BA Graphic Communication
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UCAS code
W213 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2022/23 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
COVID-19 update
Develop the ability to express your design ideas confidently, learn how to solve real-life graphic communication challenges, and graduate with a diverse and relevant portfolio.
The Department of Typography & Graphic Communication offers you a distinctive approach to a design degree. We integrate different ways of thinking about design – practical, historical, and theoretical – so that you will become a well-rounded ‘thinking designer’, with a profile that’s sought after by the design industry.
You will undertake practical projects across digital and print media, and learn about design principles and how to respond to user needs. Current projects include: brand campaigns, e-books and magazines, music packaging, newspapers, pictograms, wayfinding and sign systems, and websites and mobile apps. You will also enjoy a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections.
You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final-year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. This combination of academic writing, problem-solving, and client-facing communication gives you a competitive edge in the employment market. You can also broaden your profile by studying abroad in your second year.
We offer small-group teaching, accessible tutors, dedicated 24-hour studio spaces, and a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections. You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with staff on research projects with real-world impact. Overall, 95% of students were satisfied with the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication (National Student Survey, 2021).
The curriculum is constantly evolving and is informed by the research carried out by our staff. Our research, much of which is concerned with everyday communication, is recognised as excellent – we were recently ranked first among all UK art and design institutions in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. 100% of our research was recognised internationally and 56% was rated world-leading.
Placement
We bring the benefits of placements into the Department for all students. Employers such as IBM Design and Oxford University Press are actively engaged with our teaching and offer individual feedback on student projects. You will develop your approach to design in a practical way through working with real clients, real budgets and real time scales. These ‘real jobs’ are supported by your tutors and form part of your assessment. You will also work alongside the University’s professional design team to gain experience of dealing with print and online production processes.
In your second year you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, where the design courses are taught in English. We currently have links with DHBW in Ravensburg, Germany; Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
Overview
Develop the ability to express your design ideas confidently, learn how to solve real-life graphic communication challenges, and graduate with a diverse and relevant portfolio.
The Department of Typography & Graphic Communication offers you a distinctive approach to a design degree. We integrate different ways of thinking about design – practical, historical, and theoretical – so that you will become a well-rounded ‘thinking designer’, with a profile that’s sought after by the design industry.
You will undertake practical projects across digital and print media, and learn about design principles and how to respond to user needs. Current projects include: brand campaigns, e-books and magazines, music packaging, newspapers, pictograms, wayfinding and sign systems, and websites and mobile apps. You will also enjoy a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections.
You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final-year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. This combination of academic writing, problem-solving, and client-facing communication gives you a competitive edge in the employment market. You can also broaden your profile by studying abroad in your second year.
We offer small-group teaching, accessible tutors, dedicated 24-hour studio spaces, and a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections. You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with staff on research projects with real-world impact. Overall, 95% of students were satisfied with the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication (National Student Survey, 2021).
The curriculum is constantly evolving and is informed by the research carried out by our staff. Our research, much of which is concerned with everyday communication, is recognised as excellent – we were recently ranked first among all UK art and design institutions in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. 100% of our research was recognised internationally and 56% was rated world-leading.
Placement
We bring the benefits of placements into the Department for all students. Employers such as IBM Design and Oxford University Press are actively engaged with our teaching and offer individual feedback on student projects. You will develop your approach to design in a practical way through working with real clients, real budgets and real time scales. These ‘real jobs’ are supported by your tutors and form part of your assessment. You will also work alongside the University’s professional design team to gain experience of dealing with print and online production processes.
In your second year you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, where the design courses are taught in English. We currently have links with DHBW in Ravensburg, Germany; Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB
All suitable applicants will be asked to attend a portfolio day and provide samples of their work.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
Other information
Preference for a combination of practical and non-practical subjects.
We will need to see your portfolio before making you an offer.
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
TY1DAT | Design across time | DR Matthew Lickiss |
TY1DP1 | Design Practice 1 | MS Kim Marshall |
TY1HG1 | History of graphic communication 1 | DR Rob Banham |
TY1INT | Integrated Design Methods | MR James Lloyd |
TY1PRI | Printing and printmaking | DR Rob Banham |
TY1SK | Skills for design practice | MRS Rachel Warner |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
TY2DP2 | Design practice 2 | MS Sara Chapman |
TY2DT | Design thinking | PROF Rick Poynor |
TY2ED | Introduction to editorial design | DR Rob Banham |
TY2PRP | Professional Practice 1 | MR Geoff Wyeth |
TY2UD | User-centred design | DR Matthew Lickiss |
TY2VI | Visualising Information | MRS Rachel Warner |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
TY3DP3 | Design Practice 3 | DR Rob Banham |
TY3DS | Dissertation | DR Matthew Lickiss |
TY3PRP | Professional Practice 2 | MR James Lloyd |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
TY3BP | Branding Project | MS Sara Chapman |
TY3DFC | Design for change | DR Jeanne-Louise Moys |
TY3ED | Advanced editorial design | MS Sara Chapman |
TY3INF | Information Design | DR Matthew Lickiss |
TY3PD | Packaging Design | DR Rob Banham |
TY3SK | Skills for design practice | MRS Rachel Warner |
TY3TYP | Typeforms | PROF Gerry Leonidas |
TY3WI | Word and image | DR Ruth Blacksell |
FB3NGLA | Genes, Lifestyle and Nutrition | DR Vimal Karani |
GV3CC | Climate Change | PROF Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROF Paul Almond |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML3LP | Language and Power | MR Federico Faloppa |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | DR Maxime Lepoutre |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
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
We have close links with industry, and will develop your professional and practical skills through supervised assignments for real clients.
Our graphic communication graduates are in high demand, because the combination of creative, production, and client-facing skills we teach help to prepare you for industry. 97% of leavers are in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19; First Degree responders from Typography & Graphic Communication).
Our graduates take leadership roles in a range of creative industries. Recent graduates have gone on to work across the professional design sector, from publishing, branding, and information design, to web and mobile interface design. Employers of our graduates include BBC Online, the Financial Times, Vodafone, Adobe, Oxford University Press, and Penguin Books, as well as many specialist design studios and start-up agencies.
Alternatively, you can further develop your knowledge and skills on one of our internationally recognised master's courses in Book Design, Creative Enterprise, Information Design, Graphic Design, or Typeface Design.