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.
Develop sought-after design skills
Stretch your mind on a serious, scholarly course
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
All our students gain real-life work experience and professional work for their portfolio with our highly-regarded Real Jobs scheme.
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
"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, 90% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.* 97% of our students also said the course often challenges them to achieve their best work.**
*Based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2026, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24, includes all Typography and Graphic Communications responders).
**National Student Survey 2026, responders from Department of Typography & Graphic Communication.
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
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
Our students are inspired to follow their passions and become successful design professionals. Learn about their experiences of studying in our Department.
Our research
95% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication).
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 semester, 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
