The course is offered in a two year, 60 week, extended full-time (EFT), mode, requiring approximately 30 hours per week study. Taught delivery is normally timetabled across three days per week including self-directed study. The course is credit rated at 180 credits, and comprises three units as follows: Unit 1: 10, Unit 2: 70 Unit 3: 100 credits. A student has to pass all three units to be considered for the award of MA, with the award of a distinction being based on the achievement in Unit 3 only.

There are four routes through the course:

- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Digital Media
- Photography

These support certain specialisms, but also interconnect, promoting further investigation across the four routes. A shared critical context lecture series, a programme of professional practice lectures and a range of appropriate workshops underpin the development of a student's work.

There are a number of key areas common to all four routes, which provide the general conceptual framework addressed on the course. In each route, the relationship between text, image and the various technologies plays a defining role.

Information design: quantitative information such as maps, statistical charts, and comparative diagrams are visualised and set in context.

Interface design: planning and visualising possible information access points, usually in interactive digital media.

Developing narratives or storytelling: through a chosen communication channel - or combination of channels - using imagery, text, sound, space and movement

Typography as a visual language: exploring how we see words
Editorial design: planning, authoring, positioning and producing printed and digital publications

3D: three dimensional artifacts, packaging and virtual environments

Image development: hand techniques, photography and digital manipulation.

There is a great deal of cross-over within the routes in terms of skills and processes (for example, graphic designers are often required to generate or manipulate photographic imagery within their work) and students can therefore attend some workshops and seminars Whilst a student is expected to apply for a named route within the course, transferal to another route may be considered, subject to space, and agreement with the Course Director and relevant Subject Leader.

Graphic Design: 
Those wishing to discuss and explore the disciplines of graphic design, particularly typography. Applicants are expected to possess strong graphic skills and be proficient in appropriate software such as Quark Xpress or InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, or font creation programmes such as Fontographer.

Illustration: 
Those considering a career within illustration who have relevant experience in other disciplines or already have professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate strong drawing or image-making skills. Knowledge of creative software applications is very useful (such as Flash for animation purposes), but such software is not taught as part of the Illustration curriculum.

Digital Media: 
Students from diverse disciplines, interested in extending the language of digital communication. Applicants must be competent in relevant interactive software such as Flash, Director or Dreamweaver, and digital imaging/motion graphics software such as Photoshop and After Effects. Students may decide to use digital film and animation within their projects, but these specific disciplines are not taught as part of the curriculum.

Photography: 
Students familiar with wet or digital photographic processes from a range of disciplines, who are committed to challenging their visual vocabulary in relation to commercial practice. Applicants should demonstrate strong photographic and image-making skills. Knowledge of digital imaging software is highly desirable.