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:
- Brand and Design Principles (40 credits)
- Field of Study Report (20 credits)
These two units involve a process of reflection, broad exploration and understanding of the brand and design process itself, through a practical project exploring the fundamental principles of brand and design literacy and visual grammar.
You will 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.
In addition, you’ll undertake a scoping and profiling project called the Field of Study Report, in order to establish a working rationale and focus for your Major Project Proposal. 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.
The skills and knowledge developed during this unit will provide you with a firm foundation from which to undertake design research and are a platform for your personal graphic branding and identity practice.
Spring, term two
Unit summary:
- Major Project Proposal (40 credits)
- Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Summer, term three
Unit summary:
- Major Project Proposal (continued)
- Final Major Project (60 credits) OR Thesis (60 credits)
The Major Project Proposal moves your Field of Study Report forwards through a series of practical and contextual stages to find a clearly defined and evaluated research question for the Major Project Proposal. This question will then be answered in the Final Major Project in the last unit of the course.
You'll write, design and produce a re-evaluation of the intentions and methods outlined in the Field of Study Report submitted in Unit One, in order to strategically plan the development of the Major Project towards its final resolution.
During this unit, you may choose to refocus or even change your project. At this point, it is also advised to consider the type of final project (Final Major Project: Practical and Report, or Final Major Project: Thesis). These decisions will need to be discussed and agreed with your tutor prior to the completion of the Major Project Proposal.
During this stage, you will also be able to undertake the Collaborative Unit, where you can work within the branding industry, collaborate with another course or organisation on a chosen branding project or brief. 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. (Examples of previous collaborative partnerships at LCC include: Pentagram, Wieden + Kennedy, SCOPE, Channel 4, One Show New York, Mother, Blue Marlin and Interbrand).
Autumn, term four
Unit summary:
- Final Major Project: Practical and Report (continued) OR Thesis (continued)
The Final Major Project builds on the knowledge and skills acquired during the earlier units, together with the defined and tested rationale developed in the Major Project Proposal and definition stages of the course. These elements are then applied in the creation of an original brand design research project.
This involves the completion of an independent Final Major Project on the basis of extensive research and a firm methodological approach. You will develop a programme of investigation and analysis that supports you in the further development of your personal research project.
As you move towards the submission of your Final Major Project, you'll be required to qualify and evidence your design development; exploring the context of your project as well as identifying key issues in the work such as appropriate discourses, your strategic thinking, branding ‘touch points’, materials and media through which you can effectively communicate your branding ideas.
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.
Learning and teaching methods
The courses outcomes are taught using the following learning and teaching methods:
- Lectures/large group learning: the main areas of theory and its practical applications will be covered in a planned series of tutor-led sessions.
- Workshop & seminar learning: practical sessions that will enable the student to experiment with a skill or technique relevant to the area of study. Students will be able to share their understanding with others and obtain guidance from lecturers to identify solutions to practical or theoretical problems.
- Academic tutorials: individual assistance is provided by lecturers to assist students with difficulties in their understanding and practical application of theory and skills. This is important for clarifying the requirements for assessed work.
- Self directed learning: independent study undertaken by the student to research, write and prepare assignments and to extend their knowledge and understanding. This can be undertaken at home or using college facilities.
- Outside speakers and visits: these provide students with a perspective of contemporary issues and recent events.
- Assessed assignments: these assess the student’s attainment of the learning outcomes and develop the key skills that will form an important aspect of their learning. The completion of assignment briefs are therefore regarded as a method.
Assessment methods
The course outcomes are assessed using the following assessment methods:
- Practical project work and computer based activities.
- Prepared writing.
- Responses to case studies.
- Oral presentation.
- 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.
- Thesis.
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.