Course Title: Master of Arts in Graphic Design Practice
A masters degree programme covering the area of professional graphic design practice. The aim of this course is to equip graduates with the necessary skills and competencies needed to work effectively as design professionals. The course is designed to augment skills obtained at undergraduate level with the skills, competencies and expertise required to work successfully in the design industry.
This MA in Graphic Design Practice combines contemporary education practices, meaningful industry links and excellent facilities to deliver this unique course. It combines research, practical studio work and the development of relevant technology and entrepreneurial skills.
Input from leading design industry professionals is central to the delivery of the programme. This ensures that participants will understand the context of creativity and design within professional design practice. Each practical studio project will be governed by an industry expert in a relevant field. Apart from creative importance, design projects will emphasise the development of team working, project management and communication skills. Skills that are essential in order to lead in today's competitive and demanding design industry.
The course is aimed at graduates who wish to develop a career in the design industry. It is suited to graduates of fine art, graphic design and other disciplines.
Bachelor Degree (Honours 2.1 or above) in relevant disciplines.
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Applicants are required to include a portfolio of design work (between 5 and 6 pieces/projects) and a one-page personal statement with their application. Both should be in PDF Format. If you are having problems uploading your portfolio, please email it to school.artanddesign@tudublin.ie. Please remember to include your name, course name/code and reference number with all correspondence.
Creative Practice
This core aspect of the programme is project-driven with practical objectives that aim to develop an understanding of how creative design practice integrates with commercial production and business strategy. These design projects progress through the year facilitating personal development of creative, team working, communication and design management skills.
Design Management
This area of study incorporates strategic marketing, project management, key skills intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial skills. Participants apply these skills in their professional design practice. A variety of teaching methods will be used including lectures, tutorials, discussions and industrial visits.
Prepress and Printing Technology
This area of study focuses on the commercial aspects of prepress technology, commercial printing technology and print finishing technology. Participants will select aspects of their design work, produce separated artwork in the prepress studio and oversee the print production of their projects in the printing workshop. Through reflection and analysis participants will develop an understanding of how print production issues influence professional design practice.
Design Research
Participants identify research areas which are relevant to the professional practice of graphic design. The research projects are an important element of the course as they will contribute to the future development of the design industry in Ireland. Workshops on research methodology, tutorial assistance and support from the IDI and the GDBA will underpin the research process and help ensure that participants produce a body of work that not only has value to themselves but also to the Irish design industry.
Students are required to attend the college for 3 days per week. The course is offered over a 1 year period starting in mid September of each year.
Applications for this course are now open.
For further information on the application process, please visit How To Apply.