Studying Visual Communication Courses in the UK

Visual Communication is the intersection of motion design and graphic interaction. It consists of creating a user centric design for a screen or digital experience. A degree course in Visual Communication helps to widen the knowledge of arts, communications and industry by developing interdisciplinary skills in all areas of design, communication, graphics, film, animation and photography. 

Universities in the UK offer innovative and dynamic courses in Visual Communication at different study levels. A variety of subjects are covered at undergraduate level while students can take up specialisation at the masters level which includes studio based practice, live projects, work based learning and collaborative learning.

Visual Communication Courses in the UK

1. The Royal College of Arts

Visual Communication at the RCA is a specialist masters programme taught in an interdisciplinary environment with an approach that values agency, experimentation and the critical examination of its relevance to culture and society. The Visual Communication course situates creative practice in global context with three specialist pathways to choose from - Experimental Communication, Graphic Design and Illustration. Students are encouraged to draw upon a wide range of material from theories and history of distinct fields such as cultural, literary and social theory, arts & design, artists’ and designers’ writing, films, literature, politics, philosophy and technology. It is a full-time two-year study programme

2. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University’s Masters in Visual Communications follows a specialist approach focussing on the dynamic and contemporary practices within the creative industry. This course is interdisciplinary providing an immersive and advanced learning experience to recent graduates as well as experienced industry practitioners.The university has strong industry connections and collaborations with international players in the creative industry thereby ensuring that the Visual Communication programme is based on world-class models supporting global contemporary practices. 

The School of Visual Communication at BCU is one of the largest of its kind in all of the UK with outstanding facilities including the hollywood standard MILO unit (one of the only two owned by European universities). Students can choose to specialise in photography, graphic communication, illustration and film animation. 

3. Arts University Bournemouth

AUB offers a 3-year full time BA (Hons) course in Visual Communication encompassing graphic design, image generation, typography and screen-based design. This course explores the interface and overlap between the analogue and digital technologies, training students to use traditional crafts media alongside digital technologies by opening up a world of possibilities. 

Students are encouraged to enhance their creative industry knowledge in a global context through independent research and collaborative and independent participation in prestigious competitions where AUB students have won many awards and recognition over the years. 

4. Leeds Arts University

Leeds Arts University is a specialist art and design higher education institute which is ranked 3rd in the UK for Design and Craft. The 3-year BA (Hons) course in Visual Communication is  designed to help students become autonomous practitioners of intellectual and practical visual communication skills in different fields. Courses are delivered in a truly multidisciplinary studio environment with the opportunity to work in a range of contexts including live projects, studio  based practice and collaborative learning environment. 

Leeds Arts graduates have great graduate prospects and a high employability rate while many of the tutors at this art school are working industry specialists who ensure that students are abreast with the latest skills of the creative industry.   

Entry requirements for studying Visual Communications in the UK

Postgraduate

• An undergraduate degree in the same or closely related subjects is required with qualification score 2:1. Professional experience or equivalent qualifications are also considered by most universities. 
• A digital portfolio of creative visual work highlighting the area of practice is required by most universities.
• A minimum of level 6 IELTS score is required to meet the english language requirements.

Undergraduate

• All equivalent Level 3 UK or international qualifications are accepted with at least one creative subject or diplomas in creative arts. Students from diverse educational backgrounds are also encouraged by most universities.  
• A personal portfolio demonstrating the individual’s creative skills is a must. Many universities also take interviews. 
• English Language requirements include a minimum IELTS score of 6 overall and not less than 5.5 in each component. 

Career Prospects for Visual Communication Graduates

Visual Communications graduates work in diverse fields including television, photography, illustration, film and animation, graphic design, visual merchandising and teaching. Visual Communication professionals have multiple career opportunities in advertising, multimedia and web design where they work in varied roles such as:

• Animator
• Multimedia Artist
• Graphic designer
• Typographer
• Photographer
• Web Designer
• Illustrator
• Business Designer
• Spatial Designer
• Digital and interactive Designer

Study in the UK

UK universities are world leading in Creative Arts & Design offering innovative and industry collaborated degree courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level. If you want to learn more about UK university courses in Visual Communication and get help applying, book a free consultation with SI-UK international education counsellors today.

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