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When you join our Department, you'll become part of a design community that is continually striving for excellence. 

In our stimulating, open learning spaces, we blend academic and practical ways of working. We aim to create a vibrant study environment that will support you in your studies. 

We provide opportunities for students and staff to collaborate, whether that's on practical projects for external clients, or on leading research into printing, design and type. 

"The Department has a great atmosphere. It's packed from top to bottom with examples of lettering and graphic design and has a quirky charm that I absolutely love. 

"The staff are all very approachable and know you by name." 

Megan Weston

BA Graphic Communication graduate

Three undergraduate students sitting on comfy chairs in Department, looking at one student's laptop

Life as an undergraduate

Our undergraduate course involves intensive study hours in the Department and accepts small number of students in each year group. This makes it a friendly, sociable place where students and staff can easily get to know each other.   

You'll also meet postgraduate students who have returned to the Department for further study. Mixing with them will give you the chance to hear inspiring stories about their experiences in the professional design world and discover the exciting projects they're working on. 

Smiling male student leaning against wall in corridor of Department of Typography
The BA Graphic Communication degree gave me much more than just the key skills for a career in design. It was an unforgettable three years.

Amy Keast

BA Graphic Communication graduate

Our learning spaces and facilities

Studio spaces

Two students standing reading a book at end of year degree show

Our light, spacious studios have everything you need to work on your practical projects. Staff offices are adjacent to the studios, so advice and encouragement are never far away.

Printing workshop

Blue printing blocks sitting in letterpress
The Department has a printing workshop for letterpress, lithography, and engraving, where students at all levels can get hands-on experience of historical methods of printing: ideal for research-led projects.

Exhibition space

Department of Typography and Graphic Communication exhibition space

Our exhibition space regularly features inspiring design work from Department and University collections, and hosts travelling exhibitions too.

Reading Room

Undergraduate student standing at bookshelf reading a book in Department of Typography Reading Room

Our Reading Room holds a wide range of specialist design books, journals and type specimens. 

How we support you

Our students have several points of contact to whom they can turn for help and support: an academic tutor, year tutor and a module tutor. As we're a small, close-knit academic community you won't disappear into the crowd; we take a personal approach in the Department.  

Our staff are all design lecturers, practitioners and researchers, so we understand creative pressures. We can provide sympathetic, practical advice and support. 

Read more about the support available to you at the University of Reading

Professor Sue Walker showing examples of poster design to BA Graphic Communication students

Connect with successful graduates

Our graduates keep in touch with the Department long after they finish their studies.  

Our network is spread right across the design industry, and has a focus on areas that require a mastery of typography.  

After you graduate, the network can provide you with valuable opportunities to make connections, open doors, and progress your career. 

Learn more about our alumni network

Male student with glasses leaning against wooden paneling with stairs in background