Graphic Design MA (eca)

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Art and Design

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MA (eca) | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

Graphic design is about challenging assumptions, listening and observing. Being able to ask the right questions and make informed decisions to reach a conclusion.

We encourage research and understanding, and provide a platform for communication, conversations and dialogues for creating and promoting good design.

You'll participate in a unique learning experience as well as working in traditional and contemporary design projects.

Our programme is designed to provide you with new directions and insights. We will help you navigate this rapidly changing industry, foster social responsibility, build and construct new connections to shape your future career.

The MA Graphic Design is suitable for those who wish to expand and strengthen their design knowledge and enhance their graphic design portfolio. We equally encourage people who have actively chosen to pursue a new profession.

Programme benefits

  • Opportunity to develop your individual style by participating in our unique and exciting learning initiatives.
  • An extensive programme designed to not only allow participation in studio projects, but also to gain practical skills in traditional printing methods alongside modern technologies.
  • Our tutors are practising designers supported by professional creatives from a group of our dedicated design industry partners.
  • Working in parallel with the academic staff, we have a team of professionally trained support staff who are responsible for your personal health and wellbeing.
  • Edinburgh College of Art students can benefit from the range of facilities within the wider University of Edinburgh. You can access libraries and study resources, enhance your employability with the careers service, as well as obtain academic guidance and study support.
  • The University of Edinburgh is one of the leading universities in the UK for sports. Access gyms, receive personal fitness training and join a variety of sports clubs. All students also have access to an array of clubs where you can participate, socialise and make new friends.

The University of Edinburgh offers an incredible range of facilities and a supportive community of tutors and technicians. Their guidance and resources marked a turning point in my creative journey, helping me push beyond my limits and truly explore my full potential.

With a background in Textile Design rooted in materiality, the MA Graphic Design programme at Edinburgh College of Art offered me the chance to develop my digital skills while continuing to ground my practice in technique and material exploration.

Anushca Gangwar MA Graphic Design, graduated 2025

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in this programme you should budget a minimum of £260 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:
Equipment and software

Most required equipment and software will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including, for example, a laptop, headphones and SD cards.

Materials

You will need to pay for general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will need to pay for some specialist materials required by your courses.

Course Organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, but you will need to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work.

Printing

You will need to pay for occasional A4/A1 printing and booklet binding.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as graphics, illustration, or art and design subjects.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should show your creativity and particularly your ideas: focus on the thinking behind your work rather than technique and show development as well as finished pieces. You should include a short description of the idea and context of the work you are presenting.

Your portfolio should:

  • display a high standard of conceptual awareness and development
  • reflect a clear ability to think laterally
  • clearly present your research methods and routes, and show the development of ideas
  • include evidence of your working process, from project inception to resolution, demonstrating experiments and explorations
  • demonstrate original and professionally resolved work
  • include high-quality images of completed work across appropriate and varied platforms

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The Graphic Design Programme is divided into three core courses over the year.

Each course focuses on specific aspects of Graphic Design influenced by an evolving design community led framework.

The Critical Practice Course is the foundational component of the programme. We teach you a variety of research techniques and methods to critically assess and question assumptions, develop ideas and skills while also providing opportunities to:

  • Establish connectiveness with students and staff
  • Familiarise students with the programme structure
  • Set educational and learning expectations
  • Provide general examination and feedback information
  • Provide grading and mandatory assessment procedures

During projects, you will be encouraged to establish self-led design groups; a place where students are involved in peer-to-peer feedback sessions. 

Our challenge is for students:

  • to think differently
  • to alter preconceived notions
  • to discover and construct new and unfamiliar ways of seeing
  • to develop a visual awareness
  • to observe, listen and understand
  • to problem solve, overcome challenges when developing solutions
  • to aspire to make a difference; socially, politically and environmentally

Typical graphic design course projects may include:

  • visual identities
  • poster design
  • packaging
  • branding  
  • merchandising
  • typography
  • editorial design
  • motion graphics
  • audio and soundscapes
  • visual design systems and structure
  • graphic design theory, history and culture

Compulsory (core) courses

Graphic Design Critical Practices, 40 credits (Semester 1)

The course aims for you to develop a rigorous first-hand understanding of ethnographic research techniques and use these methods to offer a dynamic and original alternative to existing library or internet research.

Graphic Design Research Narratives, 20 credits (Semester 2)

The course will focus on two core design research methodologies, analysis and synthesis, and how these apply to the graphic design discipline. You will explore these two fundamental research processes and how they relate to each other, as well as your own personal practice.

Graphic Design Independent Project, 60 credits (Summer)

The independent project provides you with a rich and varied approach to ethnographic design research techniques in preparation of a career path in Design. You should originate and develop new approaches to information gathering, analysis and reflection. 

You will resolve a body of work for presentation at the MA submission in August.

Option courses

In addition to these core courses there is an option to select supplementary courses from within the Design School to enhance your learning.

Not all courses may be available in any given year.

Semester 1

Select one of the following courses:

  • Design, Play and Games, 20 Credits (Level 11)
  • Surfaces and Screens, 20 Credits (Level 11)
  • Objects of Desire, 20 Credits (Level 11)
  • Multi-Sensory Cultures, 20 Credits (Level 11)

Semester 2

Select either one or two of the following courses

  • Disseminating Design Practices, 20 Credits (Level 11)
  • Boarding, Identity and Technology, 20 Credits (Level 11)

In order to progress to the final studio project in Summer, you must attain an average of at least 50% in each of your courses from Semesters 1 and 2.

Summer (after decision at Progression Board)

  • Graphic Design independent Project, 60 credits (Level 11)
  • 1 compulsory course

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Opportunities for field trips vary from year to year. 

We encourage students to visits exhibitions and local industry throughout their studies.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Within a studio-based setting, we ensure you will develop new approaches to learning, discover insightful ways to navigate the creative process and succeed in developing transferable skills towards your future career.

In the initial stages of the course, you will be introduced to a wide range of services and workshops on campus. You will be encouraged to use these facilities, such as letterpress, screen printing, risograph, photography, analogue and digital fabric printing. 

Our knowledgeable practicing technical staff provide demonstrations. We also have specialist digital workshops where you gain experience in producing high quality prints and prototypes.

The programme offers the use of traditional methods of prototyping such as wood and metal workshops. Specialist librarians and the University of Edinburgh Careers Service also support your learning.

Conceptual, material and technical matters are explored through: 

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • critiques
  • skills workshops
  • mini-symposiums and seminars 

Development is influenced by research and critical thinking, as well as the following contexts that shape creative design practice: 

  • visual
  • intellectual
  • social
  • professional

These elements are taught through the graphic design core courses by participating in: 

  • studio culture and community
  • taught sessions and independent learning
  • exhibitions
  • collaborations

Assessment

Each course in the programme has its own specific set of Learning Outcomes. However essentially each outcome lies within two categories:

Research

Throughout each course we expect you to create and keep a Personal Research Blog of each project. We expect you to document and annotate your design process; your investigations, from your sketchbook, digital research document and or additional projects and workshops.

Development and Resolution

The portfolio should comprise of a summary of your blog, edited into one single PDF document. It is not a copy. The submission document should be well organised and designed as a portfolio.

Assessment for core courses can include: 

  • personal research blog
  • portfolio
  • presentations
  • reflective statement
  • artefacts
  • motion graphics
Feedback 

Formative feedback is regularly communicated throughout the course. Work and ideas are discussed with your tutor through verbal means in group discussions, class crits with peers and specialist practitioners.

Summative Assessment is focused on creative work backed up with annotated references and reflection. The final project in Summer is a self-initiated visual resolution, rather than a final dissertation.

Summative Assessment Feedback

At the end of each course, you will be given written feedback with grades, subjected to our moderation process within a specified period.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Staff on the programme include:

Mary Asiedu

Postgraduate Programme Director and lecturer, Graphic Design

Mary has been teaching for over 20 years focussing on how to effectively teach students how learn effectively. Mary offers projects which hopefully encourage students to think, learn and visually communicate in an alternative novel way.

Donlad Soutar

Undergraduate Programme Director, tutor, Graphic Design

Donald is a graphic designer and art director with 25 years of studio experience. He is a long-standing member of the International Society of Typographic Designers with a keen interest in international languages and writing systems.

Marco Scerri

Teaching Fellow, Graphic Design

Marco is a communication designer with an interest in book design, photography and printmaking.

Orlando Lloyd

Lecturer, Graphic Design

Orlando maintains a professional graphic design practice working with clients and organisations, primarily in the arts and cultural fields. Orlando’s research focuses on independent publishing, specifically children’s books, under the Bumpy Books moniker.

David Lemm

Lecturer, Graphic Design

David is interested in the construction and visual communication of narrative in response to material, spatial and situational enquiry.

Where you will study

Study location

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus | Edinburgh College of Art

Most of your studio teaching, including lectures and seminars, will take place at ECA's Lauriston Campus in the Central Area. 

There will also be an opportunity to experience lectures and seminars across other areas of the University of Edinburgh campus.

Academic facilities

Studio space

The majority of our teaching is in our studio at ECA's Lauriston Campus. You will be allocated a workspace in the graphic design studio.

Specialist workshops

In addition to the studios, you will be taught across a range of specialist workshop environments, which are predominantly located in the ECA Main Building, Hunter Building and Evolution House.

You will also have access to the University's:

  • extensive libraries
  • computing facilities
  • technical facilities, such as the laser and 3D modelling workshop

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners, who will support and guide your technical development during your studies.

Other facilities

You will have access to a wide range of accessible study spaces, such as the various libraries across the university, offering equipment, access to e-resources, scanning facilities and access to general equipment to support your studies.

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Shop on-campus where you can purchase materials for your creative projects, along with our Free Use Hub where you can access free materials for re-using or recycling.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

Find out more about facilities and resources at ECA

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour. 

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art 

Career opportunities

Our graduates work in a wide range of creative career paths. The variety of projects, approaches and opportunities we offer enable you to apply your knowledge and experience of the design process and your considerable skills to many disciplines. Typically, our graduates leave to become members of a graphic design agency.

Our extensive links with industry, built through industry-led projects and staff research, and our range of visiting speakers, ensure you will be aware of the full range of career possibilities and have a strong footing from which to develop your career.

Previous career paths have included:

  • experiential design
  • packaging
  • advertising
  • digital design
  • interaction design
  • exhibition design
  • design research
  • marketing
  • retail design
  • multimedia
  • design management
  • education.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.

Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.

Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Selection deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision by
1Monday 15 December 2025Thursday 19 March 2026
2Monday 4 May 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026

After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open. As this is not guaranteed, however, you are advised to apply by the application deadlines above.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You won't be able to submit your portfolio immediately, but you'll receive an email prompt within a few days of submitting your application that will explain how to upload your portfolio.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city! 

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art 

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.  

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

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