The University of Leeds launches an online Digital Design & Communication MA – and these five things make it unique

The University of Leeds is one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, with world-class facilities and teaching. Its School of Design's Degree Show has long been a highlight in Creative Boom's calendar, so it's great news that the university has just announced an innovative new Masters course in Digital Design & Communication, with the first intake starting in May 2023.

The course is designed for those looking to become industry leaders by providing them with up-to-date skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities with other design professionals. And you don't even have to move to Leeds!

That's because this course takes place online, over 24 months of part-time study which means you can study when and where suits you best. You also won't be limited to traditional term times but can start the course at multiple entry points throughout the year.

You'll learn through the university's specialised learning platform, Minerva, which is mobile-friendly and accessible from anywhere in the world. You'll also be able to download PDFs to continue your course reading even when you're away from a web connection. (See Minerva in action in the video below).

Beyond reading and video content, you'll also join weekly interactive live sessions led by expert academics. You'll connect with professionals worldwide by engaging with peers in virtual social spaces, giving you ample opportunities to discuss, socialise and network with fellow professionals while fitting your studies around your personal schedule.

And that's not all! Here are five key benefits that make the new Masters in Digital Design & Communication at the University of Leeds truly unique.

1. Study digital design and digital communication simultaneously

The new Masters is one of the few online courses covering both digital design and digital communication. Students will get the rare opportunity to study across the two areas by exploring various topics, including creative design thinking and practice in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, service and social design, information design, graphic design, and digital communication.

2. Becoming a part of the Leeds School of Design

The course is delivered online by the School of Design at the University of Leeds, ranked eighth in the UK for Art and Design by The Complete University Guide 2023, and whose faculty brings together expertise from a range of design and technology specialisms.

That means you'll be taught by academics who've undertaken research projects and made a real-world impact in digital design – from improving trust on cyber-awareness websites to enhancing patient understanding around health screenings.

The course also covers some of the new developments in digital design that are important to be aware of as a leader in the field. From the increasing use of 3D design elements and typography to technologies such as extended reality and haptic/tangible interfaces, you'll stay up-to-date with the latest trends in an ever-changing industry.

3. Learn from Dr Dian Li and other digital design professionals

With almost 20 years of teaching experience at the University of Leeds, course leader Dr Dian Li has the expertise and knowledge to help digital designers and creatives realise their full potential and succeed in their careers. You'll learn from Dian and other expert academics in the field via open-ended virtual sessions.

You'll also access unique networking opportunities with other digital design and communication professionals and academics through regular discussions, collaboration opportunities and a dedicated LinkedIn group for the course.

4. Benefit from unique research initiatives

100% of the research conducted at the Leeds School of Design has been recognised as world-leading for the research environment (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and aims to develop new digital design ideas and provide solutions to issues faced in industry and society.

On the MA course, you'll be involved with real-world digital design scenarios and the latest ongoing research projects underway at the faculty. In the past, this has included:

• Assessing how different forms of digital design impacts user behaviour, trust, and overall website performance on cyber security sites.
• Improving the design and content of bowel preparation instructions to increase patients' knowledge of a colonoscopy screening procedure.
• Identifying communication improvement opportunities within UK intelligence communities.

5. Access exciting new career opportunities after graduation

The University of Leeds offers access to an employability lead as part of the course, with free careers and employability events running throughout the year, including CV preparation and job application workshops, alumni events with recent and past graduates, and networking opportunities.

You'll learn everything required for a role in a variety of creative industries, design agencies, or even for those looking to launch their own studio as a freelancer. Some potential career prospects include:

• Digital Product Design Manager
• Digital Animation Manager
• Graphic Design Manager
• UI (User Interface) Design Manager
• UX (User Experience) Design Manager
• Web Design Manager

Alternatively, graduates can enter management careers or continue with further research in the field and progress to a career in academia.

Find out more about the fully online Digital Design & Communication Masters course delivered by the University of Leeds.