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Course overview

Emergent design acts as a key concept within MA Graphic Design Communication. The course introduces you to the key debates, inquiries and methodologies related to emergent design. Through briefs and research activities you’ll allow your design work to form by using the concept of emergence. You’ll explore the role it plays in discovery, adaptability to unexpected change and erratic ways of testing. This will enable you to develop into a versatile practitioner who is able to respond to complex design challenges. 

The course highlights ideas produced in reaction to the complex changes and challenges we are facing in the world today. We believe our goal as designers is to seek better and unimagined relationships between matter, space, systems, technologies and beliefs, while guided by diverse perspectives.   

The course begins by focusing on 3 research themes associated with emergent design to help build your design knowledge and skills:

1. Proximities and encounters – how do we respond creatively to interactions, transitions and encounters experienced by different audiences and communities?
2. Mobilising the studio – how do we develop social design practices with and for communities? 
3. Materiality and the post-real – how can we creatively and critically explore materiality in its hybrid forms and the impact this has on lived experience?     

What to expect    

• A practice-led course: Practical work is underpinned by critical design thinking, experimentation and research. 
• Contemporary design themes: You’ll explore topics including habitable worlds and ecologies, social and cultural practices, and digital and material cultures.
• An ethical focus: We have a responsibility to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world. Throughout your course, you'll explore climate, social and racial justice and learn how to embed these principles into your creative practice.
• A community of experts: Our tutors, technicians and visiting practitioners are experts in their field and bring their industry experience into their teaching. 
• Professional development: You’ll develop your design practice, critical writing and presentation skills which will help you position yourself within a specialist design field for your future career, whether that be in industry or academia.
• Access to Camberwell’s workshops: These include printmaking, digital photography, moving image, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and 3D printing. View Camberwell facilities.

Careers and employability

During the course, you’ll develop your professional profile as a designer in preparation for your future career. You'll be able to take part in public-facing events such as design symposia and community projects. These will give you industry insight and exposure to different routes for employment and practice. 

You’ll be encouraged to publish, show and disseminate your major project work developed on the course. Former students have presented at conferences and featured in design publications and competitions. You’ll also have access to UAL’s dedicated Careers and Employability services. The course encourages and supports international and culturally diverse perspectives within design that reflect students’ backgrounds and the positive inclusive changes in the creative sector.

Mode of study

MA Graphic Design Communication is offered in full-time mode and runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study. 

Home fee

£14,000

This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry and is subject to change for 2026/27 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£29,990

This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry and is subject to change for 2026/27 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.