The curriculum of the masters degree programme in Graphic Design combines theoretical studies and learning aesthetic and communicative skills in design and visual communication.The graphic design and media curriculum is based on teaching aesthetic and communicative skills in communication and design. The programme awards students a Masters of Arts. In the Master’s thesis, students practice research skills in combination with the design skills. The Master’s thesis can be purely theoretical (minimum 75 pages) or theory linked to design work (about 40 pages plus the design work). The themes concern theoretical and practical questions in visual communication and visualization. The areas of graphic design studies and research that students may focus on include:

Visual communication

• Visualizing and making images (illustration, graphs, montage, cartoons, etc)
• Visualizing language = typography as a communicative and cultural phenomenon
• Narrative design (layout)
  

Design management

• Corporate identities, branding
• Managing graphic design and visualization processes
  

Minor studies can be from other faculties in the University of Lapland: the Faculty of Social Sciences (e.g., sociology, gender studies) or the faculty of Economics (e.g. marketing, management). 

To be eligible for the Masters Degree Programme in Graphic Design

• a BA level degree in a relevant field of study and
• a good command of English language.
• must submit a portfolio of their previous work, the guidelines for which can be found on the Faculty Specific Admissions Requirements page

Only those applications which fulfil these requirements will be evaluated. International students are accepted to study in the same programme as the Finnish students, and parts of their studies are independent and tailor-made so that they can complete the studies in English.

In addition to meeting the general education background and language requirements, student selection is based on the applicant’s previous degree, portfolio, and motivation letter.

Important Dates and Timelines

Study Period: 01.09.2012 – 30.09.2014
Application Period: 1 December 2011 – 17 February 2012
Student Selection Results: 26 April 2012
Accepting the Study Place By: 31 July 2012

For further information

If you have questions concerning the studies, the admission requirements and the application process, feel free to Contact Us