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London College of Communication

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MA Interaction Design Communication

College
LCC
Start date
September 2019
Course length
1 year 3 months full time (45 weeks across a four-term model)
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Course summary

This is a dynamic, practice-led course that will prepare you for work in an increasingly technologically-driven and interdisciplinary world.

About this course

The course has three distinct areas. You’ll explore these through research, prototyping and making to develop responsive and complex design projects:

  • Interaction – How humans, non-humans, systems and objects interact in meaningful experiences.
  • Design – Addressing aesthetic and strategic needs to seek value in the material world.
  • Communication – The ability to work with narrative and information to craft futures.

Develop skills in interaction design, design prototyping and physical computing, user-centred design, open source digital platforms, forecasting and futures, design research, new and interactive media, designing in the anthropocene, strategic design, and critical thinking and making.

Four reasons to apply

  • Developing critical and flexible practitioners: Understand the scope of design methods to work critically and interdisciplinary across a range of media, technologies and applications. Enable graduates to continue to grow and develop as dynamic practitioners.
  • Industry partners: Work in collaboration with our professional industry and cultural partners including Intel, IBM, William Morris Gallery and the V&A.
  • Guest lectures: Discover a broad range of weekly guest lectures to give you insight into potential careers and build networks with industry experts, academics, artists and designers.
  • International field trips: You'll travel and engage in workshops and exhibitions out in the world. Previous trips have included Ars Electronica in Linz, Austria, Sonar +D in Barcelona and ThingsCon in Berlin.

Open evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be on Wednesday 13 February.

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Interaction Design Communication course website

Course website

View student blogs, work in progress and course final shows.

Screenshot of the MA Interaction Design Communication blog homepage on Medium.com
Interaction Design Communication on Medium

Course blog

Behind the scenes stories from the course on Medium.

Image of a person walking past a projection mapping installation at London College of Communication
LCC Postgraduate Shows, image by Ana Escobar

Something or other lecture series

A series of presentations, conversations, events that set out to enquire into the particularities of contemporary culture.

Course details

MA Interaction Design Communication provides an opportunity for experimental practice in an area of design that increasingly explores the intersection of the physical and digital domains. With a focus on synthesising thought through rigorous design prototyping (making), digital processes and user perspectives, the course is highly reflective of interdisciplinary practice within the contemporary design, media and communications industries.

The course's integrated approach to critical thinking provides you with the opportunity to work with critical ideas in an applied design context – for example psycho-geographic practice as empirical research or engaging with other critical theories of space to generate user perspectives. This ensures that ideation processes take on both the macro as well as micro opportunities for innovation and speculation crucial to building a portfolio of highly engaged work.

As well as placing you in a position to work across the broad spectrum of interaction, design and communication, the course is just as interested in design questions as design answers. This means that the course also prepares you for progression to further design research at MPhil/PhD level as well as to advanced self-directed experimental practice.

LCC has an outstanding team of practitioners and published researchers and enjoys a rich programme of visiting speakers. The course also benefits from a cross-European collaboration with design industry professionals and higher education institutions and there is an opportunity to visit at least one other centre in Europe during the course.

This course is taught within the Design School.

Course units

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves six units, totalling 180 credits.

Autumn, Term One

Unit summary:

  • Theories and Technologies of Interaction Design (40 credits)
  • Research Practice and Human Centred Design (20 credits)

Term One of the course introduces you to the technologies and concepts that are core to the practice and theory of interaction design. Following an induction programme that sets the scene for the course, you will see how contemporary interaction, design and communication practice uses a range of technologies and concepts, and you will experience the interrelationship between theory and practice.

This phase allows you to acquire the important foundations of knowledge across several disciplines including interaction, design and communication. These are critical for the development of subsequent stages of the course. You will be introduced to key design prototyping and technical skills in this phase that will be essential for your practice throughout the rest of the course.

Spring, Term Two

Unit summary:

  • Interaction Futures and Speculative Design (20 credits)
  • Physical Computing and Design Prototyping (20 credits)
  • Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

Term Two offers you the opportunity to use both the critical and technical skills gained in Phase One to produce speculative and critical design projects. We also explicitly explore the intersection of the physical and digital domains, introducing you to the applied skills needed to work with physical computing, sensors and data environments. During this phase you will also develop a project proposal for your final major project and thesis in Phase Three.

Summer, Term Three

Unit summary:

  • Interaction Futures and Speculative Design (20 credits)
  • Physical Computing and Design Prototyping (continued)

Autumn, Term Four

Unit summary:

  • Unit 4.1 Final Major Research Project 
    (Weighted 50% written component and 50% practical component)

You will undertake a final major research project which relates to the expanded field of interaction, design and communication. This will involve a self-directed major practical project and the completion of a related thesis, which demonstrates your critical reflection, analysis and original research. With access to broad theoretical models spanning the discipline, you will apply these models to your own specialist area of interest to produce a critically aware major project that after assessment will usually be presented at your postgraduate show.

If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.

What our students say

It's a very well balanced combination of theory and practice. For overseas students it's very good that it is so intense and that you have to attend five days a week.

I've worked with people from more than 10 different countries – where else could I get that experience?

I really enjoyed the course for all its opportunities. We had much better support than you get on other courses. The lectures and seminars were great.

Learning and teaching methods

The above course objectives are taught using the following learning and teaching methods:

  • Lectures/large group learning
  • Workshop and seminar learning
  • Academic tutorials
  • Self-directed learning
  • Outside speakers and visits
  • Assessed assignments

Assessment methods

The above course objectives are assessed using the following assessment methods:

  • Practical project work and computer based activities.
  • Prepared writing i.e. academic reports, essays etc.
  • Responses to case studies.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Personal presentations of prepared work.
  • Simulations and role plays.
  • Workshop based activities.
  • Written research projects.
  • The creation of a portfolio of collection of work, which may contain a number of different activities i.e. creative artefacts with supporting process documentation and/or reports and evaluations.

Course structure

The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.

Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.

In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.

Webpage updates

We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact a member of the course team.

Staff

Tobias Revell

Tobias Revell

Acting Programme Director, Graphic Design Communication

Nicolas Marechal

Nicolas Marechal

Acting Course Leader, MA Interaction Design Communication

Eva Verhoeven

Eva Verhoeven

Programme Director, Interaction Design and Visual Communication

Georgina Voss

Georgina Voss

Supra Systems Studio Lead

Helga Schmid

Helga Schmid

Associate Lecturer, BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, MA Interaction Communication

Associate Lecturers

Joseph Popper, Wesley Goatley

How to apply

Opportunities for all

We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

Entry requirements

MA Interaction Design Communication has a particular aim to appeal to communication designers who are interested in exploring these new and emerging areas of design practice.

The course seeks students who have a critical understand of how technologies and digital culture are affecting design practices, and who are keen to work with network digital systems and in areas of design research and practice that challenge preconceptions.

Although not an entry requirement, you should be comfortable with some basic coding (some i.e. HTML CSS) in order to communicate ideas with colleagues, although strong creative experience in this area is an advantage. We will introduce you to various coding languages and design prototyping platforms during the course, but expect that individuals will develop their skills base within specific project work.

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. MA Interaction Design Communication attracts students who apply direct from an Honours degree course in a field relevant to graphic design, or those with other, equivalent qualifications.

The course team also welcomes students with relevant experience or those who may have previously worked in industry.

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. Your experience is assessed as a learning process and tutors will evaluate that experience for currency, validity, quality and sufficiency;
  • 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 Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • 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 but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.

  • IELTS 6.5 (or eqivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.
  • If your first language is not English, you can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English on the Language Requirements page.

For further details regarding international admissions and advice please visit the International Applications page.

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 the ability 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.
  • A willingness to work in the physical realm with networked digital systems and in areas of design research and practice that challenges preconceptions.
  • A willingness to work with networked digital systems and an awareness of how they shape the varied contexts of human behaviour.

Making your application

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement, portfolio and project proposal.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for all postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level).
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details.
  • Employment history.
  • CV.
  • Personal statement.

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • Study proposal/project proposal.

Start your application now

The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.

Apply now

Application deadline

Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

In the application, you will be asked to complete a personal statement (500-800 words) describing why you want to study on MA Interaction design Communication. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for interaction design, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement, portfolio and project proposal.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for all postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level).
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details.
  • Employment history.
  • CV.
  • Personal statement.

Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas).

For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • Study proposal/project proposal.

Start your application now

The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.

Apply now

Alternatively, international applicants can apply through an overseas representative in your country.

Application deadline

Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History check. If you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

In the application, you will be asked to complete a personal statement (500-800 words) describing why you want to study on MA Interaction design Communication. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for interaction design, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.


After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Study proposal / project proposal advice

Applicants must submit a study proposal (400-800 words) outlining the intentions of their MA research. Please include a description of the area of interest, field of study and the particular focus of the intended project, and an overview of how you intend to go about producing the project and the methodology.

Portfolio and interview advice

All applicants are asked to present a digital portfolio that evidences their knowledge, understanding, skills and engagement with the field of interaction design and/or adjacent fields. The portfolio should demonstrate intellectual curiosity and open mindedness and a strong commitment to the subject as well as to sustained study at postgraduate level.

We are interested in the developmental narratives of projects and the 'thinking through making' and recommend that this is evidenced in the portfolio.

If you have links to web projects or other media, please note these in your CV.

Applicants are usually interviewed by the course team before a place can be offered. Interviews will take place at LCC, or via Skype/telephone.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Deferrals

Deferring an offer

If you are offered a place for 2019/20 but wish to defer to 2020/21, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants should pay the deposit in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.

Making a deferred application (during 2018/19 for entry in 2020/21)

Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application. International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.

Fees & Funding

Home / EU fee

£10,890 (2019/20)

There is an additional £900 residential fee for International Residential Summer School and Events costs.

UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount

Course fees may be paid in instalments

International Fee

£19,930 (2019/20)

There is an additional £900 residential fee for International Residential Summer School and Events costs.

UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount

Course fees may be paid in instalments

Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. We strongly suggest you read the information on our Additional Costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.

Scholarships and awards

A range of scholarships, bursaries and awards are available to postgraduate students at UAL.

Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are now available for eligible UK and EU students. A full list of eligibility criteria and information on applying can be found on the postgraduate loans webpage.

Home / EU and International students

Funding opportunities available for this course:

Scholarship search

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Careers and alumni

Career paths

Graduates of the course are equipped to work in an increasingly technologically informed and interdisciplinary design world with real skills in areas such as: interaction design, user experience, design prototyping, physical computing, open source digital platforms, futurecasting, design research, experience design, communication design, value engineering, thought leadership and digital arts.

Roles and destinations of recent graduates include:

Some international students choose to remain in the UK to gain valuable industry experience whilst others return to their home countries to pursue successful careers.

A significant proportion of our graduates start their own companies and in some instances further develop their course Final Major Projects and take them to market.

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Contact

  • Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 6500

Address

  • Elephant & Castle
  • London
  • SE1 6SB

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