The course has helped me deepen my research and understand the world of brands through hands-on work and industry interaction. Ongoing discussions on the course have pushed me to think more critically about communities, sustainability, and the future we are designing for.

In the previous term, I responded to a live brief that not only strengthened my portfolio but also gave me the opportunity to network. The course brings in live briefs, enabling students to build industry-ready work while forming valuable connections.

Alongside this, LCC offers a broad range of workshops, which have allowed me to explore new ways of developing my work and expand my skillset.

What advice would you give to future students interested in studying on the course?

Come with an open mind and be ready to explore. The course has a lot to offer, from building your practice to expanding your network.

How has your course helped you understand or experiment with emerging technologies?

We have had ongoing discussions around AI on the course, supported by keynotes from industry experts who have offered valuable perspectives on its ethical use and the importance of balancing human creativity with technology.

The course encourages an exploratory approach to making, and many students are integrating AI and coding into their responses to briefs. What remains central, however, is being mindful of how these tools are used—approaching them critically, ethically, and with intention.

In addition, LCC’s Digital Space and Tech Hub runs a variety of workshops throughout the year, enabling students to develop new technical skills. I have been using this space to develop my motion design skills and achieved an Adobe Certification during the Spring term.

How have you learned from other students at LCC?

The course encourages collaboration with your peers as well as with students across other UAL colleges. There is a dedicated unit in MA Graphic Branding and Identity focused on building a collaborative practice in line with industry standards, helping you develop skills in networking, negotiating, and working together.

Because students on the course have a diverse skillset, this enables strong peer learning and the opportunity to make new connections and friends.

UAL also has a postgraduate committee that you can reach out to if you are looking for specific courses or skills you want to collaborate with depending on your projects.

Related links