Communication Design: Book Design pathway
Entry requirements
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. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interview.
The personal statement needs to demonstrate:
- an ability to articulate clear career goals and interests that align with the programme and pathway applied for
- the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for.
The portfolio needs to demonstrate that applicants can:
- conceptualise, develop and evaluate projects in response to design briefs
- incorporate relevant research into project work
- use text and images effectively in page layout design
- use typography to articulate and organise text (familiarity with text using the Latin or Roman alphabet must be demonstrated)
- demonstrate engagement with appropriate communication design genres and contexts. These might include branding and marketing, editorial design, exhibition design, information design, packaging, social media, and/or user interface design
- use Adobe InDesign for typesetting, layout and prepress design work
- use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit images (such as diagrams, illustrations, photographs).
It is advantageous if the portfolio also shows:
- a strong foundation in complex typographic work
- experience using digital prototyping tools (such as: Sketch, Adobe HD, Invision, etc.)
- evidence of any complementary skills, such as: copyrighting, data journalism, illustration, marketing, motion graphics, project management, or technical communication.
The interview needs to demonstrate:
- how the applicant’s career goals and interests align with the programme and pathway applied for
- the relevance of the applicants’ previous studies, professional experience, portfolio and skills to the programme and pathway applied for
- an ability to articulate research interests and/or skills relevant to the programme and pathway applied for.
Please see the Department’s advice for a successful application.
Months of entry
September
Course content
MA Communication Design: Graphic Design combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.
Working closely with global experts and established industry contributors, students develop their design skills within a framework of informed originality and excellence in practice. This approach brings together problem-solving for contemporary applications, contextual knowledge, sound professional judgement, and a reflective attitude to design exploration.
MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. These pathways allow for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.
Shared lectures, seminars and practical workshops enable students to develop fundamental knowledge of typography and specific areas of communication design. Additional taught sessions on reflective practice and research methods give students unique access to internationally significant collections and archives held by the University and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. These sessions equip students with the skills to interrogate original material for research, and provide insight into how practice connects with changing means of production, the wider historical context, and critical design discourse.
MA Communication Design combines elements of publication and editorial design with user-centred design, supported by advanced typography. Students work on projects that engage with text-intensive print and digital applications in each of these areas.
* 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
Information for international students
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
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 feesWith 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.
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.
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.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Global Recruitment Team
- student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk