Communication Design (MA)

You'll need a 2:2 degree or equivalent international qualification in art, design, media or a communication subject and a portfolio demonstrating your engagement with contemporary communication design.

Your portfolio 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

We do not accept the following subjects: social sciences and geography, maths, engineering and science, performing arts, management and marketing, computing science, languages, education, economics and psychology, business and trade, hospitality or law.

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.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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: [email protected]
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  

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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 £27,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

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 blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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

Portfolio guidance

Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It is your opportunity to show us your work, and it is our opportunity to find out more about you.

Your portfolio should contain your most recent and relevant work. It should be clear, logical and a professional presentation of your work.

You can submit your portfolio in any of the following formats:

• PDF file under 10mb in size
• PowerPoint presentation
• blog
• website
• YouTube video

We understand you may not be coming straight from an undergraduate course and we will accept older work in your portfolio. However, please include as much of your recent work as possible. We welcome and assess each application individually.

MA Communication Design

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

Personal statement

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

References are not required for this programme. 

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 receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number 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: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000