Communication Design (MA)

You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree in a design, communication, or media subject. Or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the university.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

You will also have to submit a portfolio of your work which should include:

• evidence of exploring how design responds to developments in media and digital culture 
• examples of work that shows an innovative and experimental approach to tackling a design challenge 
• examples of work that demonstrates an engagement with the full range of contemporary communication design not just graphics design

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a 1-year master’s degree running from September to the following September. Modules are taught in semesters 1and 2, and you’ll complete the course with a supervised independent final project over the summer. 

In semester 1, you’ll study modules that everyone on the course studies. This includes a Professional and Academic Skills module, giving you the chance to develop your professional competencies through activities such as CV workshops, portfolio feedback and sessions with our industry-experienced academics on how to position yourself as a practitioner.

In semester 2, you’ll use your learning to apply your skills and prepare for your final project. You’ll also be able to choose a module from different options, that complements your communication design studies.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll be mainly studio-based for the core modules and you’ll work on a series of themed briefs while exploring related techniques, tutorials and workshops. Alongside this you’ll learn essential transferable skills for the workplace. 

As well as lectures and seminars, you’ll learn through:  

• guest lectures 
• studio visits 
• problem-solving exercises 
• reflective writing and blogging 
• critically assessing your own work

Assessment

We’ll assess you on your design process and outcomes, as well as a variety of individual written assignments.

Dissertation

You'll complete a supervised independent final project as part of this course. You'll create a portfolio with a supporting report which will be assessed. 

The final project is your chance to build a body of work that reflects the professional or academic context you wish to go into after graduation.

You'll be able to choose from a range of subject areas.

Academic Support

You'll be allocated a personal academic tutor who can offer advice and support on academic and other matters. You’ll also have access to a wide range of University of Southampton support services should you need them. Weekly English language support sessions are currently available for international students.  

For practical support, our skilled technicians can help you to get the most from our facilities and equipment – from photography or screen printing through to building a website or video editing.

Throughout the course you’ll generate a portfolio of work based on your areas of interest and build on professional skills needed for employment, starting your own businesses, or carrying out further research. 

Our Excel Southampton placement programme can also give you potential opportunities to collaborate on external projects and undertake work placement positions. 

You can use this master’s to build or further a career in digital and media design roles including: 

• digital or graphic designer 
• web designer,  
• user experience designer 
• mobile designer 
• digital product developer 
• brand/content manager  
• visual or digital publisher 
• project manager 
• artworker 
• interaction or front end designer  

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £22,136.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK students: £250
• EU and international students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

You are eligible for this scholarship if you:
•    are an international student who hasn't taken a Master's with us before
•    are enrolling to start a Master's in September 2021
•    gained a 1st class honours degree at undergraduate level

If you meet these criteria you'll be awarded an automatic £3,000 scholarship. This will mean a £3,000 reduction in your tuition fees. We'll confirm your scholarship in your offer letter.

Unfortunately this offer isn't open to UK / EU students.

Full terms and conditions.

Winchester School of Art Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship

Twenty scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students joining our postgraduate master’s courses at the Winchester School of Art in September 2023.

Find out more about the Winchester School of Art PGT Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

Ten scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

The deadline for applying for your course for the 2023 year of entry depends on where you’re domiciled (where your permanent home is and where you have the closest ties).

This is because:

* students from different countries tend to apply at different times of year
* we want a diverse and balanced mix of international students with exceptional academic ability

Place of domicile Deadline:

• China-domiciled applicants: Wednesday 21 December 2022 (Midday UK time)
• Rest of World-domiciled applicants (except the UK): Friday 17 February 2023 (Midday UK time)
• The UK (and others eligible for home fees): Friday 7 July 2023 (Midday UK time)

Applications for 2023 will be closing to those permanently domiciled in China on 21 December 2022. The deadline for applicants domiciled in other countries may still move to:

* an earlier date if we have already received enough applications before the deadline
* a later date if there are still places available on the deadline

We receive many high-quality applications, so places for many of our courses are very competitive.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• a degree certificate
• an English language qualification
• a personal statement
• an art portfolio
• evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000