Master of Communication Design

Preamble

The MComm. Design (Masters in Communication Design) programme was launched to further intensify research and scholarship into design pedagogy, professional practice and contemporary communication culture. After 5 years in operations, situation on the ground calls for a review to give more impetus to its research and scholarship into design studio pedagogy. With the University also reviewing its policy of MA and MPhil programmes, there was also the need to restructure the programme to reflect on the current university’s policy. The department is currently running a three-semester MComm Design. Design is the forefront of world’s solution and therefore, an effective design programme will not only require ingenuity of educators and their products, but will act as a catalyst for both primary and secondary industrialization.

Rationale

The programme comes on the heels of emerging challenges and the need for design research and design-based research.  As the only degree-awarding institution for Communication Design, current trends and future projections require that designers (both locally and internationally trained) advance and strengthened their training and be equipped with relevant research capabilities. Currently, design is seen as a generic force in almost all endeavours, apart being seen in its traditional role of providing graphic images or visual forms that categorically transform popular perceptions, people’s behaviour and the economy. It is also common nowadays for all sectors of both industrial and commercial players to recruit graphic/communication designers, who can work with the latest digital technology and know the most cost-effective production process. They are also expected to understand management principles and able to provide required solutions when the situation demands. The programme will therefore be opened to applicants with knowledge in inclusive design, universal design, industrial design, architectural design, environmental design and graphic design.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS IN COMMUNICATION DESIGN (M.COMM. DES.) FULL TIME ONLY

Prospective students should have a good first degree (First Class or Second Class; Upper Division) in one of the pathway areas in Communication Design or Design-related Programme. MComm. applicants in addition, must have a minimum of two years professional working experience, and further demonstrate the appropriate intellectual, creative and personal qualities to pursue the programme. Candidates must be able to demonstrate, through the submission and review of a portfolio and through an interview, a level of knowledge and competence appropriate to the demands of the programme, and to demonstrate the potential to benefit form that study. MComm. applicants will be required to attend an admission interview with their professional portfolio.

Candidates would be selected on the basis of a body of work/proposal that will demonstrate an advanced understanding of subject/area, sufficient knowledge and technical skill to realize intentions; evidence of commitment to the subject; research and intellectual curiosity, critical design-thinking; open mindedness; the ability to collaborate, to engage in research and debate, and respond communicatively to criticism.