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This course has places available for 2020/21 entry.
If you're thinking about applying, or you've applied for a postgraduate course starting in 2020/21, see guidance for prospective students during the Coronavirus outbreak.
An intensive, vocational route into the graphic design profession that can also provide a portfolio for further study at postgraduate level, or acquire visual communication skills for your current profession.
The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon
A project exploring how typography and space can interact to encourage people to use a library as a resource for reading.
A project exploring how information design can be used to improve the navigational experience for new visitors to London College of Communication
Nora talks her through her final year project which is a grid system for simplified Chinese.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students need to be aware that access to our technical facilities are between working hours: 9am-5pm and Monday to Friday.
"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
"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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Course Leader, Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma Design for Visual Communication
Lecturer, Postgraduate Certificate Design for Visual Communication, Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication
Programme Director, Graphic Design Communication
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. 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:
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:
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
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:
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.
If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.
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.
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
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 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.
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
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:
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.
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.
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
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 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.
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.
Applicants should present a portfolio (maximum 20 images). This should include a maximum of six projects and supporting material. These should be clearly annotated and organised.
Your portfolio should demonstrate visual acuity, conceptual ability, technical competence and personal interest. Acknowledging that applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds 'portfolio' is taken as having a broad definition.
The portfolio may include: sketch/notebooks; developmental work; photographs; PowerPoint presentations; web/interactive work; diagrams; printmaking; illustrated reports; commercial work; freelance commissions; personal work; conceptual work; 3D work (photographed); textiles; and written work.
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.
£7,480 (2020/21).
Course fees may be paid in instalments
£15,280 (2020/21).
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.
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:
