Online course
Digital Design and Communication
MA/ Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Study Digital Design and Communication online to accelerate your management career in Digital Design
Our specialist course integrates digital communication with digital design and covers all aspects of the design process, drawing on expertise from leading academics at Leeds School of Design.
Why the University of Leeds?
- Leeds School of Design is ranked 8th in the UK for Art and Design (Complete University Guide, 2023), and the School’s research submission achieved 100% ‘world leading’ status for the research environment (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
- We’re an interdisciplinary school bringing together expertise from a range of design and technology specialisms.
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Overview
Type
MA or PGCert online
Start dates
2023: May, July, September, November
2024: January, March, May, July, September, November
Length
MA: two to four years
PGCert: eight to 16 months
Costs 2023
MA: £15,000*
PGCert: £5,660*
*Fees apply to those starting their course between May 2023 and July 2023. Please note, fees are reviewed annually and may change for subsequent academic years.
Typical entry requirements
A First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any subject.
Course details
Our Masters (MA) course incorporates three foundation modules, six development modules, plus a design project, to allow you to identify and develop in an area of interest. Alternatively, you can study the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), consisting of three foundation modules and one development module of your choice. Both the MA and PGCert are taught at the same academic level and contain the same foundation modules: Design and Research, Creative Design Thinking, and Design in a Digital World.
If you understand the importance of combining core digital design skills with soft skills, this course will teach you how to understand the needs of different audiences, identify complex challenges, and create innovative designs specifically tailored for them.
Be part of a top ranked School
Our online Digital Design and Communication MA is delivered by academics from Leeds School of Design.
The school is particularly renowned for its robust research in a wide range of fields and is organised into the following key groups which our staff and postgraduate researchers are members of:
- Practice as research.
- Design history and material culture.
- Colour technology.
- Communication and experience design.
- Fashion Marketing and Management.
- Textile and fashion design.
- Textile technology.
- Visual communication.
Creative thinking and innovation are at the heart of both our teaching and research as we aim to develop new design ideas and provide solutions to issues faced in industry and society. Our school’s academic staff work closely with industry partners in different sectors such as healthcare, education, environment, and many more.
Typical modules
- Design and Research – 15 credits.
- Creative Design Thinking – 15 credits.
- Design in a Digital World – 15 credits.
- Digital Design Practice and Communication – 15 credits.
- Data, Analytics and Design – 15 credits.
- Human-centred Design – 15 credits.
- Design in a Dynamic Team – 15 credits.
- Digital Design Trends – 15 credits.
- Applied Design Communication and Case Studies – 15 credits.
- Design Project – 45 credits.
Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent academic years. Postgraduate Certificate modules involve a smaller selection of those listed above and does not include the Design Project.
This course is perfect if you’d like to:
- Combine your digital skills with human-focused skills to lead dynamic teams and advance your existing career in the creative sector.
- Change your career by exploring different sub-areas of the digital design and communication sector and gain new soft, creative and technical design skills.
- Redesign your career path and develop the practical skills you need to enter the digital design and communication industry and deliver creative solutions for digital platforms.
- Benefit from career networking opportunities through a dedicated LinkedIn group for the Leeds School of Design.
- Choose from six entry points throughout the year to start your studies when it’s right for you.
Fees and funding
MA
UK/EU and International: £15,000
The fee (which can be paid on a module-by-module basis) is composed of:
- nine taught modules (15 credits each): £1,415 per module.
- design module (45 credits): £2,265.
If your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis.
PGCert
UK/EU and International: £5,660
The fee (which can be paid on a module-by-module basis) is composed of:
- four taught modules (15 credits each): £1,415 per module.
If your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis.
Entry requirements
A First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any subject.
If you hold a 2.2 (hons) bachelor degree in any subject, or professional qualifications equivalent to bachelor with honours/Masters we’ll consider your application for the course if you have at least two years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.
If you hold professional qualifications or Higher Education qualifications equivalent to Level 5, we’ll consider your application for the course if you have at least five years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.
Professionally qualified candidates who do not meet the formal qualifications will also be considered but assessed individually.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact our Enrolment Advisors at: studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.
English language requirements
- GCSE English language at grade C or above, or
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component as stated in the Taught Admissions Policy 2022-23, or
- An appropriate equivalent English language qualification (read English language equivalent qualifications).
In exceptional circumstances applicants can provide alternative proof of English language proficiency rather than a standard English test. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You should discuss the criteria with your Enrolment Advisor to see if this can be considered.
Course perspectives
Programme Lead
“This online course will advance your creative, technical, and communication skills, teaching you how to apply creative problem-solving and strategic thinking to develop innovative digital designs. With these highly sought-after skills, you’ll be well-placed to progress as a leader in a creative and dynamic industry.”
Dr Dian Li
Digital Design and Communication online
Student Success Manager
“We pride ourselves on helping you integrate into your online learning community. We are passionate about helping you to achieve your personal goals. And no matter what work or life challenges you may face outside of your studies, we are always here to listen and provide guidance.”
Adam Morris