Skip Navigation

Design &
Art Direction

Manchester School of Art

MA Design and Art Direction

1 year (48 weeks) full time or 2 years part time (96 weeks)

Top facts

  • Individually customised practice-based research projects.
  • The opportunity to work with a broad range of media, processes and ideas alongside people with diverse creative backgrounds and interests.
  • Strong industry links.

You will study

MA Design and Art Direction is concerned with the advanced, exploration and application of principles of graphic design within the contexts of research and professional development. This taught postgraduate route is of particular relevance to those interested in effective visual communication and developing innovative concepts and approaches in: publication design, illustration, motion graphics, corporate identity, photography, design for digital media and graphic design for advertising. Students are encouraged to take a self-reliant, cross-disciplinary approach to study, with regular support and contact from specialist staff. Where appropriate students are able to complement academic studies with professional practice and commissioned work to enhance their career aspirations.

Assessment

Through learning agreements, evidence of practice, learning record and presentation.

Placements

There are no mandatory work placements but where appropriate you may incorporate a range of work-based learning experiences and field research into your projects. Past examples include internships, placements, freelance and "live" work with advertising agencies, photography studios, graphic design studios and broadcasting companies.

Graduates

A high percentage of our graduates find employment in design-related areas including art direction, graphic design, illustration, new media, motion graphics, and teaching. You may also undertake further postgraduate study. We have a growing network of alumni that includes award-winning practitioners in the UK and overseas

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Entry Requirements

You will normally have an appropriate undergraduate honours degree, or postgraduate diploma, or a degree equivalent professional qualification. Alternatively, you may be admitted if you have proven experience in a relevant field, or can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills at honours degree standard.  In addition you also need to submit a Digital Portfolio  

Fees

UK and EU students full-time £4,500

UK and EU students part-time £250 per 10 credit unit.  A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits.

Non-EU overseas students £12,500

How to Apply

To apply you will need to complete the application form and provide a Digital Portfolio in the form of a website or blog. You should include images or videos of your work, with some information about yourself and your work. Please also describe why you are interested in the programme and what you want to achieve.

Route Leader

Clinton Cahill
Senior Lecturer, Department of Design

MA Show 2011
Postgraduate Courses Fair