Bridge the gap between graphic design and moving image on this innovative MA course.

Graphic moving image is any screen-based design that moves with an intended purpose, to inform and communicate.

The MA Graphic Moving Image course references traditional moving image - such as documentary, short narrative film and broadcast design. However, it also recognises that convergent technology has changed the pattern of our society. We have now all become authors actively engaging and communicating through viral networks, blogs and accessible graphic user interfaces.

On the course you will cover a range of activities including live action, animation and motion graphics. You will explore narrative structures, conceptual frameworks, realization and contextualisation. You will have the chance to specialise in areas such as screen typography but course is not just about visual communication; you will also be exploring the use of sound within narrative.

This course is taught within the School of Design

What students say about the course

"The MAGMI course at LCC is the bridge I was looking for, between graphic design and moving image, directly questioning the role of design for the screen beyond what could be achieved in a general graphics or media course."

Phase 1

• Unit 1.1 Design Literacy
• Unit 1.2 Research Methods (Visual Research)
• Unit 1.3 Major Project Proposal

Phase 1 involves a process of reflection on the design process itself, through a practical project exploring the fundamental principles of design literacy and visual grammar alongside a series of lectures and seminars reflecting upon research methodologies in theory and practice and the wider contextual framework for contemporary graphic branding.

In addition to this, you will undertake a scoping and profiling project in order to establish a working rationale and focus for your Major Project Proposal, which you will continue to develop and refine during the rest of the academic year, through a Major Project Definition in Phase 2 and toward a final Major Project Resolution in Phase 3. You will develop an appreciation of current debates that are shaping the future of the subject and gain an informed view of your own practice. The skills and knowledge developed during this phase will provide you with a firm foundation from which to undertake design research and are a platform for your personal graphic design practice.

Phase 2

• Unit 2.1 Workshop Options Project
• Unit 2.2 Design + Rhetoric
• Unit 2.3 Research Methods: Major Project Definition
• Postgraduate Diploma (Exit Award)

Phase 2 of the course moves your Major Project Proposal forward through a series of practical and contextual stages toward a clearly defined and evaluated research question for the final Major Project in Phase 3. At this stage, you will also be able to undertake a Workshop Options project, providing the opportunity for you to pursue studies that complement your specialist interests and to acquire skills and knowledge that will inform your personal direction. Postgraduate Graphic Design options are common across the PGGD Programme, and are based around a number of practice-based workshops that are intended to provide new dimensions to your specialist focus of study, and can be opportunities to test and develop practical aspects and themes for your Major Project.

Phase 3

• Unit 3.1 Major Project Resolution: Practical and Report
  or
• Unit 3.2 Major Project Resolution: Thesis

The MA Major Project undertaken during Phase 3 builds on the knowledge and skills acquired during the earlier phases, together with the defined and tested rationale developed in the Major Project Proposal and Definition stages of the course, and applies these in the creation of an original design research project. This involves the completion of an independent major project on the basis of extensive research and a firm methodological approach. You will develop a programme of investigation and analysis that supports you in the further development of your personal research project. As you move towards the submission of your final major project, you will be required to qualify and evidence your design development; exploring the context of your project as well as identifying key issues in the work such as appropriate discourses, your strategic thinking, branding ‘touch points’, materials and media through which you can effectively communicate your branding ideas.

All students leaving the course find their possibilities in the workplace have widened and are more focused on the area of communication they wish to pursue.

Enterprise and employability at UAL

We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding.

Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum.

Find out more

ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. 

Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month.

Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.

Enterprise and employability at UAL

We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding.

Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum.

Find out more

ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. 

Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month.

Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.

You will have an Honours Degree in a relevant subject, or a professional or academic qualification recognised as equivalent to an Honours Degree. If you do not have the required qualifications, but do have professional experience, you may be eligible to gain credit for previous learning and experience through the AP(E)L system. A good command of English is essential. If you are applying directly from a BA course, without professional practice, you must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of graphic design practice. Your experience will be assessed as a learning process and tutors will evaluate that experience for currency, validity, quality and sufficiency.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio should cover your most recent commercial or academic activity, showing your aptitude and ability in design. This can be supported with documents showing your working processes and research (i.e. sketchbooks). Also include any other projects that indicate your personal areas of interest in this aspect of communication.

Application route

You need to apply to this course through the College. UK and EU students should download this application form (PDF 4MB).International students should use the international postgraduate application form which is available to download on the International Office's web pages. Applications should be sent to Postgraduate Admissions, Central Administration Office, 5th Floor Tower Block, London College of Communication, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6SB.

Home/EU student fee discounts

If you have successfully completed a UAL undergraduate degree, PgDip or PgCert you will qualify for a £1000 discount from your tuition fees.For further information please contact info@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on +44 (0)20 7514 6599 or email info@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or international@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).

AHRC Studentships

The AHRC has awarded the University a limited number of Block Grant Partnership Studentships for MA and research students. Find out more about AHRC studentships.