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Photo of books and magazines detailing graphic design elements
Books and magazines at Imprint Exhibition, 2016, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Lewis Bush

Shape your career in graphic design and challenge what it means to be a forward-thinking creative. Push your practice in bold directions and discover what it takes to influence the world through design.


Start date

January
May
September

Duration
2 years (MA)
Commitment
Approximately 21 hours per week
Mode
Part time, Online
Fees
£2,500 per unit

Why choose this course at UAL Online

#2 in the world for Art and Design

Join a renowned university recognised globally for its excellence in creative Art and Design.

QS World University Rankings, 2024

Customise your learning

Achieve your career goals whilst managing your personal commitments by choosing your units and award level.

Strong industry links

Gain valuable connections through our industry networks, enhancing your career prospects, knowledge and opportunities.

Course overview

In a busy, complex world that is always evolving, communication and visual storytelling are more exciting than ever. Our online graphic design course supports you in your creative practice, preparing you with skills needed to thrive in a dynamic creative landscape. Through fascinating theory and emerging design practices, you’ll be empowered to apply a critical approach that is led by your individual background, experience and ambitions.

Drawing from London College of Communication’s expertise in design, you’ll be supported by academics who are working in industry and bring experience from their own cutting-edge practices. Combining theory and creative projects, you’ll enhance your practice through local, global, critical, cultural, theoretical, historical and industry contexts.

The course inspires you to:

  • reflect on your role as a designer
  • work on industry-focused briefs to build a portfolio
  • respond to social issues
  • refine your unique creative identity
  • take ownership of your learning process
  • explore the power of visual communication
  • think globally and act locally.

Explore how design can bridge gaps, build identities and share awareness on the social challenges of our time. Investigate through practice how visual communication, typography, editorial, branding and identity or speculative design might be applied creatively in response to our complex and evolving world.

Deep dive into units that will support and challenge you as you find your unique identity in the market. A choice of elective units and awards allows you to strengthen your creative practice in ways that matter to you.

Mode of Study

This Graphic Design Master’s course will be delivered fully online, part-time.

Along with having 3 entry points in the year, our online learning model allows you to shape your curriculum in line with your aspirations. At the start of your course, all students will take the mandatory unit, Graphic Design: Practice, Context & Culture. Then, you will choose your elective units from set teaching blocks in the year.

You can also control your pace to graduation by taking breaks or opting for a PgCert or PgDip award.

PgCert (60 credits)

Students wishing to enter onto a Postgraduate Certificate are required to complete the mandatory unit and 1 elective unit (30 credits). Studying the PgCert will take a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 2 years 8 months.

PgDip (120 credits)

To graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), you must complete the mandatory unit and 3 elective units (3 x 30 credits). Studying the PgDip will take a minimum of 1 year 4 months and a maximum of 3 years 4 months.

*MA (180 credits)

MA students will need to complete the mandatory unit, 3 elective units (3 x 30 credits) and 2 final Major Project units (2 x 30 credits) to achieve a Master of the Arts (MA) (180 credits). Studying the MA will take a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years.

Each unit is delivered over 14 weeks with a short break at the end of each unit.

Teaching and assessment methods

The Graphic Design online course uses flexible, inclusive technology and teaching approaches that are tailored specifically for online distance learners. Each week, you’ll experience a blend of Live, Guided, and Independent learning.

Teaching and learning approaches may include:

  • weekly live and recorded sessions
  • one-to-one tutorials
  • guided, self-paced learning activities
  • independent and self-directed learning
  • project briefs and feedback.

Online independent working

Our online learning platform means you’ll have access to learning materials, including videos, podcasts and other resources 24/7 when the time suits you.

While your academic background and prior knowledge and experience of graphic design may influence the overall time you spend studying, you should plan to dedicate approximately 21 hours per week to your course.

Assessment can look like:

  • practice-based design projects
  • critical and contextual writing
  • reflection and self-evaluation
  • presentations
  • critical writing including blogs and reflective writing
  • essay or dissertation
  • project outcomes.

Read more about how you’ll learn with us online.

Course units

Graphic Design: Practice, Context & Culture (30 credits)

This unit will kickstart the course, introducing you to studying online with London College of Communication and a spectrum of graphic design practices.

You'll be introduced to the critical discourses, cultural contexts and socially aware approaches that underpin contemporary graphic design. You’ll explore, then re-examine fundamental principles including composition, typography, colour and visual communication. You’ll familiarise yourself with practical, critical and technical skills that align with industry standards, as you push your creative boundaries.

Design Communication (30 credits)

The essence of graphic design is communication. It’s a dialogue between the designer and their audience. Understanding and harnessing the communicative power of graphic design is a skill every designer must learn and embrace.

In this unit, you will explore and harness the power of communication that graphic design holds. Building on central principles of graphic design and design history, this unit re-engages with the fundamentals while giving you opportunities to re-imagine the potential of graphic design.

Through a series of industry-facing project briefs, you will develop your portfolio of work, take on new design challenges and experiment with your existing style to deliver powerful messaging. Discover the value of practice-based methods and approaches as you investigate and test how your individual graphic design practice impacts your audience and the world.

Critical Perspectives (30 credits)

This unit provides opportunities and resources for you to build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to pursue your own creative goals in the graphic design industry.

Through a series of industry-led talks, lectures and readings, you’ll examine critical conversations, key issues, cultural contexts and creative practices that inform and drive contemporary graphic design.

Through practice and theory, you’ll develop and cultivate in-depth critical perspectives, connections and knowledge relating to the field of graphic design. You’ll initiate, plan and implement a critical practice-based investigation into a subject of your choice within the field of graphic design.

Future Design (30 credits)

The world is evolving at an accelerated pace and, with it, the role of the graphic designer and prospective impact of the design industry. This future-facing unit examines emergent and speculative practices, technologies and processes that influence and define the leading edges in graphic design.

Responding to the rapid advancement of new technologies, evolving digital applications and the implications of post-human design, this unit introduces you to a range of cutting-edge concepts and technologies that expand and (re)define the boundaries of contemporary practice.

You’ll be significantly challenged, stretching the limits of your imagination and creativity, as you critically analyse the role you play as a designer in shaping and manifesting the future in design.

Situating Practice (30 credits)

This unit stands as a pivotal moment in your graphic design journey. You’ll be empowered to identify your career goals, your place in the industry, your design style and consider your ethical position by researching specialisms, modes of practice, business models and critical contexts.

Whatever your chosen specialism is, you’ll synthesise the knowledge, skills and practice you’ve gained through self-directed projects that align with your chosen career. We’ll help you define your purpose as a designer and how to present your design practice to future employers and clients.

This unit offers a space for you to work independently, balancing creativity with critically informed practices suited to your academic or career path.

Industry Focus (30 credits)

In this exciting unit, you will explore industry professionals, design studios, brands and academics who are defining the field. Guest speakers will be invited to present the practices and techniques that define their unique identity as designers, inspiring you to be bold in your own design approach.

Through critical thinking, you’ll research the histories, trajectories, successes, opportunities and challenges renowned designers have tackled to build their reputations. You’ll research and produce high-level graphic design artefacts in line with the approaches, style and specialisms of the industry designers you admire. This unit encourages you to push your creative boundaries, expand your perspectives and produce original, courageous work that advances your practice.

Systems Thinking & Society (30 credits)

In this unit, you’ll address the broader ethical and social implications of graphic design as a tool for communication, influence and change.

You’ll be encouraged to open yourself to new ways of thinking and be a driving force for responsible design, responding to societal systems, cultural contexts and ethical frameworks.

Drawing on social justice, environmental regeneration, inclusivity and accessibility principles, you’ll engage in graphic design practices that spark critical thinking, advocate sustainable practice and inspire social values.

This unit encourages co-design and collaborative engagement. We invite you to seek, develop and nurture connections with select industry partners, creatives, clients and other relevant stakeholders to enhance your experience.

Major Projects

The final 2 units, Major Project: Investigate and Major Project: Amplify are designed as an integrated sequence. Collectively these units offer a valuable opportunity for in-depth self-directed research to boost your knowledge and skills to support you as you move towards your next career steps in graphic design.

Major Project: Investigate (30 credits)

In this penultimate unit, you’ll develop an independent research proposal with the approval of your unit tutor. The research outcome you produce here will be the starting point for your final practice-based project.

Your research proposal provides a framework for an independent, in-depth academic research enquiry focused primarily on theoretical investigation. Through this research process you’ll examine and articulate the relevant critical and cultural contexts, debates, theories, histories and approaches that inform your chosen subject area.

This unit gives you the opportunity to expand your academic knowledge and research skills in preparation for the second major project unit.

Major Project: Amplify (30 credits)

In this final unit of your MA Graphic Design course, you’ll commit to a self-directed practice-based research project that builds on the knowledge, skills and experience you’ve gained throughout your MA journey.

Building on the theoretical outcomes from Major Project: Investigate, you’ll produce a critically informed graphic design artefact that advances your design practice. You may choose to focus on a specific graphic design practice or specialism; launch an innovative entrepreneurial venture; pursue a conceptual design proposition; advance your academic research to prepare for further study or strengthen your portfolio.

You will emerge from this final unit as a self-sufficient, critical professional with the skills, knowledge and confidence to launch your creative career in the expanded field of graphic design.

UAL Online will review the units we offer regularly to ensure they are up-to-date and relevant. Please note that this means units could be subject to change. We suggest you keep an eye on our website for updates.

Entry requirements

An honours degree in a field related to graphics and media design or other equivalent qualifications.

You will need to submit an initial application. This should include the following supporting documents:

  • a CV
  • academic certificates and transcripts
  • a written personal statement (300 words).

Digital portfolio and video

We will review your initial application first. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we’ll send you detailed guidelines on what to include and how to upload the following files:

  • a portfolio featuring a selection of your work across a maximum of 3 projects
  • a short video (2-3 minutes).

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool. Please submit your video on the first page followed by your portfolio.

If you don’t meet the requirements, please get in touch. We encourage students with a range of backgrounds and experience to apply. If you feel a course is right for you, but you’re not sure whether you’re qualified or what information to include in your application to evidence your ability to succeed in the course, our Recruitment Advisors are here to help.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.

IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

You will have the opportunity to develop new technical skills on this course, but you will need to have an existing foundation of relevant practice before joining us.

Our recruitment team carefully selects people who can demonstrate the following:

  • knowledge of basic graphic design tools, such as the Adobe suite
  • understanding of digital production and the ability to manage a pipeline or production process
  • critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject area, with a capacity for research-led design, intellectual inquiry, and reflective thought
  • evidence of research, analysis, development, and evaluation (gained from previous academic study and employment, and a grounded understanding of the visual world.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees are paid in instalments on a pay-per-unit basis as you progress through your chosen award. To secure your place on a course, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit, which is equal to and credited towards the first unit.

Postgraduate Certificate [PgCert]: 2 units

Postgraduate Diploma [PgDip]: 4 units

Master’s [MA]: 6 units


Each unit costs £2,500*

*This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase each academic year in line with our UAL Online Fees Policy. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year.

Careers and industry

With this Master's in Graphic Design online, you’ll expand your creative career options and feel confident in your identity and the positive impact you can make as a designer. Our flexible course structure means every unit serves a different purpose in your learning, offering different skills and knowledge needed to stand out in the graphic design landscape.


You’ll benefit from:

  • tutors with industry expertise
  • support on how to present yourself to future employers
  • industry informed project work
  • developing your portfolio.

Whether your goal is to work in-house, in an agency, freelance, on sustainable co-creation, corporate branding or anywhere in-between, our course can help you find your way. London College of Communication graphic design graduates have pursued careers with respected names, including Selfridges and the BBC.


Entrepreneurship

UAL is leading the way for entrepreneurs in the UK’s creative industries. Our graduates are brave, take risks, and go beyond their comfort zones.

Why choose UAL Online?

We are ranked second in the world for Art and Design with an outstanding legacy of 6 Colleges and respected tutors, alumni, expertise and industry links. We don’t follow. We discover, we invent, we push boundaries and question the world around us. We’re nurturing the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurial thinkers in a space where creative education tackles social issues and builds a better future.

Studying a postgraduate graphic design course online with us gives you access to top-tier education without the need to relocate. You’ll have the flexibility and freedom to expand your practice while keeping to your personal commitments. All our online courses have been carefully designed to be studied online, in your own time.

Read more about studying with UAL Online.

Register your interest

To receive more information about the course or to get help with your application, please complete our enquiry form.

Enquire

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Apply Now

We offer three start dates each year and three award options: Master's (MA), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

MA Degree (MA)

  • Apply by: 22 July 2025
  • Start: September 2025
  • Units: 6 units (180 credits)
  • Mode: Part time, Online
  • Duration: 2-4 years
  • Fees: £2,500 per unit*
Apply to MA

PG Diploma (PGDip)

  • Apply by: 22 July 2025
  • Start: September 2025
  • Units: 4 units (120 credits)
  • Mode: Part time, Online
  • Duration: 1 year 4 months - 3 years 4 months
  • Fees: £2,500 per unit*
Apply to PGDip

PG Certificate (PGCert)

  • Apply by: 22 July 2025
  • Start: September 2025
  • Units: 2 units (60 credits)
  • Mode: Part time, Online
  • Duration: 8 months - 2 years 8 months
  • Fees: £2,500 per unit*
Apply to PGCert

*This fee is correct for 2025/2026 entry. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase each academic year in line with our UAL Online Fees Policy. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year.