On MA Graphic Branding and Identity, you’ll explore the strategic thinking underlying brands and look at how that strategy can drive creative expression.
Maria talks to us about her final year project on museology and the city.
A series of presentations, conversations, events that set out to enquire into the particularities of contemporary culture.
The Printing Charity – print design
Students from London College of Communication’s MA Interaction Design Communication course are preparing to collaborate with the Design Museum on an event exploring perceptions of home.
Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.
This workshop offers a wide-range of expertise in everything from etching to lithography.
The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity is a course for designers, by designers. Together, we’ll explore the capacity of the graphic designer to construct and deconstruct powerful brand narratives through design research, visual experimentation and written evaluation.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity encourages you to challenge what is understood about the meaning of graphic branding.
You’ll have a graphic design or visual communication background, and will be looking to develop a wider range of skills, build a research profile and enhance your capabilities and offer to potential employers.
This MA course focuses on the role of visual identity within branding, with the aim to produce versatile and creative practitioners who understand design within a business, social and cultural context.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity will challenge you to deconstruct your experience and design education in new and unexpected ways. You’ll develop a brand from the ground-up, using old and new strategies to push your design practice in new directions.
You’ll take part in a weekly lecture or workshop series on the principles of design and branding, learn new research techniques and connect these to rigorous methods of design exploration.
Your study will be based on personal project work, augmented with critical and contextual debate, culminating in an industry-focused portfolio of graphic brand expressions.
You’ll integrate visual practice with written evaluation critical discourse, which will be embedded into your weekly seminars and tutorial contact.
You’ll meet a personal tutor on a regular basis, who will help guide you through a challenging, highly-satisfying period of personal and professional development.
You’ll work with a wide range of designers and practitioners, as well as an experienced core team of tutors and researchers.
You’ll collaborate with other students, staff and external clients in a guided collaborative unit, allowing you to develop new approaches to design and brand projects.
You’ll be welcomed into one of University of the Arts London’s most diverse communities of practice, meeting designers and thinkers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and from this will develop a globalised, sustainable design practice that should position you as an engaged, thoughtful, intelligent and highly-skilled design-thinker.
Learning at this level will be about intellectual engagement, discovery, interaction and change. The final product, for us, is not in itself the goal - it is the research, evaluation and understanding of branding and identity that makes this MA distinctive.
This course is taught within the Branding and Design Innovation programme of the Design School.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity 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.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity consists of 5 core Units. Units 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 run concurrently, whilst Unit 5 (your major project) runs independently. The course is split into 4 terms with a summer break of 8 weeks.
You’ll work on identifying your own practice in relation to common approaches and develop a deeper understanding of the techniques required to produce effective graphic, brand and design communication.
A series of lectures, workshops and seminars will be available covering research methodologies in theory and practice and the wider contextual framework for contemporary graphic branding.
This culminates with a substantial visual summary (a process book of your design experiments) and a designed brand output.
You’ll undertake a scoping and profiling project called the Field of Study Report. This will help you to develop an appreciation of current debates that are shaping the future of the subject and gain an informed view of your own practice.
This will culminate with a piece of design writing of 2500 words.
The Collaborative Unit encourages you to seek opportunities to work as graphic brand designers with external clients and organisations, form small design teams and report on the process of working with a diverse community of designers and thinkers.
The Collaborative Unit allows you to be directly in touch with the realities of a professional branding practice, and to examine these techniques, approaches and theories in a professional context.
This will culminate with a piece of critical writing of 2500 words and a portfolio of designed brand assets for your chosen client / project.
Term 4 (Autumn)
Major Project Proposal (Part 1 and Part 2) (40 credits)
Your Major Project Proposal builds on the work conducted in both Units 1 and 2 to move your study proposal forwards through a series of practical and contextual stages to plan a clearly defined and evaluated research inquiry. This process focuses on an experimental exploring through design and research methodology, testing and designing new approaches to your intended brand and design project work.
This Unit will culminate in a critically- and design-focused written proposal of 3500 words and a substantial body of visual experiments and brand design strategies. This unit positions the direction of your Major Project.
Major Project: Practical and Report / Thesis – (Part 1 and Part 2) (60 credits)
Your major project develops from the rationale stated in the Major Project Proposal. These elements are then tested and applied in the creation of an original brand design-research project.
Your Major Project will be based on extensive research and a rigorous methodological approach, drawing together your learning from across the previous four units. You will develop a programme of investigation and analysis that supports you in the further development of your personal research project.
This will culminate with either:
A practical design resolution, supporting visual process work and a 5000-7000 word written report
or:
A designed MA thesis of 12000 – 15000 words.
The courses outcomes are taught using the following learning and teaching methods:
The course outcomes are assessed using the following assessment methods:
Course Leader, MA Graphic Branding and Identity
Associate Lecturer, MA Graphic Branding and Identity
Associate Lecturer, MA Graphic Branding and Identity
Lecturer, MA Graphic Branding and Identity
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.
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. MA Graphic Branding and Identity attracts students who apply direct from an Honours degree course in a field relevant to graphic design, product design or architecture, 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:
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:
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
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.
For further details regarding international admissions and advice please visit the International Applications page.
Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:
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:
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:
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.
We recommend you apply by 28 February 2020 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
If you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current postgraduate course at another institution and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible. Find out about our UAL External Student Transfer Policy which includes what you need to include in your application.
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.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement (approximately 200 words)describing why you want to study on MA Graphic Branding & Identity.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, 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 Graphic Branding & Identity 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.
In the project proposal a description of the area of interest, field of study and the particular focus of the intended project. This should include an overview of how you intend to go about producing the project and the methodology.
It is important to recognise that these ideas will inevitably develop and change across the year of study on the course and only serve to inform your application at this stage.
If you are offered a place for 2020/21 but wish to defer to 2021/22, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants should pay the pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application.
This section includes all the information you need on how to apply and how your application is considered, and what happens next.
There are two ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course at LCC:
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.
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:
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:
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).
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.
Alternatively, international applicants can apply through an overseas representative in your country.
We recommend you apply by 28 February 2020 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
If you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current postgraduate course at another institution and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible. Find out about our UAL External Student Transfer Policy which includes what you need to include in your application.
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.
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.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement (approximately 200 words)describing why you want to study on MA Graphic Branding & Identity.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, 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 Graphic Branding & Identity 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.
In the project proposal a description of the area of interest, field of study and the particular focus of the intended project. This should include an overview of how you intend to go about producing the project and the methodology.
It is important to recognise that these ideas will inevitably develop and change across the year of study on the course and only serve to inform your application at this stage.
If you are offered a place for 2020/21 but wish to defer to 2021/22, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter. Additionally, International applicants should pay the pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.
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.
All applicants will be expected to submit an electronic portfolio as part of their application, to include personal work and commercial work if appropriate, supported by a short description of the project and your involvement if commercial.
The portfolio should be conceptual and research-based, must show your thinking and making process and demonstrate a curious nature to explore, test and experiment. If you have links to web projects or media assets, 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.
You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.
£11,220 (2020/21).
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
£22,920 (2020/21).
UAL alumni receive a £1,000 discount
Course fees may be paid in instalments
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
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
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.
Funding opportunities available for this course: