Course summary
MA Graphic Design – Contemporary Dialogues at Swansea College of Art is designed for recent graduates and individuals with professional experience in the industry who want to deepen their understanding of graphic design at a postgraduate level. This exciting course offers the opportunity to refine your creative ideas and improve your design practice, equipping you with the skills to thrive in the fast-paced creative industry. Throughout the programme, you will explore the use of visual language to address complex, real-world design problems. Graphic design plays a vital role in tackling challenges within contemporary society, and you will learn how to use design as a tool for effective problem-solving. The course encourages you to think critically and creatively, providing you with the tools to engage in both practical and theoretical aspects of design. As part of the Contemporary Dialogues portfolio, you will develop new ways of thinking and approach your own design practice from fresh perspectives. You will examine how communication can be enhanced through design, using techniques such as metaphor, and explore how design can act as a trigger for thinking and feeling. By working at a cognitive level, you will develop the ability to create designs that not only look great but also resonate with diverse audiences. The course places a strong emphasis on self-initiated research and experimentation, allowing you to pursue your own areas of interest within graphic design. You will be encouraged to push the boundaries of your practice and explore new design insights that can drive positive action in the industry. By the end of the course, you will have gained valuable professional experience, learning how to respond to varied client needs and handle diverse briefs. This pathway will help you build a strong portfolio, refine your design thinking, and prepare you for a wide range of roles within the creative industry. It is ideal for those eager to advance their careers and develop as innovative, forward-thinking graphic designers.
Modules
Throughout the course, you will explore how visual language can solve complex real-world design problems and respond to the needs of contemporary society. Through self-initiated research and hands-on projects, you will experiment with new techniques and develop a unique creative voice, while refining your design skills and critical thinking. In the latter part of the year, you will apply your skills to professional contexts, working on live briefs and client projects. You will gain valuable professional experience, learning how to communicate effectively with clients and address their needs through innovative design solutions. This experience will help you to build a strong portfolio and prepare for roles within the creative industry. Compulsory Coexistent Perspectives (20 credits) The Thought Experiment (20 credits) Collaborative Dialogues (20 credits) Explorative Research & Praxis (60 credits) Confirmative Praxis (60 credits)
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written practical and presented. There is a 4,000-word theoretical essay with poster presentation in Semester 1, and a 5,000-word report in Semester 3, which accompanies the practical work. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a module, which includes presentation of the work to the assessment team. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course, which include, among others: Tutorials These tutorials are held on a regular basis. In Semester 1, full-time/Year 1, part-time, each student sees and discusses his/her work with a member of staff as part of each module. In Semesters 2 and 3, full-time/Years 2 and 3, part-time, students work more independently and sign up for tutorials within, or across, their discipline, in addition to those scheduled when their work requires support. As a team, we ensure that every student in the final semester/year of the course is seen by at least one member of the academic staff each week. Group Tutorials/Seminars These are held on a regular basis, across all stages of the course, with one member of staff. They provide an excellent opportunity for students to share and exchange ideas with their peers in a structured manner, in addition to valuable input from staff. Informal & Formal presentations Some of the modules have a presentation of ideas as part of the module outcome and are an essential way of sharing ideas across the course. Presenting work informally to peers is also part of the seminar teaching and a way of getting valuable feedback on the progress of the work. Exhibiting work At the end of the course there is an opportunity, if appropriate, to show outcomes from the course in a curated exhibition. Students are also supported to create their own exhibitions during the middle part of the course, if they wish to do so.
Entry requirements
We normally require an undergraduate 2.1. However, we also consider candidates with relevant experience and aim to interview all applicants.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £7500 | Whole course |
| EU | £15000 | Whole course |
| England | £7500 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7500 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7500 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7500 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £7500 | Whole course |
| International | £15000 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP