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Overview
Shape the future of communication with this MA in Visual Communication.
Master storytelling across print, digital, and emerging technologies, exploring image-making, typography, interaction, and design while critically engaging with visual media’s social and theoretical contexts.
Work with cutting-edge tools, including СÀ¶ÊÓƵ’s industry-leading XR facilities, and collaborate on real-world projects with external professional bodies. Develop expertise in photography, illustration, graphic design, and moving image while crafting cross-platform strategies that push creative boundaries.
Whether you're a graduate refining your creative voice or an industry professional expanding your skills, this course prepares you to communicate complex ideas and create meaningful narratives. Graduates go on to careers in UX design, publishing, advertising, media production, and beyond—using design to promote diversity, advocate for sustainability, and harness AR and VR to inspire change.
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree in visual communication, graphic design, illustration, or another relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
All applicants will be asked to submit an online portfolio in support of their application.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2026 start)
- Full-time: £9,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £9,400 (may be subject to annual increase - including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £17,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
СÀ¶ÊÓƵ graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Modules
What you'll study
Core modules
- Contextual Development – 30 credits
- Experimental Practice – 30 credits
- Interplay – 30 credits
- Narratives – 30 credits
- Professional Practice – 30 credits
- Strategies – 30 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.
Apply
How to apply
Start this course in January 2026
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
I'm a current СÀ¶ÊÓƵ student, or a recent СÀ¶ÊÓƵ graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at СÀ¶ÊÓƵ, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
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Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Finalising this course
All our courses go through a rigorous approval process to make sure they’re of the highest quality. This includes a review by a panel of experts, made up of academic staff and an external academic or professional with specialist knowledge.
This course is in the final stages of this process and is open for applications. If any details of the course or its approval status change after you apply, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and will be here to discuss your options with you.