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Postgraduate

PG Cert Design For Visual Communication

Close up shot of moulded shapes in a variety of pastel colours
Josh Carlisle, 2020. PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication Start date
September 2023 Course length
30 weeks part-time

An intensive, vocational route into the graphic design profession that can provide a portfolio for further study at postgraduate level.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • The course provides an intensive vocational route into graphic design.
  • Build a distinctive portfolio of personal and research-based projects.
  • Improve your confidence in design judgement and decision-making skills.
  • The course supports a diverse range of media outputs including spatial design, screen-based design, traditional print and digital media.
  • The course also supports individual ambition in areas such as exhibition design, data visualisation, cross-media, publication design and branding.

Open Evenings

The next Open Evening for this course will be on Wednesday 8 February. Book your place.

The next online Open Day for this course will be on Monday 13 March at 4.30pm. Book your place.

Course overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Design for Visual Communication is ideal for those from diverse work or education backgrounds looking to extend and develop their prior experience through visual communication. It will also support those looking to apply to further study at Masters level.

This course will benefit people from a diverse range of backgrounds who wish to enhance their visual communication skills. Graduates have used the course as an opportunity to advance their careers through the development of new skills they can apply in context, for example; information visualisation for financial or legal careers, communication skills in advertising or strategy. Or they have used the course as an opportunity to switch careers altogether.

Graphic design and visual communication are foundational to the creative industries and contribute significantly, directly and indirectly, to our economic and cultural well-being. As well as learning centred on skills acquisition and development, the course also engages you in discourse about the environmental and social impact and responsibility of design. You will leave the course as a highly skilled, conscientious and critical communicator able to lead in industry, practice or research contexts.

What can you expect?

  • You will join the exciting learning community of staff, students and alumni from a diverse range of creative disciplines and cultures centred on Design for Visual Communication. Through tutorials, set and self-initiated projects, workshops and group discussions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the design process that will enhance your practice in design and visual communication.
  • You will practically explore core areas of visual communication such as visual language and grammar, typographic hierarchy, graphic representation, identity and information visualisation. You will also have the opportunity to experiment in adjacent processes such as projection mapping, generative design and data visualisation.
  • Course projects will provide you with a foundation in the principles of visual communication whilst engaging with postgraduate level research methods such as participatory design, ethnography and contextual research. These will give you the critical thinking skills to engage with complex problems and lead on challenging projects.
  • The aim of developing new forms of practice and research is to demonstrate their applied value which you will explore through collaborative and self-directed projects with the aim of developing a portfolio of work for future employers, collaborators or for career development.
  • UAL and the Design School at LCC have made significant and meaningful commitments to positive change in design’s impact on environmental and social problems.
  • Throughout the course you will be encouraged to challenge processes, materials and ideas that might cause harm as well as develop innovative new solutions to support social and environmental justice. You can find our guidelines in the Responsible Design Framework available on Moodle.
  • In addition, beyond the course culture are extensive opportunities to engage with communities across the university working to improve our world.
  • The Postgraduate Certificate’s extended period of study allows greater flexibility for those continuing their careers or with caring responsibilities. The course’s innovations in digital and blended learning have also created more opportunity for more diverse ways of learning and underlines our commitment to inclusive, accessible education.

 

Mode of Study

Postgraduate Certificate Design for Visual Communication is in Part Time mode which runs for 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 20 hours per week to study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In 2019, UAL declared a Climate Emergency. In response, LCC's Design School set an ambitious Sustainability Action Plan in place to fully embed responsible practices within the curriculum and in everything we do.  

As part of this initiative, we’ve shaped our courses around social and environmental sustainability principles that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values to foster a more sustainable planet.  Our aim is to change the way our students think, and to empower you to work towards a sustainable future.

The Postgraduate Certificate Design for Visual Communication has three units totalling 60 credits.

Autumn, Term 1

Research and Development (20 credits)

Introduces you to the key methods of investigation and research in the subject at postgraduate level.

Design Resolution (20 credits)

Will investigate and re-examine the main themes of graphic design such as visual language and grammar; hierarchy; structure; navigation; identity; etc. This unit will enable you to experience research and development methods in practice.

Spring, Term 2

Research and Development (continued)
Design Resolution (continued)
Professional and Academic Context (20 credits)

Offers you an opportunity to undertake a choice of projects that places emphasis on your future professional or academic direction.

Summer, Term 3

Professional and Academic Context (continued)

The course is currently running in part-time mode only and fits within the university credit framework. Synchronous study is one day a week during the day.

It is comprised of tutored study and self-directed study, access to facilities and asynchronous online materials. You will embark on both course-set and self-initiated projects.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Workshops
  • Demonstrations
  • Group discussions
  • Tutorials
  • Synchronous online sessions.
  • Discussion and image forums
  • Student/tutor presentations
  • Set and self-initiated project work
  • Research and development techniques.
  • Asynchronous online materials.

Online Open Day

(Recorded March 2022)

Course Leader, Ian Carr gives an overview of studying PG Certificate Design for Visual Communication at London College of Communication.

Student work

  • Maria-Gimeno,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.jpg
    Maria Gimeno, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.jpg
  • Izabela-Radwanska-Zhang,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.png
    Izabela Radwanska Zhang, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.png
  • Sundeep-Verdi,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.jpeg
    Sundeep Verdi, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.jpeg
  • Zuzana-Cimalova,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.jpeg
    Zuzana Cimalova, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.jpeg
  • Andrew-Ollerton,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.jpeg
    Andrew Ollerton, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Josh-Carlisle,-2020,-PG-Cert-Design-for-Visual-Communication,-London-College-of-Communication,-UAL.jpg
    Josh Carlisle, 2020, PG Cert Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.jpg

Course videos

DVC showcase 2019

DVC showcase 2018

DVC showcase 2017

Structure and the City Publication - Brutal Theatre

Work by Imo Glover.

Structure and the City Publication - Deconstructed

Work by Maria Gimeno.

Animations for MyAware

Work by Izabela Radwanska Zhang.

Course instagram

View course on Instagram

Course stories

Facilities

  • A close-up of the moveable type available in the Letterpress area.
    Image © Lewis Bush
    Printing and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • A tutor in the process of producing a print.
    Image © Lewis Bush
    Printmaking

    This workshop offers a wide-range of expertise in everything from etching to lithography.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£4,235

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£8,660

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

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Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. PG Cert Design for Visual Communication attracts applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Applicants will normally have a first degree or its equivalent. We welcome applications from non-traditional backgrounds and in particular mature students.

Your experience is assessed through our selection criteria as a learning process. Tutors will evaluate that experience for currency, validity, quality and sufficiency.

Your 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;
  • 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 equivalent) 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:

  • Practical creative ability and the potential to develop that ability through visual vocabulary (composition, line, shape, form, scale, space, light, colour and texture); quality of ideas (conceptual evidence); use of materials and media.
  • 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).
  • An openness to new ideas and ability to take initiatives, through the ability to evaluate an idea and make decisions based on that evaluation.
  • A developed and mature attitude to independent study and an ability to take responsibility for a project and manage this independently, and demonstration of mature approach through academic and/or professional work.

Apply now

Home International

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 and portfolio.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

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

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Required information for all postgraduate course application

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 all applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • There is no requirement for a study proposal.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course 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.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV which details your education, qualifications, career record, and any relevant voluntary or life experience. You should also include your experience with Adobe CC software such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or After Effects. 

If English isn't your first language, it’s important that you also include details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on PG Cert Design for Visual Communication.

This is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate a critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

We would like to hear about your academic and professional background; what you hope to achieve with the course; and the areas of design you hope to pursue such as editorial design, typography or information design.

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.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 rounds of applications. This is to ensure equal consideration and fairness for all of our applicants. You must apply for 19 December 2022 for Round 1 or by 3 April 2023 for Round 2.

The round 1 deadline has been changed to 19 December to give you more time to make your application.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

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 and portfolio.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Start your application now

There are 2 ways international students can apply to a postgraduate course:

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.  Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Required information for all postgraduate course application

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).

Extra information required for all applications to this course

  • Portfolio.
  • There is no requirement for a study proposal.

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 which details your education, qualifications, career record, and any relevant voluntary or life experience. You should also include your experience with Adobe CC software such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or After Effects. 

If English isn't your first language, it’s important that you also include details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on PG Cert Design for Visual Communication.

This is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate a critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

We would like to hear about your academic and professional background; what you hope to achieve with the course; and the areas of design you hope to pursue such as editorial design, typography or information design.

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.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

For postgraduate courses at UAL there are 2 rounds of applications. This is to ensure equal consideration and fairness for all of our applicants. You must apply for 19 December 2022 for Round 1 or by 3 April 2023 for Round 2.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible before these deadlines to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

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 add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

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

Portfolio advice

You will need to present a portfolio as part of your application.

Featuring up to 20 images, you must include a maximum of 6 projects and supporting material which should be clearly annotated and organised.

Your portfolio should demonstrate:

  • Visual acuity (i.e. an awareness of how audiences experience design from a visual perspective)
  • Conceptual ability
  • Technical competence
  • Personal interest

We acknowledge that our applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds, so we consider ‘portfolio’ to have a broad definition - you may choose to include:

  • Sketchbooks/notebooks
  • Developmental work
  • Photographs
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Conceptual work
  • 3D work (photographed)
  • Textiles
  • Written work
  • Web/interactive work
  • Diagrams
  • Printmaking
  • Illustrated reports
  • Commercial work
  • Freelance commissions
  • Personal work

You must ensure that you include at least one example of a graphic design project that demonstrates the use of typography within a digital project (i.e. that isn’t hand-drawn): for example, flyers, posters, book covers.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

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

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Students have gone on to find employment within high profile agencies, they have progressed to work as art directors, senior designers, creative directors in areas such as interaction, branding, exhibition, editorial and information design.

Graduates of the course have gone on to work at:

  • Studio Myerscough
  • Information is Beautiful
  • Design Council
  • Fallon
  • Lewis Moberly
  • Frost
  • Unit Editions
  • Pentagram
  • The Guardian
  • Spin
  • Bibliothèque
  • Why Not Associates
  • Natural History Museum

Alumni

London College of Communication

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 6500
Address
Elephant & Castle

London
SE1 6SB