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Develop sought-after design skills

We teach different ways of thinking about design – practical, historical, and theoretical. 

You’ll become a well-rounded "thinking designer", equipped with knowledge and skills that are in high demand in the design industry.

Examples of typefaces for Indian scripts in printed pamphlet

Stretch your mind on a serious,  scholarly course

Professor Sue Walker discusses printed materials with BA Graphic Communications students

If you're looking for a combination of academic growth and creative challenge, the BA Graphic Communication course is for you. 

We approach design as an intellectual process. In our Department you'll use your critical thinking skills to interrogate design and develop your understanding of design history.

Gain professional experience during your degree

Student-designed rebrand for University of Reading RU Hacking society

All our students gain real-life work experience and professional work for their portfolio with our highly-regarded Real Jobs scheme. 

Find out more about Real Jobs

The Real Jobs scheme

Natalia discusses the Real Jobs Scheme module, which has provided her with the opportunity to collaborate with actual clients. This experience has been instrumental in enhancing her technical abilities, as well as honing her soft skills like effective communication and interaction. To delve deeper into the Real Jobs Scheme, watch the video now!

Why the Applied Information Group hire Reading's Typography and Graphic Communication graduates

Our network of graduates is spread across the design industry, both nationally and internationally. Watch the video to learn more about why companies like the Applied Information Group have been hiring Typography and Graphic Communication graduates over the years and continue to do so.

Your future career

Close up of designer pinning together wireframe on pin board while designing mobile app

"Studying at Reading allowed me to build a set of truly specialist skills which really stood out to employers. During the three years, I created a unique and well-rounded portfolio which opened up so many doors – one of them being the BBC Trainee Scheme!" 

Kelly Batchelor

BA Graphic Communication graduate, formerly Junior UX Designer at BBC Radio & Music and now UX Designer at Culture Trip

We ensure you're ready for success by making employment preparation a key part of our course. 

As you study, you’ll discover the different areas of graphic communication that exist in the design industry. You'll learn about the professional experiences of working designers and previous graduates.

Overall, 95% 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 © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Typography and Graphic Communication responders).


We prepare you by: 

  • teaching you expert visual judgement and strategic planning – skills that employers look for in a designer
  • giving you opportunities to get professional experience that you can put on your CV
  • linking you in with professional design contacts through our industry network
  • offering intensive career workshops that include advice on creating CVs and online portfolios, as well as mock interviews with employers.

Our graduates go into a wide range of sectors, including: 

  • user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design
  • branding
  • publishing
  • advertising
  • marketing
  • design research
  • teaching.

Life in the Department

Two students working together on a Mac computer in the corridor of the Department of Typography

When you study in our Department, you'll join a friendly and supportive community of designers. 

Find out more about our vibrant study environment and what day-to-day life is like for our undergraduate students.

Student stories

Headshot of undergraduate student standing in front of ampersand on the wall

Our students are inspired to follow their passions and become successful design professionals. Learn about their experiences of studying in our Department.

Diagram called Design How You Feel created as part of graphic communication research project.

Our research

In the last research excellence framework, we were ranked first in the UK for research in our sector (Times Higher Education Institutions ranked by subject, based on its analysis of the last research excellence framework (REF) 2014).

Montage of five posters from the Twentieth Century Poster Collection

Our collections and archives

Our collections and archives relating to lettering, printing and graphic design are recognised as being of international importance. 

As an undergraduate you'll have the chance to explore these unique resources, build your knowledge of design history and develop your research skills.

Study abroad

Depending on your course, you could spend two weeks, a term, or an academic year abroad. 

This can be part of a standard three-year degree, an extended four-year degree, or a shorter length of time such as a summer school. 

We’ll help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you’re abroad. 

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website. 

Aanand Tank, BA Graphic Communication graduate, discusses his experience of studying abroad

Undergraduate students holding protest signs they've made