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Visual Communication at Southampton, Solent University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Would you like to help influence the future of visual communications? Solent University’s MA Visual Communication programme is ideally suited to creatives who are keen to refine their practice, working as part of an interdisciplinary group of students. The course encourages you to identify the conceptual foundation of your practice and build from there. This intensive master’s degree helps students to improve their creative skills and build a solid understanding of academic theories that shape visual communication practices. The curriculum covers the latest innovations in visual practice, examining the way technological and cultural changes contributed to contemporary academic thinking and vice versa. The course provides opportunities to explore semiotics; digital culture; professional practice; interdisciplinary practice; collaboration; editorial design; interactive multimedia; information design; image creation; illustration; fine art; typographic design; print-making and photographic technique. Students may have workshop sessions with the letterpress, screen-printing, etching and relief printing facilities, as well as the wet darkroom and photo studio. Depending on their creative background, graduates will be well prepared for a range of careers in the creative industries. Critical research papers and final master’s projects are supported by the University’s expanding research base, encouraging students to make an innovative contribution to visual communication practice and theory. This course is for: Aimed at those with a relevant Honours Degree, this Master's degree is well-suited to those who are looking to refine their practice as part of an interdisciplinary group of creatives. The course encourages students to engage, critically and creatively, with concept of being a ‘visual communicator’, expanding discourses around visual communication to include art as well as design. The course aims to provide a career catalyst for artists, creative theorists and designers alike.

Modules

Core modules

  • Visual Communication Practice
In this module workshops will be offered to students to expand their range of practical skills and enable experimentation with a variety of illustration, printmaking and photographic activities.
  • Digital Media
This module will introduce students to the concept of conveying information through digital media, and that which is delivered via digital devices; it will confront them with the advantages and limitations of design within a digital based environment.
  • Professional Practice
This module will explore and critically analyse the creative industries in the UK and around the world.
  • Master's Project
In this module students will design, execute and present an individually demanding piece of work that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to their particular discipline of study.
  • Master's Project Development and Proposal
This module prepares students for their master's project by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to define a research project, select an appropriate methodological approach, and investigate a key research topic utilising secondary and/or primary research.

How to apply

International applicants

Please note that we are unable to sponsor international students who require a Student Route Visa on part-time courses due to UKVI regulations. All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to check the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to visit our website to see the relevant information that outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.

Entry requirements

• An honours degree at 2:2 or higher • Alternatively, applicants may be considered with industry experience in one or more areas of the advertising, marketing, design or a related field. Language Requirements Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: • IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking • Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this 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

Tuition fees for 2025/26 will be available shortly. While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected]. The 2024/25 other costs are: Optional costs Study trip, printing, binding, mounting, competition entry, equipment, hand tools and research travel costs: £800.

Sponsorship information

Southampton Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Visual Communication at Southampton, Solent University - UCAS