Course units
Unit 1: Communication and Complexity
This unit develops a shared foundation for the study and practice of communication design in the context of global and local challenges. It unpacks a range of terminology, contexts and methods associated with both contemporary communication design practice and notions of complexity.
Unit 2: Systems
This unit develops systems thinking as a core capability for engaging with complexity. You will explore and apply analytical and visual methods for revealing the interconnected nature of complex challenges — learning to map relationships, feedback loops and leverage points, and to question the structures and assumptions that shape them.
Unit 3: Data
This unit examines data as a critical dimension of designing for complexity. You will build methodological creativity in working with different forms of data, and develop technical and critical approaches to sourcing, structuring and communicating data responsibly.
Unit 4: The Collaborative Unit
This unit addresses the theme of collaboration through co-operation with other postgraduate courses in the College. By working co-operatively with fellow students from other courses, you will experience at first hand the value of diverse cross-disciplinary thinking and problem-solving that is central to communicating complexity.
Unit 5: Applied Practices
This unit develops your professional capabilities through live, collaborative projects with partners facing communication and design challenges at different scales. You will learn to navigate different organisational contexts and stakeholder needs, build professional networks, and develop transferable skills for careers in communication design. Throughout, you will also be supported to define and scope your final major project in Unit 6.
Unit 6: Major Project
The course culminates in a self-directed design project which significantly elaborates on your learning in prior units and supports your future ambitions. You will demonstrate how communication design can be harnessed to positively impact individual, institutional and public understanding of and engagement in pressing complex issues.
CSM Academic Support is delivered by a team of academics and practitioners working alongside your course to help you progress and achieve your maximum potential as a student. Academic Support can help you to develop your skills in different areas, including critical thinking, research and writing, time management, presentations and working independently and collaboratively. These may be offered as part of your timetabled classes or as bookable tutorials and workshops.
Mode of study
The course is offered in full-time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 12 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.
Credit and award requirements
The course is credit-rated at 180 credits. On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Arts (MA degree).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an MA is Level 7. All units must be passed to achieve the Masters but the classification of the award is derived from the mark for the final unit only.
If you are unable to continue the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) following the successful completion of 120 credits.
