Visual Communication MA
Birmingham City University
Key Course Facts
Course Description
Our MA Visual Communication course is interdisciplinary and specialist in approach, reflecting the dynamic and contemporary practices within the creative industries. We create innovators and leaders in the field of visual communication, challenging and stimulating you to produce original, cutting edge work and research.
The structure of our postgraduate course is designed with imaginative approaches to visual practice in the creative industries.
What's covered in the course?
You'll be able to specialise by choosing one of 5 awards:
- MA Visual Communication
- MA Visual Communication (Photography)
- MA Visual Communication (Graphic Communication)
- MA Visual Communication (Illustration)
- MA Visual Communication (Film and Animation)
As a creative practitioner you are inspired to create and engage with industry alongside taught elements. Throughout the course you will have the chance to develop deep specialist knowledge in graphic communication, photography, illustration, film and animation, and research. The course provides an immersive and advanced learning experience for both advanced practitioners and recent graduates within the broad field of visual communication. Our visual communication Master's course is designed to provide you with the best possible chance to further your skills and widen your knowledge of the communication arts and industries. The course is rooted in practice, teaching you interdisciplinary design and research processes.
The variety of subjects covered within this degree allows you to receive guidance in forming a more specific interest for Master's level study. Whether you have a definitive subject in mind, or you have a broader interest in the study of visual communication, the course is both interdisciplinary and specialist in approach, echoing the dynamic changes within its related industries.
As a school we have strong industry connections which include live partnerships and collaborative projects. We have ongoing dynamic dialogues with international players in the creative industries. These leading professionals have provided us with direct feedback, identifying our courses as world-class models of creative education and fully supporting contemporary practice in an international context.
We have a continuously developing and progressive vision of employability. We feel that as a creative practitioner you will need to adapt and respond to the demands of industry.
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
-
- 6.5
- Business Graduate Degrees/ Master Degrees
-
- 6.0
- General Requirements
-
- 7.0
- LLM
-
- 6.0
- MBA & MSc
An undergraduate degree (2.1 and above) in the same subject, or a very closely related subject, equivalent qualifications or professional experience.
A digital portfolio that shows examples of creative visual work, including developmental work and final outcomes. Please include at least 15-20 pieces highlighting your area of practice.
As part of your application please include the following: Highlight any competition entries and live projects, exhibitions, collaborations (if applicable); Highlight any evidence of industry experience (if applicable); Produce an essay or other written assignment, which demonstrates your ability to conduct research related to art and design and shows your knowledge of historical or contemporary creative practice.
Costs
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
University Rankings
Positions of Birmingham City University in top UK and global rankings.
See all 17 university rankings of Birmingham City University
About Birmingham City University
Founded in 1853, Birmingham City University (BCU) is located in the city of Birmingham, England. The student population of this institution is made up of students from over 80 nationalities, which allows newly arrived foreign students to quickly feel welcome and at home. State-of-the-art facilities and resources await students on all courses, including the latest Engineering technology, 3D Printing studios, and Horology Workshops, just to name a few. BCU maintains a reputation for having a selective admissions process, so all applicants are recommended to prepare for their interview thoroughly.
List of 265 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birmingham City University - Course Catalogue
Student composition of Birmingham City University
-
Total number of students enrolled at Birmingham City University by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 20675
- postgraduates:
- 5010
- Total:
- 25685
-
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Visual Communication”: Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
Where is this programme taught
Similar courses
Program | University | Student satisfaction | Unemployed | Dropout | Tuition (UK) | Tuition (International) | UCAS Tariff | City | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Visual Communication: Illustration MA | London Metropolitan University | - | - | - | £1170 | £2020 | - | London | On campus Part-time | |
Visual Communication MA | University for the Creative Arts | - | - | - | £10500 | £17500 | - | Canterbury | On campus Full-time | |
Visual Communication: Graphic Design MA | London Metropolitan University | - | - | - | £1170 | £2020 | - | London | On campus Part-time | |
Design (Visual Communication) MA | Bath Spa University | - | - | - | £9520 | £17760 | - | Bath | On campus Full-time | |
Visual Communication MA | Southampton Solent University | - | - | - | £4250 | - | - | Southampton | On campus Part-time | |
Visual Communication MA | Birmingham City University | - | - | - | - | - | - | Birmingham | On campus Full-time | |
Visual Communication MA | Canterbury Christ Church University | - | - | - | - | - | - | Canterbury | On campus Full-time |