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A mockup of 9 editorial spreads inside of a book open on a blue background. Each design shows a mixture of abstract illustration and typography
An illustration coloured in shades of blue, turquoise and white. The illustration has a windy thick road from the top right corner to the bottom right. Dotted around the road are illustrations of houses, horses and people
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Communication Design MA

Get to the heart of how design shapes our understanding of issues, our environment and each other.

Key information

How to Apply
Request a prospectus

The MA in Communication Design encourages you to research, discover, initiate, test and communicate your ideas within professional and real-world contexts. You will develop your own unique design voice by questioning what communication design is and what communication design could be, delving into contemporary communication design issues like sustainability, new technology, inclusivity, and ethics. As a practice-based, forward-thinking collaborative course that pushes the boundaries of communication design you will explore the contribution responsible design practice can make to the rapidly changing needs of contemporary society.

The course emphasises independent and self-directed study, guided by subject-specialist tutors through tutorials, workshops, and lectures. You will develop practical skills in areas like illustration, typography, and narrative storytelling, as well as digital media practice and theory. The course also includes cross-discipline collaborative projects, fostering teamwork and industry engagement. Regular studio visits, guest lectures, and participation in design competitions like the D&AD New Blood Awards will enhance your exposure to industry practices, preparing you for an innovative and exciting career in an ever-changing industry.

Why study with us

Course details

This programme is a one-year course including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete three units and one 60-credit Major Project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. For full course details including aims and assessment criteria, download the course specification

Core Practice and Context (60 Credits)

This unit launches your Masters’ study experience at Norwich. it will encourage you to explore communication design problems through a structured process of research, idea generation, development, iteration, execution, and presentation. As a visual communicator, you’ll work across various territories, including illustration, graphic design, branding, and digital/interactive design. Through project work, you’ll research your subject matter, explore contemporary and historical references and refine your ideas to find the best communication strategies. Analogue and digital techniques, design software and consideration of materials will all play a part in how you realise and execute your ideas. Design briefs may be self-initiated, set by staff, or set by external organisations, often addressing global challenges or the United Nations’ 17 goals for Sustainable Development including climate emergency, social and environmental sustainability, equality and diversity, health and well-being, and other vital design for change agendas.

Learning and teaching

The course is delivered through a variety of engaging learning and teaching methods.

Assessment

Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. These methods may include:

  • Critically reflective essay
  • Course work
  • Presentations
  • Learning journal
  • Reflective evaluation
  • Body of creative work
  • Reflective research report
  • Team project evaluation
  • Major project
  • Supporting documentation
Meet all staff

Our facilities

Look around our city-centre campus, and you will find studios, media labs, and creative spaces in 13 buildings that sit among the cafés, bars, independent galleries and shops of Norwich’s cultural quarter.

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Here to help you succeed

The UK’s creative sector is thriving, contributing £111.7 billion annually to the economy and offering over 2 million jobs.

Employability and career development are integral to every unit of our courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for the industry. Our students go on to secure exciting roles, launch successful businesses, and make a lasting impact in many sectors worldwide.

From day one, you’ll also get specialist career advice from our Business and Employability Team to help support you as you plan your career.

Typical career paths

  • Graphic/Web Design
  • Art Directing
  • Brand Strategy/Design
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Design Consultancy
  • Editorial Design
  • Marketing
  • Packaging Design
  • Advertising
  • Studio Management
  • Teaching/Lecturing
  • Research/PhD Study

The UK’s creative sector is thriving, contributing £111.7 billion annually to the economy and offering over 2 million jobs.

Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS)

Entry Requirements

Entrants should normally have achieved a BA (Hons) / BSc Degree of 2:1 or above (or its equivalent), in a subject related to your proposed course of study.

Applicants who hold a Degree from another discipline may also be considered for entry, subject to the submission of a satisfactory portfolio of art, design or media-related work in support of their application.

Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.

English language requirements (International/EU)

If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. we also accept other English language qualifications.

International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.

For information on entry requirements from your country, see our international pages.

Portfolio requirement

When you apply for this course, we will ask you to prepare your portfolio and a written submission. We might also ask you to prepare for an interview. These methods are used to assess your suitability for the course. All three elements should clearly demonstrate your passion for the subject and your individual creativity.

Further information will be provided once you have applied.

Student work by Lois Brandon shows designs mocked up onto various adidas products

Fees and funding

Full time: £10,000

Part time: £6250 per year

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you’re classed as a UK
(home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

The rules for inflation on fees in subsequent years depend on the type of fee status and level

For Home and overseas postgraduate degree students starting in 2025, fees will remain the same for each year of your course.

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience. Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Additional costs

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition. Accommodation, cost of materials, and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees

How to apply

Applications to our postgraduate courses should be made directly to Norwich University of the Arts using a Postgraduate Application Form.
Postgraduate Application Form — Word Document 2025-26 (212kb) (212kb)

Applications should be returned to admissions@norwichuni.ac.uk

Please see our Terms and Conditions and Admissions Policies for further details.

Postgraduate open days

Get a taste of life at Norwich, learn more about our courses, our campus and meet the creators and makers you’ll be learning from.

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