Digital Design and Communication FAQs

Managers in the digital design industry are responsible for overseeing the creative process of a brand or campaign spanning across web, app, social media design and more.

That’s why, as part of the Digital Design and Communication course, you will:

• Critically and creatively evaluate current issues and research in digital design and communication.
• Develop specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques applicable in the field.
• Proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses to develop, implement, and execute design and communication action plans.
• Exhibit proficiency in the exercise of subject-specific abilities needed in digital communication industries.
• Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and developing professional relationships with fellow graphic designers and other subject experts.

There are several skills required to succeed as a Digital Design Manager, all of which you can develop through our online Digital Design MA course. These range from:

• Technical skills in graphic design software.
• Soft skills such as research and communication.
• Management capabilities.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics, the number of digital design jobs are anticipated to grow to 225,000 in the US alone by 2030, marking a staggering 40% increase over a ten-year period. This figure accentuates the growing need for businesses to hire managers in the field and the high demand for digital design skills.

By studying a Digital Design and Communication MA, you’ll enhance your career opportunities and earning potential. Upon completion of the course, you’ll be ready to enter a range of careers in digital design management including:

• Animation Design Manager.
• App Design Manager.
• Digital Animation Manager.
• Digital Product Design Manager.
• Digital Graphic Design Manager.
• Interaction Design Manager.
• Product Design Manager.
• Social Media Design Manager.
• Web Design Manager.
• UX Manager.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Digital Design Manager in the UK is £49,929 per year as of December 2022, with the potential to increase to £68,000 per year for those with significant experience.

Discover some of the top digital design jobs available.

There are two different pathways available. You can study for a:

• Digital Design and Communication MA (Masters) worth 180 credits.
• Digital Design and Communication Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) worth 45 credits.

Depending on the pathway you choose, you can complete the digital design course in a minimum of eight months or a maximum of four years:

• MA: 2 years (full-time) or up to 4 years (part-time).
• PGCert: 8 months (full-time) or up to 16 months (part-time).

Our online digital design MA covers a range of topics to help you become a well-rounded expert and leader in the field. You’ll study foundation modules in:

• Design and Research (15 credits).
• Creative Design Thinking (15 credits).
• Design in a Digital World (15 credits).
• Design Project – MA pathway only (45 credits).

You can also tailor your learning to suit your personal interests with development modules in:

• 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).

Visit our module and course catalogue to find out more.

When you study online with the University of Leeds School of Design, you can fit your studies around your life and career, and benefit from a whole host of advantages that distance learning brings, including:

• Enjoying the support of a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
• Learning through our specialised learning platform, Minerva.
• Networking online with digital designers across the world.
• Paying your fees in manageable installments.
• Starting the course at multiple points throughout the year.
• Studying when and where it suits you.

Visit our website to find out more about the advantages of online learning.

For your application, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the course entry requirements and English language requirements.

All applications can be submitted online, and suitably qualified candidates will be interviewed by one of our Enrolment Advisors as part of the application process. For more information about the course and how to apply to study on the online course, please email studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk, or call +44 (0) 113 341 1262 to speak to a member of our Enrolment Team.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by the Student Success Team at the University of Leeds. Whether you have a concern or query around disability support, personal tutoring, emergency situations or counselling, we’ll help you make the most of your studies.

Your online learning will be delivered via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva, which can be accessed on different devices, whenever and wherever it suits you. The platform has been designed by a team of experts to ensure your distance learning experience is of the highest quality and prepares you for success, both academically and professionally.

You’ll study through live online sessions with our world-class academics including lecturers, professors, industry experts, and trained postgraduate researchers. You’ll also collaborate and learn from like-minded digital designers during regular interactive activities, including live seminars, virtual discussions, and group projects to develop a support system within a growing global community of virtual learners.

Read our Q&A with the Digital Design MA Programme Lead, Dr Dian Li.

Assessment methods will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. These will vary from module-to-module, with examples including:

• Individual projects.
• Group discussions and assignments to build on your real-world experience.
• Live and pre-recorded student presentations of case studies and pitches.
• Portfolios demonstrating creative strategies and case studies.
• Literature reviews, using extensive online resources via the library.
• Reflective logs.
• Essays and written reports.
• Multiple choice exams (these typically count for just 5% of the total summative assessment of the taught modules but are often used as formative feedback to check on your learning). We do not use traditional exams as our experience has indicated that these are not suitable for online learning students.