Overview

    This course is also available as an Extended Master's that helps International students adjust to studying in the UK.

    There has never been a more important time to be a visual communicator.

    You have the potential to sway opinion, to inform, to reveal and to enlighten. Canterbury Christ Church University’s Visual Communication course is ideally suited to students who wish to understand how contemporary social issues and ethical practice can be combined with specialist skills in graphic design, photography and illustration to create positive social impact that benefit the world, society and our communities.

    Why study Visual Communication at CCCU?

    Our MA Visual Communication course enables you to respond innovatively to local and global issues using your specialist skills within an interdisciplinary environment of Creative Arts and Industries. You will emerge with imaginative, original research, confidence in combining theory and practice, a new network of contacts and a honed portfolio of individual work.

    We know that lives are busy, so we designed the course to be taught through a combination of intensive in person sessions, online interactive and self-directed teaching, as well as group and individual tutorials.

    The course is taught by a team of experienced educators who have had professional careers in a related sector and/or are internationally recognised researchers in the field. A group of non-academic partners and advisors also contribute to the delivery of the programme, in the forms of visiting talks, debates and discussions, contributing to assignment briefs, and offering networking opportunities. As such we will challenge you constantly to go beyond what you think is possible.

    Our course is unique in that it is delivered alongside multiple degree routes in the broader Creative and Cultural Industries subject areas, which enables you to have a multi- and interdisciplinary learning experience, and meet and collaborate with a range of creative professionals.

    As a creative, I appreciate the freedom in choosing the research areas and projects I want to work on as part of my assignments so that I can gain valuable real-life skills and professional confidence for my future career in the industry.

    Miroslava

    All about the course

    The course is for everyone who wishes to study the imaginative and powerful field of visual communication at postgraduate level. It is designed for graduates who have completed a degree in a related field and wish to develop their career prospects; or graduates who have completed a degree in a different discipline but now wish to pursue a career in visual communications.

    It is also designed for those who already work in a related role and who wish to enhance their effectiveness and confidence in the workplace or to develop their career prospects.

    We are proud to work with students with varied protected characteristics, including age, disability, race, sex and sexual orientation, and aim to provide appropriate support for individual needs.

    What will I study?

    To gain the MA award you will study:

    • Creativity, Culture, and Community (20 credits)
    • Applied Critical Thinking for Visual Communication (20 credits)
    • Collaborative Practice (40 credits)
    • Project Development for Visual Communication (20 credits)
    • Professional Development (20 credits)
    • Final Project (60 credits)

    Induction

    Before starting the course you'll be invited to attend an induction session which will give you details about academic, research and writing skills needed to study at postgraduate level. The induction will include such elements as library skills, IT applications, relevant software skills, research skills and writing at Master’s level. It is also an opportunity to meet with other students on the course.

    Entry requirements

    Undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, or alternative qualifications and substantial relevant experience may be considered.

    For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTS web page.

    Module information

    Core/optional modules

    How you’ll learn

    The course is taught through a combination of intensive in person sessions, online interactive and self-directed teaching, as well as group and individual tutorials. Face to face sessions will take place in Canterbury on our main campus next to the city centre. Students will receive over 260 hours scheduled contact over their course, and are expected to supplement this with independent study. Our online Virtual Learning Environment allows students to interact with each other outside of the physical class time, allowing a supportive culture to develop, even at a distance.

    The course is taught through a combination of face-to-face and online teaching, which will involve intensive delivery on some weekday afternoon and/or weekend, thus weekly contact hours will vary. Students will receive over 260 contact hours over the course.

    You will be taught by a range of academics and practitioners who will challenge, stimulate and support you to produce cutting edge work and research in the field of Visual Communication.

    Dr Agnes GulyasCourse Director

    How you’ll be assessed

    Throughout the course your knowledge and skills will be informally assessed through a variety of learning activities. You will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment and may be actively involved in peer assessment. Formally, the course is assessed solely through coursework, including portfolio work, reports, essays and presentations.

    Your future career

    Graduates of this course will be able to pursue careers in a variety of Visual Communication roles, including art direction or creative lead within publishing, creative agencies, branding, charities, the arts, and education. Others may use this as a way to start their own business.

    Candidates who are already in the workplace will benefit from using their new-found qualification and confidence to progress their careers with their current employer, or to use it to secure promotions or new employment elsewhere. They can also use the qualification as a way to improve what they are undertaking within their current role.

    Students completing this MA might also go on to undertake a PhD in Visual Communication or a teaching qualification to take their practice into a school, FE or HE setting.

    Fees

    Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

    The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.

    Tuition fees for this course

      UK Overseas
    Full-time £9,545 £15,500
    Full-time with Extended Masters N/A  £15,500 + £3,500

    20% Alumni Discount

    We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Masters by Research courses for eligible students.

    Find out if you're eligible for the discount.

    Important Information on Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.

    There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.

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    Duration:

    1 year

    Location(s):

    Canterbury
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