Tyffane - MA Design Student Letter

Welcome to the MA Design Programme at University of Hertfordshire

Hi, new student!

Congratulations on being accepted into this programme! My name is Tyffane, I am a MA Graphic Design and Branding student, and I will be sharing my experience on the course so far. When I started this course, I was unsure of my career path within the creative industries, but I planned on working towards becoming a creative director. Now, midway through the year, I have encountered so many new areas of interest, from emotional design to branding to neuroarchitecture. That’s what is great about this course, that you might not know what you want to do, but no matter what, you start to find your place soon enough.

So, what is it like to be a postgraduate design student?

First of all, your classes. Most of your classes will occur in the same room. Students from all three courses, MA Interior Architecture and Design, MA Graphic Design and Branding, and Ma Illustration, will be working together for most of the first and second semesters. I found this very inspiring because everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences to navigate this journey together. You will see each other grow and become the determined creatives you aspire to be.

The classroom offers you the opportunity to be very experimentative. Being practical and curious will help you achieve the most out of your course. You can learn new skills and develop a better picture of which skills to apply to your future aspirations, from storytelling and brand analysis to rendering and site analysis techniques. Not only will you be more practical, but you will also be more critical, meticulous, and receptive to the industry skills, methodologies, and current trends to apply to your career.

Design is about storytelling, visual communication, problem-solving, and knowing what your audience wants. An interdisciplinary collaboration with interior architects, graphic designers, illustrators, and possibly, non-creatives can provide a more open-minded approach to your studies. And, did you know, you could achieve all of this in our multi-award-winning course? From the internationally renowned Design and Art Direction Awards, also known as the D&AD Awards to the National Lighting Student Designer of the Year, this programme provides a rich environment to inspire students. We students at the School of Design and Creative Arts are so proud to uphold a strong reputation that recognises student success and dedication, and we hope to celebrate your achievements someday!

With that said, I’d like to give you a few tips on how to successfully learn more on this programme:

1. Analyse your briefs thoroughly

Ensuring you understand your assignment briefs and deliverables can help you get ahead. This means annotating the documents, sketching rough ideas, and brainstorming your next steps.

2. Ask questions

Design is very subjective. Sometimes, you might need another perspective to ensure you’re on the right track - and that’s okay. Make sure you engage with your tutors; try to write down several questions at the end of each lecture or tutorial so you can grasp your tasks and next steps. Get your advice, support, and guidance from your tutors, peers, and non-creatives, e.g. target audiences. It is also helpful to know who to ask for what. For example, knowing when to ask tutors about something you didn’t understand during the lecture or when to chat with peers for a second opinion. Asking the right questions will help to bring the right people to you.

3. Apply your studies to real life

Immersing your studies in your interests and daily life is an insightful way to stay on top of your work and achieve a better understanding of your tasks. You can use online tools, visit the Learning Resources Centre (the LRC) for physical resources, and book a workshop session for hands-on experimentation to bring your ideas and concepts to life. One good tip is to take weekly summaries and see how your ideas start to connect and iterate into fruition. Don’t be afraid to learn more. Your work will provide you with extensive practical, teamwork, and analytical skills to hone and apply to your career beyond university.

4. Time management

Start as soon as possible. Sometimes, things will not go as planned, and you will need to find a way to work around inconveniences accordingly. It is best to work bit by bit and learn what times of the day you are most productive, gradually building up your work schedule. Get the rough and early sketches out sooner so it is easier to filter out and execute your better and more thought-out ideas properly. You do not want to rush your iteration development process. Another helpful tip is to hold yourself accountable by regularly working with someone to brainstorm your ideas and next steps.

5. Socialise

Take time for yourself. Enjoy what the campus has to provide: from the weekly bakery stall treats to the vast variety of sports and societies to join! You’re not just here to study; the university offers you a lifestyle to prioritise your health and wellbeing when needed. With such a stimulating course, it is crucial to understand how to rest effectively. Sometimes, stepping away from the work can give you a new perspective! Why not take a stroll across the beautiful campus or indulge in the free Active student sessions provided by the sports village that offer various activities from beginner to advanced levels?

I encourage you to reach out whenever you need. The great thing about the University of Hertfordshire is that you are part of a community, where you don’t have to go through anything alone. Communicate with your tutors, your teammates and your peers; they will be willing to help! Within your cohort will be student representatives, who work with the Student Union to pass on course feedback to enhance your academic experiences and your personal tutors, who assist you with your personal and professional development. You can also access further support from a multitude of departments, whether you would like to focus on time management, academic skills, wellbeing, or disability support.

But most of all, enjoy your time here. I’m so excited for your journey! The work and effort will be worth it. I hope this helps you for a great year ahead!

Tyffane Aladeoni-Jimoh