Course Leader, Ian Carr gives an overview of studying PG Diploma Design for Visual Communication at London College of Communication.
Postgraduate
Pg Dip Design For Visual Communication
Re-approval
Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.
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.
- You’ll be taught by experienced staff and will have the chance to collaborate with visiting tutors.We have a range of guest speakers such as, author Peter Chadwick (This Brutal House/World), exhibition designer Margot Lombaert, animator David Daniels (worked with Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin), PhD candidate Gill Brown and entrepreneur June Mineyama-Smithson (Mamimou).
Open Evenings
The next online Open Day for this course will be announced soon.
A recording of our latest online Open Day for this course is now available. Watch online now
Student work
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, Radhika Valjee, 2020. PG Dip Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL. -
, Tatiana Dunenko, 2020. PG Dip Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL. -
, Tatiana Dunenko, 2020. PG Dip Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL. -
, 2020. PG Dip Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL. -
, 2020. PG Dip Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication, UAL.
@pgdvc
Course stories
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Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication graduate wins silver in the European Design Awards
Postgraduate Diploma in Design for Visual Communication graduate Valentina D’Efillippo has won Silver award in the European Design Awards with her users’ guide: The Brain.
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Design for Visual Communication grad wins Bronze at Cannes Lions for children's mental health toolkit
Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication graduate Rajlaxmi Jain has won two Bronze Lions for Health and Wellness at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for One Mindful Mind.
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Spotlight On: Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma Design for Visual Communication – LCC Degree Shows 2019
Explore projects from graduating students from London College of Communication's Postgraduate Certificate Design for Visual Communication course, exhibiting as part of LCC Degree Shows 2019.
Facilities
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Image © Lewis Bush
Printing and Finishing
Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.
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Image © Lewis Bush
Printmaking
This workshop offers a wide-range of expertise in everything from etching to lithography.
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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.
Course overview
The Postgraduate Diploma is designed to build design skills even if you are relatively new to the subject of graphic design. The course provides you with a strong, vocational portfolio and is also useful in building your confidence to undertake further postgraduate study at Masters level.
This course would benefit people from a diverse range of professional backgrounds who wish to enhance their visual communication skills. Previous students have used these skills to present legal research or financial data in a clear and engaging manner.
The course recognises that graphic design is one of the most important and influential of what has become known as the creative industries and that it contributes significantly, directly and indirectly, to our economic and cultural well-being.
Distinctive features
- The Postgraduate Diploma is an intensive, full-time course
- Supports career conversion, step up to Masters study and the acquisition of visual communication skills for your professional practice
- Ideal for those with a more developed design-related portfolio
Please note: We expect students to begin the course with a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Software is not taught on the course.
London College of Communication offers Short Courses in portfolio building and the relevant software skills.
Access to facilities
Students need to be aware that access to our technical facilities are between working hours: 9am-5pm and Monday to Friday.
What our graduates say
"I have never had as much fun designing and working hard as I did during the course. The intensity and high expectations make you push your limits and allow you to explore your own way of design".
Jordi Canals, MISTD, Designer SEA Design and OPX
"During my year at LCC, I felt very supported by my tutors and LCC’s staff, all helping me to bring my projects to life. The course gave me not only solid graphic foundations but also the key to unleash my creativity and orientate my career towards a successful future".
Margot Lombaert, Proprietor – Margot Lombaert Studio
"The course gave me the chance to explore various styles of graphic design and media including print, typography and even digital engagement.
This course enabled me to build up my portfolio which resulted in being employed at Interbrand Japan and winning various global awards including Reddot award, IF award and many others".
Hiroyuki Suzuki – Senior Designer, Interbrand, Japan
"I would recommend this course to anyone interested in gaining a solid foundation in visual communication and information design... it's during the course that I developed an interest for data visualisation – which is still fuelling my practice ten years later.
LCC has had a lasting impact on my life both professionally and socially".
Valentina D'Efilippo – Co-Author, The Infographic History of the World, Creative Director, Signal Noise, Infographic Storytelling Masterclass, The Guardian
What the industry says about us
"We have employed several graduates from this course and they have never failed to impress. The course is highly unusual. Applicants are not necessarily from a design background, arriving at LCC well versed in other subjects instead. It is this that gives them the edge as design practitioners. Graphic design is, after all, all about the rest of the world".
Lucienne Roberts, AGI, MISTD, FRSA – Founder and director of design studio LucienneRoberts+ Graphic design for publishing house GraphicDesign&
"The Design for Visual Communication course continues to be a great source of lively, spirited, creative minds. This is exactly what design needs, and long may it continue".
Jonathan Ellery – Browns Design, 2019
"The postgraduate Design for Visual Communication course at London College of Communication is the best of its type in Britain, and internationally.
I say this with confidence, having been involved with operating courses and examining at a variety of levels in several European and Asian countries".
Ian McLaren – McLaren Design
Mode of Study
Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication is in Full Time mode which runs for 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.
Course units
In 2019 UAL declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to ‘make sustainability a required part of the student learning experience’. In response to the climate and ecological crisis the Design School set in place an ambitious Sustainability Action Plan to fully embed responsible practices within the curriculum and in everything we do. As part of this initiative we have updated our course handbooks against a set of social and environmental sustainability principles to ensure that learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip students with the understanding, skills and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way students think and to empower them to work towards a sustainable future.
Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The Postgraduate Diploma course structure involves five units, totalling 120 credits.
Autumn, Term 1
Research and Development (20 credits)
Design Resolution (20 credits)
Professional and Academic Context (20 credits)
Design Resolution is an intensive series of 'hands-on' studio workshops that develop basic design skills including visual grammar, typography, structure and the grid. Research and Development breaks down the research process and encourages contextual understanding of graphic design practice.
This unit is designed to develop understanding of research methods and to provide you with research skills that can be applied to other units on the course. The Professional and Academic Contexts unit encourages you to position your work within the framework of professional and/or academic contexts.
Spring, Term 2
Professional and Academic Context (continued)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Project Proposal and Realisation (40 credits)
Summer, Term 3
Project Proposal and Realisation (continued)
The major project realisation builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first stage and applies these in the creation of a self-initiated design project based on extensive research, analysis, investigation and a clear research question. The project is supported throughout with weekly seminars and tutorials.
The final units require you to propose, research and bring to completion a substantial practical project.
The course, which fits within the University credit framework, comprises: tutored study, self-directed study and access to facilities. Tutored study is generally two days a week. In addition to this you are expected to attend lectures and work independently.
Should you exit the course, a Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits.
Learning and teaching methods
- Workshops
- Demonstrations
- Group discussions
- Tutorials
- Online discussion and image forums
- Student/Tutor Presentations
- Set and self-initiated project work
- Research and development techniques
Assessment methods
- Portfolios
- Essays
- Written Presentations
- Documentation of your creative process.
Associate lecturers
How to apply
Opportunities for all
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.
Entry requirements
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. PG Dip 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.
An 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.
Making your application
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
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
Required information for all postgraduate course applications
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 applications to this course
- Portfolio
- There is no requirement for a study proposal
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.
Transfers
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.
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 Dip 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
15 May 2021
We recommend you apply as soon as possible before this date, for equal consideration. We may still be able to accept applications after this date, depending on availability.
When you’ll hear from us
Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. We’ll be in touch shortly after you apply with information about next steps. 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
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
Required information for all postgraduate course applications
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 applications to this course
- Portfolio
- There is no requirement for a study proposal
Start your application now
There are two ways international students can apply:
The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not 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 submit the application form.
Transfers
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.
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 Dip 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
15 March 2021
We recommend you apply as soon as possible before this date, for equal consideration. We may still be able to accept applications after this date, depending on availability.
When you’ll hear from us
This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them all after the application deadline date. This means you won’t hear from us about any next steps until after this date. 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, and we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.
If you would like to request feedback – please email lcc.ukeu@arts.ac.uk if you are a Home or EU applicant, or lcc.international@arts.ac.uk if International. 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.
Fees and funding
Home fee
£7,480
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 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 resident nationals. However, the rules are complex and you can find out more on our tuition fees pages.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage
International fee
£15,280
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.
International fees are currently charged to students from countries outside of the UK. However, the rules are complex and more information can be found on our tuition fees pages.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage
Careers and alumni
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:
- Signal Noise
- Browns
- SEA Design
- Interbrand
- Pentagram