Emily reflects on her experience studying Graphic Communication at Reading and how the diverse range of projects she had the opportunity to work on, spanning from branding to UX to editorial design, has empowered her to confidently pursue her passions and carve out a career for herself in the field of design.
Course information
If you've achieved well at school or college and your passion for design is strong, our undergraduate degree may be exactly right for you.
Why study with us?
Our undergraduate course is renowned for its intellectual rigour. You'll engage in serious academic study with us as well as gaining top-level design skills and graduating with a diverse, relevant portfolio.
Student work
Emily's experience
Lewis' experience
“For me, studying this degree has probably been the best decision of my life and it has set me up for the future.” Lewis talks about his experience studying Graphic Communications, how supportive the department is, and how getting hands-on experience and exposure will help him in his future.
Real Jobs
Real Jobs is our innovative scheme for bringing together students and clients for personalised work placements. Students work on live briefs that bring the experience of professional practice to life.
Graduate Work
We keep an archive of work for every graduating class, which ranges from experimental UX design to traditional letterpress projects.
Degree show
Students design, promote and host their own degree show each year. Their work, in their words.
Your first year with us
Year one starter projects
Our first year begins with a series of short, unassessed exercises where you'll start exploring your creative ideas and building basic technical and design thinking skills.
Our students run their own Instagram account where they share what they value most about our course.
Baseline shift
Our student-curated programme of talks by visiting speakers, including designers and academics from around the world. It gives new students an expansive view of potential design careers and approaches.
Life in the Department
Enjoy small-group teaching and dedicated 24-hour studio spaces. You'll work closely with academics on real-life practical projects.
Applicant information
If you've already made your application, we look forward to seeing you soon. Here are some useful links to our portfolio guidance, applicant Facebook community, and applicant portal.
How you'll study
We help you engage with design from many angles and work to your strengths. Learn more about our stimulating and flexible teaching methods.
Caroline's story
Even after graduating, I have heard so much about the outstanding quality of Reading graduates because Reading is serious about design and design research.
Caroline Teng
BA Graphic Communication graduate
Life in Reading
Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.