Communication Design: Information Design pathway
Entry requirements
Please note that entry requirements for 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed. The entry requirements for 2023/24 were:
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).
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.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Months of entry
September
Course content
The MA Communication Design: Information Design Pathway combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.
MA Communication Design integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. This Information Design pathway allows for specialisation and a deeper engagement with communication design.
The Information Design pathway focuses on the relationship between the presentation of information and user experience across different everyday applications and contexts of use. These include: data visualisation, document and user interface design, and wayfinding. Students examine and conceptualise services, experiences, and user journeys, and develop communication and visual systems that facilitate the effective delivery of complex information to users.
Why study MA Communication Design: Information Design Pathway at Reading?- Access to world-class collections and archives
- Learn to apply a user-centred approach to support design decisions and generate new design opportunities
- Practice within a research-intensive environment, where equal emphasis is placed on design theory and practice
- Develop effective communication and visual systems
- Produce functional, aesthetic and highly crafted complex documents, interfaces and interaction environments
* 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
Fees and funding
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800
New international students: £22,350
Tuition fee information
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
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Global Recruitment Team
- student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk