Leeds School of Arts Show
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Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Postgraduate MA
Graphic Design
Challenge ideas in the field of contemporary graphic design. You’ll learn to operate using hybrid forms of visual communication to develop your own creative practice.
Course Overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
18 Sep 2023
Develop your creative practice within the fields of contemporary graphic and communication design. This master’s will encourage you to challenge the established conventions of the creative, communicative disciplines to enhance your own ideas and concepts.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Examine this field of study by integrating theory and practice
- Explore research-led practice at an advanced level
- Focus on your area of specialism, helping you to develop your problem-solving skills
- Investigate a range of concerns through a variety of practices, methodologies and media
- Explore the relationship between traditional forms of communication and the emerging, evolving digital practices employed by contemporary practitioners
You’ll have the opportunity to share and develop ideas by working alongside other creative artists and designers from within the Leeds School of Arts.
Industry expertise
The course draws upon expertise within a dynamic team of staff and practitioners. The academic and learning support teams have a wealth of professional and educational experience. This diverse knowledge supports the breadth of possible practices within the field of graphic and communication design. This includes design for print and screen, experiential design, digital/interactive practices, advertising, typographic communication, photography, moving image and animation.
The INSIDE/OUT lecture series brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to the studios and workshops of the award-winning Broadcasting Place building. The building is equipped with everything from the latest Macs and software to letterpress and printmaking workshops, photographic darkrooms, a digital print unit, animation workspaces and 3D construction facilities.
Why study Graphic Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- Benefit from the school's close links to industry and creative businesses in the Yorkshire region, throughout the UK, and beyond
- Your tutors have extensive experience of working as active practitioners, allowing you to gain from their industry knowledge and professional networks
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Gain access to a vast range of ideas, skills and facilities which will allow you to take your practice in whichever direction you want to
- Leeds has a thriving creative sector; home to hundreds of innovative start-ups, agencies, design businesses and countless other opportunities for graphic design graduates
Graphic Design Develop your own approach to the study and practice of graphic design
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Art or Design, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work related to the cognate areas listed above, and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Art or Design, at least a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of an aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work related to the cognate areas listed above, and may be required to attend an interview. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
International baccalaureate
Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates who meet the entry requirements will be required to submit a portfolio of creative work. Your portfolio should include examples from your previous education, professional experience, or personal work.
IELTS
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Mature Applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. If you have recent relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, we may be able to consider you for entry through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and relevant work experience in your application.
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,000
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9000. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £9000. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including our multi-media studios with a dedicated suite and specialist software
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. When attendance is compulsory, travel, accommodation and tickets are paid for by the department
- Course materials (£100-200); compulsory for portfolio submission and end of year exhibition
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including our multi-media studios with a dedicated suite and specialist software
- Free entry to Inside/Out guest lecture series
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence. When attendance is compulsory, travel, accommodation and tickets are paid for by the department
- Course materials (£100-200); compulsory for portfolio submission and end of year exhibition
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
The course aims to advance innovative agility, to ensure our students are prepared to navigate the evolving and expanding graphic design industry. It is important our graduates establish their own creative voices, informed by their own opinions, intentions and ambitions.
Justin Burns
Head of Subject
Who inspires your work? Grayson Perry, their parents, Rauschenberg, their lecturer, Frank Lloyd Wright and many more. Find out who inspires students at Leeds School of Arts.
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
Gain a systematic understanding of the broad field of contemporary graphic design appropriate to your personal and professional goals.
This course will support your aspirations to work for an agency, collaborate with other practitioners or set up your own practice, developing the necessary skills and graduate attributes to prosper. You will be able to explore a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries or undertake further study.
- Graphic designer
- Creative director
- Art director
- Studio manager
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
What does creativity mean to you? At Leeds School of Arts creativity lays behind everything we do. Find out what this word means to just some of our students.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Life in Leeds
If you're not already familiar with our fantastic city, find out what's on offer using our Life in Leeds guide.
