Program Overview
The Visual Communication at Southampton Solent University is a MA programme in Communications & Media over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of communications & media. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Visual Communication programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 11,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,750 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Southampton, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Visual Communication programme are prepared for diverse careers in communications & media:
- Journalist
- PR Manager
- Content Strategist
- Media Producer
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Communications Officer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Visual Communication Practice: Visual communication practice and specialisms, such as editorial design, interactive multimedia, information design, image creation, book design and typographic design. Print-making and photographic techniques, including letterpress, screen-printing, etching and relief printing, wet darkroom and photo studio practice.
- Web Design: The advantages and limitations of web design and its delivery across a range of devices, from desktop to mobile.
- Project Development: Developing the appropriate graphic design language to apply to your research findings.
- Research Methods: A précis of an article, a critical commentary of two book reviews, your own book review and a proposal for your critical research paper, with an annotated bibliography.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Lower Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
- An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in a relevant discipline.
- Applicants will be required to send a portfolio and may be contacted by video call.
- Alternatively, applicants may be considered with industry experience in one or more areas of the advertising, marketing, design or a related field.
- Portfolio interview requirements
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening and speaking
- TOEFL IBT 92 with minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 19 in reading, listening and speaking - TOEFL is only valid for EU students
- or equivalent.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 11,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,750 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 11,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 6,750 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Southampton Solent University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University
Southampton, United Kingdom
Southampton Solent University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen...
University Profile- Start Date January 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months