MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication

Our MA by Research Typography and Graphic Communication course is a research-intensive programme that develops independent research and writing skills.

Flexible structure allows you to tailor the programme to your personal interests
Ideal preparation for higher study and self-directed research
Opportunity to work with the Department’s world-class collections and archives

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’†.

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

Our MA by Research Typography and Graphic Communication course is a research-intensive programme that develops independent research and writing skills.

Flexible structure allows you to tailor the programme to your personal interests
Ideal preparation for higher study and self-directed research
Opportunity to work with the Department’s world-class collections and archives

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

Please note that entry requirements for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed. The entry requirements for 2023/24 were:

IELTS: 7.0 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.

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.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Research Methods in Typography and Graphic Communication

Develop the basic practical research skills needed to research and write a master's dissertation. You'll learn how to critically review published research, gain understanding of the underlying principles of conducting research, and discover how to select and apply research methods from the range used in typography and graphic communication (including practice as a method).

Self-directed Research Project

Gain experience of the procedures involved in initiating and conducting a research project, using a formulated research question and appropriate methodology.

Dissertation

Demonstrate your ability to formulate an effective research question, develop and apply an appropriate methodology, and produce a major scholarly research output that engages critically with a subject relating to typography and graphic communication.

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: £10,800

New international students: £22,350

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

This programme is the ideal preparation for starting or extending a career in teaching and research. It covers working with primary and secondary sources, and enables the production of academic texts that evidence the key requirements for higher study. By including the preparation of a PhD proposal within its curriculum the programme allows graduates to apply for admission to PhD programmes directly after graduation.

Overall, 97% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. [1]

[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all Typography and Graphic Communication responders.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

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

Please note that entry requirements for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed. The entry requirements for 2023/24 were:

Structure

Compulsory modules

Research Methods in Typography and Graphic Communication

Self-directed Research Project

Dissertation

Fees

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Careers

MA by Research Typography and Graphic Communication

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?