MA/PgDip

Art and Design: Communication Design

Three good reasons to study Art and Design: Communication Design at Salford:

Open to a range of backgrounds from education to industry led; the course offers a grounding in theoretical, practical and commercial interests, using the students as a collective think tank to further their individual enquiry
We aim to develop and hone your skill sets through creative thinking, research methods, visualisation, interactivity and social and multi-media
Communication Design develops alternative creative thinking, dynamic investigation and enquiry into the field and how to encounter its future and innovations.

The MA Communication Design course aims to provide a programme of study that encompasses issues central to contemporary design practice, such as design authorship and social engagement through a process of analysis, experimentation and practical implementation of creative ideas. It encourages a creative engagement with contemporary visual communication issues.

Emphasis is placed upon ‘problem setting’ rather than ‘problem solving’, which is achieved through the identification and development of self-initiated projects and briefs.

Course details

This course embraces a range and diversity of practices and aims to:

Develop creative, critical, analytical and intellectual competencies informed by contemporary professional practice.
Develop an advanced understanding of research methods in general and those of importance to creative practice and industry in particular.
Enhance your knowledge and understanding of professional and collaborative frameworks
Provide the opportunity to develop industry experience and understanding through contact by placement, project and/or contact with professional practitioners.

Course Structure

The course has both full-time and part-time routes, comprising of three or five 14-week semesters, which you can take within one or up to three years respectively:

For the full-time study option:

Semester 1 - October to February

Semester 2 - February to June

Semester 3 - June to September

You will take five core modules and will study one day a week for both full-time and part-time modes. Full-time students will have concentrated module delivery in both the morning and afternoon. Part-time students will only have module delivery in the morning or afternoon, depending on which year of study you are currently in, providing you with the opportunity to work independently on your current project for the remaining half a day a week whilst in attendance at the University.

SEMESTER 1

During the first semester, focus is placed on you investigating and presenting ideas and findings; developing an understanding of research methods; and experiencing different points of view and a broad approach to the subject area.

Importance is placed on developing (1) the ability to manage and present ideas; (2) the ability to integrate research findings and issues within a variety of projects; (3) the ability to analyse, and present findings and outcomes.

Research Methods and Practice (30 credits)

This module identifies core research methods and activities for the art, design and creative and cultural industries sector in order to allow you to develop an individual approach to your postgraduate studies at MA level. Once core principles are established, you can tailor your approach to research and enquiry according to your individual perspectives.

Specialist Practice (30 credits)

This module enables you to identify your place in the context of the notion of specialist practice in the art, design and creative and cultural industries sector. You will define your intentions in terms of your personal programme of self-directed study in order to develop appropriate outcomes that relate to a specialist area of practice.

SEMESTER 2

This semester focuses upon developing the knowledge and ability to explore different theoretical and practical issues relating to a variety of practices in art and design, and the creative and cultural industries.

Creative Contexts (30 credits):

The creative and cultural industries embrace a range of professional subjects. Given the transversality of these industries, it is important for you to have sufficient knowledge about the sector and its wider contexts, enabling you to identify and acquire professional skills within and across relevant sub-sectors. It is also important to enable you to understand and have experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment and an international context.

Practice in context (30 credits):

This module deals with the theoretical and practical issues faced by practitioners in the context of art and design, and the creative and cultural industries. The module supports you in developing new ideas through research and practice and through an appraisal of the context in which they operate. Particular emphasis is placed on contexts that emerge from international perspectives and from contemporary debates around creativity.

SEMESTER 3

This semester focuses exclusively on the dissertation project/major project.The aims of the major project are to offer you the opportunity to critically engage in a major research project in which the emphasis will be on defining, analysing and developing a constructive response to a research question.Linked closely to the core Research Methods module, you are provided with a supporting supervisor and a programmed series of tutorials. Individual tutorials and group discussions are integral to the development of your dissertation.

Negotiated Thesis/Major Project (60 credits)

The dissertation will develop your ability to conduct an original, individual research programme (written or practical) at postgraduate level and to formulate your own conclusions. It will also encourage an extended application of theoretical or practical constructs of an aspect of heritage studies using both primary and secondary source materials.

Course Enquiries

For course enquiries please call us on:

T: +44 (0) 161 295 4545

Or Email us at:

Home/EU students
E: enquiries@salford.ac.uk

International students
E: international@salford.ac.uk