Master of Arts - Graphic Design and Branding

University of Hertfordshire

MA Graphic Design sits within the PG Design programme at the School of Creative Arts. There is strong emphasis on professional practice and the real-world applications of art and design, where learners will develop key research skills and gain a good understanding of the work of other practitioners in their field.

The aim of this Master's programme is to equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to practice at an advanced level, to foster their creativity and enhance their employment opportunities. Students will work alongside artists and designers who are involved with a wide variety of media and forms.

Induction, seminars and social events for learners and staff mean that they'll be part of a friendly and supportive postgraduate community, which also includes film makers, musicians and professionals working in new media. Senior research staff and internationally renowned artists also work with students, helping them to develop original and challenging work.

Visual communication and the graphic image are increasingly important in the global information economy. On this course, students will be encouraged to adopt a creative, enquiring and critical approach to the graphic image and its uses in contemporary practice. 

From traditional craft processes to digital image making, learners will explore graphic images and their uses, in both web based and print formats. Key aspects of the course also include social, political, environmental and commercial contexts of graphic design, and the processes by which graphic signs operate to convey meanings in various environments. The final part of the course enables students to complete a major project.

Teaching staff are experienced in research and professional practice, and students will benefit from contributions from visiting designers and design professionals, as well as from involvement with the international exhibitions programme and University's close links with industry partners.

The MA Graphic Design graduates work in art, digital, and design jobs with organizations including Fiora and creative agency Emperor. Many are also practicing as freelancers supplying independent design services to clients.