Graphic Communication Design

The postgraduate degree program in Graphic Communication Design at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is designed to provide students with a rigorous education that combines theoretical and practical knowledge. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as designers, design researchers, or design educators.

One of the key features of the program is the emphasis on the integration of theory and practice. This means that students are not only taught how to create effective designs but also how to critically analyze and evaluate design work from a theoretical perspective. This approach helps students to develop a deep understanding of the design process and the broader cultural, social, and economic contexts in which it takes place.

The program also emphasizes the importance of research, with a focus on conducting original research that contributes to the advancement of the field. Students are encouraged to identify relevant research topics, design research questions, and develop research methodologies that are appropriate for their particular area of focus.

The program faculty includes experts in various areas of Graphic Communication Design, including typography, branding, packaging, digital media, and information design. This allows students to work with faculty members who have different areas of expertise and research interests, providing a rich and diverse learning experience.

Postgraduate candidates are supervised by academic staff with various strengths and experience in research, aligned with the current issues and trends of the industry. This ensures that students receive individualized attention and guidance throughout the program, and are able to develop a strong foundation in both design theory and practice.

Overall, the postgraduate degree program in Graphic Communication Design at USM provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers as designers, design researchers, or design educators. It offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical training, research opportunities, and personalized guidance from experienced faculty members.

Areas of Specialization

Visual Communication | Typography | Packaging Design | Design Research | Branding and Identity

Admission Requirements

MA (Fine Arts)

Applicants should possess the following:

A. Bachelor's degree in related area

CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or
CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or
a) Research experience for at least one year; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major/elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project
CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or
a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major/elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project

PhD (Fine Art)

Applicants should possess one of the following:

A Master's degree in research mode; or
A Master’s degree in a related area with a CGPA of 3.00/4; or
A Master’s degree in a related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
Bachelor’s degree in a related area with a minimum CGPA of 3.67/4 (fast-track to Ph.D.)

Language Requirements

MA (Fine Arts)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

A minimum score of 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

Exemption can be given if:

English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

PhD (Fine Art)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

A minimum score of 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

Exemption can be given if:

English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

Duration

MA (Fine Arts)

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

PhD (Fine Art)

Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

Fees

MA (Fine Arts)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00 Graduation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00	Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00 Convocation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00

International (USD)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00 Graduation Fee : 50.00 Research Methodology : 80.00	Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00 Graduation Fee : 50.00 Research Methodology : 80.00 Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer 80.00 (repeat)

PhD (Fine Art)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00 Graduation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00	Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00 Graduation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00

International (USD)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00 Graduation Fee : 50.00 Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer 80.00 (repeat)	Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00 Graduation Fee : 50.00 Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer 80.00 (repeat)

** Fees are subject to change