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 on 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 of 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.