2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

PGCert Digital Design and Communication (online)

Total credits: 60

Entry requirements:

Standard and non standard

Standard entry will require an honours degree equivalent to a UK first / upper second class degree in any subject. Graduates who hold an honours degree equivalent to a UK lower second class may also be eligible, providing they can demonstrate sufficient experience in a professional environment. Professionally qualified candidates who do not meet the formal qualifications will also be considered.

English language

The English language requirement will match the University's current policy for Master's level study, specifically:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) an overall band of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component skill.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of 92 with no less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing. Please note the University of Leeds does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores and expects candidates to have met the relevant requirements from a single TOEFL test.
- PTE Academic of 64 overall with no less than 60 in any component.
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), or C1 Advanced, of 176 overall with no less than 169 in any component.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English of a Pass in ISE II or above (if taken in the UK).
- GCSE English Language or Cambridge IGCSE English as a First or Second Language at grade C. GCSE English Literature may be considered in certain circumstances for some courses. Please contact the school admissions team for further advice if you do not meet the requirements via an English language qualification.

Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Master's course prior to taking a test, but can only be accepted onto the programme once they have successfully completed the test .

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

Digital Education Service

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Digital Education Service

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Subject Benchmark: Art and Design 2017

Programme specification:

Due to the massive shift from print media to online platforms, digital designers are in high demand. With this transformation almost every brand and business requires more innovative digital products to reach audiences and customers. Digital designers need to communicate information through text, imagery and other design elements. They also need to use data and analytical skills to inform design decisions and measure digital product performance. They practice in various subject-fields and employ a broad skillset. Therefore, digital designers need to be multi-talented and interdisciplinary in their mindset and approach.

This MA programme offers a unique opportunity to study digital design and communication at a world-leading university. The programme is studied 100% online. High quality materials coupled with the online format will enable students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, studying at a time, place and pace to suit their own needs. We welcome everyone with or without a design-related degree.

The programme draws on expertise from a diverse staff team based in the School of Design with internationally recognised design research and practice expertise. The programme will cover subjects across multiple design disciplines such as information design, user-centred design, user experience, interaction design, and participatory design. It will also cover a wide range of digital products including motion graphics, interactive infographics, websites, user experience, user interface, virtual reality and data-driven designs. In addition, the programme will equip students with research, practical design and communication competencies, as well as all-around design skills (including but not limited to ideation, prototyping, user testing, storytelling and analytical and strategic thinking). All this will shape highly employable postgraduates to embody interdisciplinary expertise in the design industry, and to be open-minded to quick changes in society and business, and to new movements, media, tools, and concepts.

Students will study in a dynamic and stimulating environment. They will collaborate with people from different cultural and career backgrounds and at the same time learn the new virtual working ethic and presence. Through multiple teaching and learning methods, modules in the programme are built around weekly units where students can manage their own time to complete the tasks. With the knowledge and skillsets learnt from this programme, our graduates can choose from a range of career choices. Depending on previous experience and personal interests, students can consider positions in digital design, in app and web design, and in UX/ UI design; they can work as freelancers, in-house designers, or at design agencies; they can switch to the digital design world; and they can upskill and progress to a more senior level. With the superior academic skills we offer in this Russell Group university, this programme is also a good pathway to pursue a PhD and follow a career as an academic.

Students will normally study one module at a time.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 15 credits from the following optional modules:

Last updated: 06/12/2022 14:08:33

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