Build up a strong vocational portfolio on this intensive 30 week course.

The Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication provides a unique learning experience across an intensive 30 week programme. The highly structured delivery of the first stage of the course places emphasis on the development of fundamental design skills. This is underpinned with the importance of visual research and the development of critical and analytical skills. During the second stage of the course you will choose from a wide range of postgraduate electives and go on to develop a self-initiated major project that focuses on individual interests.

The Postgraduate Diploma is designed to build design skills even if you are relatively new to the subject of graphic design. The course provides you with a strong, vocational portfolio and is also useful in building your confidence to undertake further postgraduate study at Masters level.

The course recognises that graphic design is one of the most important and influential of what has become known as the creative industries and that it contributes significantly, directly and indirectly, to our economic and cultural well being.

This course is taught within the School of Design.

What people say about the course

Past external examiners from other notable academic institutions have reported: "An excellent level of achievement. I would expect that successful graduates from this course, given their prior educational experience as a bonus, might do extremely well in the design industry." (Phil Gray, 2004-2009).

Graduate satisfaction remains high: "The course allowed individuals to build on their varied backgrounds enabling a highly personal progress to take place. The structure of the course encouraged the group to work together and support each other's learning making for a great work environment. The course took people from all backgrounds and created designers." (William Humphrey, Graduate 2008).

"This was such a valuable course that gave me so much - I'm forever grateful." (Geoffrey Dahl, Graduate)

Postgraduate Certificate Phase

• Research and Development
• Design Resolution
• Professional and Academic Context

Postgraduate Diploma Phase

• Workshop Options Project
• Project-centred Exploration and Analysis
• Project Realisation and Report

Phase 1 is delivered through three units. Design Resolution is an intensive series of 'hands-on' studio workshops that develop basic design skills including visual grammar, typography, structure and the grid. Research and Development breaks down the research process and encourages contextual understanding of graphic design practice. It is designed to develop understanding of research methods and to provide you with research skills that can be applied to other units on the course. The third unit encourages you to position your work within the framework of professional and/or academic contexts.

Phase 2 is also delivered through three units beginning with options from the extensive postgraduate elective program. Typical examples might include letterpress, printmaking, sound design, photography, narrative and sequence, typologies, design and politics, moving image and book design. The final units require you to propose, research and bring to completion a substantial practical project. The major project builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first stage and applies these in the creation of a self-initiated design project based on extensive research, analysis, investigation and a clear research question. The major project is supported throughout with weekly seminars and tutorials.

The course, which fits within the University credit framework, comprises: tutored study, self-directed study and access to facilities. Tutored study is generally two days a week. In addition to this you are expected to attend lectures and work independently.

Students have gone on to find employment within high profile agencies such as Frost Design in Australia; Kenya Hara in Japan; Nick Knight Photography; Studio Myerscough; and Fallon Design. They have progressed to work as art directors in advertising agencies; interactive/digital designers; identity designers; typo/graphic designers and museum/exhibition designers. The strategy of preparing for Masters study has also paid dividends with many high performances including distinctions.

Applicants are required to have an honours degree in a related subject. We welcome applications from non-traditional backgrounds and in particular mature students. We can assess prior experience as part of our selection criteria.

Some prior knowledge of design software is helpful, but not a requirement for joining the course. Software skills are however NOT taught as part of the course, so if you are unfamiliar with design software, it might be useful to study a part-time software course concurrently or in advance of joining the course.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio should demonstrate visual acuity, conceptual ability, technical competence and personal interest. Acknowledging that applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds 'portfolio' is taken as having a broad definition. It may include: sketch/notebooks; developmental work; photographs; PowerPoint presentations; web/interactive work; diagrams; printmaking; illustrated reports; commercial work; freelance commissions; personal work; conceptual work; 3D work (photographed); textiles; and written work.

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.

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on +44(0)20 7514 6569 or email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or v.gavulic@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).