MA Communication Design: Graphic Design Pathway

MA Communication Design: Graphic Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.

Working closely with global experts and established industry contributors, students develop their design skills within a framework of informed originality and excellence in practice. This approach brings together problem-solving for contemporary applications, contextual knowledge, sound professional judgement, and a reflective attitude to design exploration.

MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. These pathways allow for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.

Shared lectures, seminars and practical workshops enable students to develop fundamental knowledge of typography and specific areas of communication design. Additional taught sessions on reflective practice and research methods give students unique access to internationally significant collections and archives held by the University and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. These sessions equip students with the skills to interrogate original material for research, and provide insight into how practice connects with changing means of production, the wider historical context, and critical design discourse.

MA Communication Design combines elements of publication and editorial design with user-centred design, supported by advanced typography. Students work on projects that engage with text-intensive print and digital applications in each of these areas.

* The Department of Typography & Graphic Design is internationally renowned, with 100% of our research judged to be of international standing^ and 100% of our research impact classed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’†.

The University of Reading ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (=91 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) and top 150 for Arts and Design globally (101-150 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).

For more information, please visit the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication website.

^REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication

†REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication

Overview

MA Communication Design: Graphic Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.

MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. These pathways allow for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.

For more information, please visit the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication website.

^REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication

†REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2.1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a design-related subject. For exceptional candidates without such a degree, you will need convincing evidence of relevant professional experience. In most cases, a relevant practice portfolio and an example of academic writing are also required. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interview.

The personal statement needs to demonstrate:

an ability to articulate clear career goals and interests that align with the programme and pathway applied for
the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for.

The portfolio needs to demonstrate that applicants can:

conceptualise, develop and evaluate projects in response to design briefs
incorporate relevant research into project work
use text and images effectively in page layout design
use typography to articulate and organise text (familiarity with text using the Latin or Roman alphabet must be demonstrated)
demonstrate engagement with appropriate communication design genres and contexts. These might include branding and marketing, editorial design, exhibition design, information design, packaging, social media, and/or user interface design
use Adobe InDesign for typesetting, layout and prepress design work
use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit images (such as diagrams, illustrations, photographs).

It is advantageous if the portfolio also shows:

a strong foundation in complex typographic work
experience using digital prototyping tools (such as: Sketch, Adobe HD, Invision, etc.)
evidence of any complementary skills, such as: copyrighting, data journalism, illustration, marketing, motion graphics, project management, or technical communication.

The interview needs to demonstrate:

how the applicant’s career goals and interests align with the programme and pathway applied for
the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for
an ability to articulate research interests and/or skills relevant to the programme and pathway applied for.

Please see the Department’s advice for a successful application.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Core

Learn through a series of collections-based teaching sessions that focus on key areas in typography and communication design and engage with students from across the MA cohort. You’ll be supported to develop and complete your assignments with graphic design reading lists, tutorials and research methods training.

Reflective Practice

Gain knowledge of publication form and editorial design, with an option to engage with digital content platforms. You’ll get hands-on experience with user-centred design, typography and practical work within the context of a rapidly evolving technological environment.

Dissertation

Work on a substantial dissertation project that is relevant to your work or modules. Develop and complete your project with the help of research methods teaching sessions and individual tutorials.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

The Graphic Design pathway equips graduates with the practical skills, intellectual attitude and lifelong learning abilities that are essential for a successful career in a rapidly evolving field. Overall, 93% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all Typography and Graphic Communication responders).

Graduates can expect to take up positions in branding and design studios, with publishers, and information design studios. Many of our graduates develop their own businesses, or take up managerial roles in creative firms. Previous employers have included Apple, Financial Times, Microsoft Typography, Monotype, Nokia, Oxford University Press and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Overview

Entry requirements

Structure

Compulsory modules

Core

Reflective Practice

Dissertation

Fees

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Careers

MA Communication Design: Graphic Design Pathway

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?