MA Graphic Design Communication

Course overview

MA Graphic Design Communication is rooted in pluralistic perspectives and global debates. The course builds upon graphic design's rich history of social engagement and activism, recognising the discipline's unique power to shape public discourse and generate change. Within these complex contexts, we encourage discovery and adaptability, addressing the challenges of unsettled, unexpected, and emergent realities.

We believe our goal as designers is to seek better and unimagined relationships between materials, environments, systems, technologies, and languages in thoughtful ways.

We provide a dynamic environment for study, practice and critical exchange. Our curriculum introduces you to the key debates, enquiries and design methodologies central to critical design practices. As you progress through the course, you will refine your ability to synthesise research topics such as cultures, environments and more-than-human ecologies

Your design practice will develop through a process of experimentation and testing as you undertake design challenges and personal research enquiries. This will equip you with the skills to create impactful visual communication that addresses pressing social challenges.

What to expect

• A practice-led course: Practical work is underpinned by critical design research and practiced based experimentation in a collaborative studio environment.
• Critical design practices: Exploration of new, experimental design theories, and practices responding to shifting contexts, diverse communities and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Professional development: Established and expanded graphic design practices, through design making, writing and presentation, enabling specialist design futures and your position within this. 
• An ethical focus: The exploration of climate, social and racial justice in relation to your creative practice.  
• Subject experts: Our tutors, technicians and visiting practitioners are experts in their field. They bring their creative industry and design research experience into their teaching practice. 

Industry experience and opportunities

Throughout the course, you’ll continue to develop your professional profile as a designer. You'll have the chance to take part in public events, such as design symposia and community projects. You'll be encouraged to publish, show and disseminate your work through UAL and College events and seek external opportunities. Course alumni have presented at conferences and featured in design publications and competitions.

You’ll also have access to UAL’s dedicated Careers and Employability services. The course encourages and supports international and culturally diverse perspectives within design that reflect students’ backgrounds and the positive inclusive changes in the creative sector.

Mode of study  

MA Graphic Design Communication is offered in full-time mode and runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Home fee

£14,420

This fee is correct for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change for 2027/28 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£30,890

This fee is correct for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change for 2027/28 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.