MA/PgDip Art and Design: Communication Design

Art and design alumni are actively employed in various sectors of design practice both in the UK and overseas, including Brazil, China and Taiwan. Previous graduates have also progressed into research, while several graduates are now employed as lecturers in the field of education in schools and universities.

Career Prospects

This course will suit you if you want to either progress in an industry you already have experience in, re-skill for a different career path or continue the studies you took as an undergraduate.

Graduates from this course have progressed onto a number of careers within the industry such as design lecturer, freelance designer, graphic designer, researcher and brand manager.

Graduates have gone on to work for companies including: Zyad University Abu Dhabi, University of Salford and Welsh design agency BWA.

Alumni Profile

Matthew Davis, Senior Designer BWA

“It is a rare chance to combine vast amounts of research with a creative outcome, which helps you to focus on where you want your career to take you and ultimately lends great weight to your chances of securing a job in the creative industries.

There is a more focused and specific delivery of course material in comparison to undergraduate study and regular weekly meetings/crit sessions, initially with peers and then on a one-to-one basis, helped to move projects forward.

I feel all the opportunities are there for you as a student of design and it is up to the individual to provide their own passion, alongside their initiative to take their respective careers forward. The support mechanisms in place on the MA course while I was at Salford were excellent – I cannot thank the course leader and the wider staff team enough.”

Industry Links

Guest speakers and live briefs provide a valuable contribution to the course, and bring a real-world perspective to the academic delivery of the modules.

The School of Art & Design runs a guest lecture programme, and over the last year speakers has included Si Scott, David Hancock, Brendan Walker, Chris Gray and Al Heighton.

These guest lectures allow you to mix with professionals from industry, to make connections, set up placements and conduct research.

The course lecturer has strong links with the Art & Design field and has set up a number of rolling placements and live briefs.

Further Study

Research in the School of Art & Design is coordinated by Professor Paul Sermon, Associate Head Research. There are over 30 fully research-active academic staff and a number of embryonic and early career researchers engaged in a range of innovative creative practice in art and design and in advancing the boundaries of theoretical investigation.

Find out more on the school's research pages