Visual Communication, MA

Throughout your time on our course, you'll have the invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the realm of visual communication, building upon the foundation of your previous studies and experiences. Our curriculum is designed to guide you through an exploration of key theories revolving around Culture, Community, and Creativity, providing you with a robust framework to inform your creative endeavours.

One of the hallmarks of our course is collaborative learning. Alongside your peers, you'll engage in group activities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of these theories and their real-world applications. Through vibrant discussions and hands-on projects, you'll have the chance to refine your skills and broaden your perspectives.

Moreover, we're committed to nurturing your individual creative journey. You'll have the freedom to conceptualise and develop your own projects, from initial ideation to final execution. This process will not only allow you to hone your craft but also encourage you to explore your unique interests and talents.

As you progress through the course, you'll find ample opportunities to leverage your evolving skills and insights. Whether it's through collaborative projects, individual endeavours, or research initiatives, our aim is to provide you with a rich and dynamic learning environment.

In addition to other exciting activities, you will have access to our Creative Agency, which supports students by providing opportunities to engage in paid projects and develop a portfolio of work essential for preparing for your future career. The Agency also facilitates student collaboration, allowing students to contribute to each other's projects across different courses.

Once your University IT account has been activated, you will be able to access our resources, including Library resources and relevant software. On our Blackboard pages (virtual learning environment platform) you will be able to find detailed information about your course, as well as about supporting services and opportunities available to you.

At the beginning of your academic course, you will be assigned to a personal tutor, who will provide you with academic support throughout the course and act as a gateway to support and development services offered elsewhere in the University.

After welcome week you will begin work on your first three modules that you will study in Trimester 1: Project Development for Visual Communication; Collaborative Practice; and Creativity, Culture and Community.

You may wish to read / consult the following readings or resources to prepare you for the course:

• ‘Project Implicit’ (no date). Available at: https://www.projectimplicit.net/
• Conscientious Photography - https://cphmag.com/
• Critical Thinking (2018) Think Design. Available at: https://think.design/user-design-research/critical-thinking/
• Modes of Criticism (no date). Available at: https://modesofcriticism.org/
• PhotoMonitor - https://photomonitor.co.uk/
• SpeculativeEdu | Critical about Critical and Speculative Design (no date). Available at: https://speculativeedu.eu/critical-about-critical-and-speculative-design/
• Design Council (2015) What is the framework for innovation? Design Council’s evolved Double Diamond, Design Council. Available at: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/what-framework-innovation-design-councils-evolved-double-diamond
• Durrant, A. and Price, J. (2015) RTD 2015 Provocation by Sir Christopher Frayling Part 1: Research Through Design Evolution. (RTD Conference Series). Available at: https://vimeo.com/129775325

It is useful to note that the University Bookshop offers 10% discount on most titles in print and have some price-beating book bundles. They also price match Amazon on core texts recommended in the module handbooks you will receive when you start in September.