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

The MA Communication Design: Typeface Design Pathway combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment*.

This course integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements. This Typeface Design pathway allows for specialisation and a deeper engagement with Communication Design.

The Typeface Design pathway focuses on the development of multiscript typefaces for text-intensive applications. Students work on defining, planning, and designing a multiscript typeface family, exploring issues of character complements, the development of family styles across scripts, and the relationship of convention and modernity in typeface design.

Why study MA Communication Design: Typeface Design Pathway at Reading?

The global reference programme in the field
First university-based pathway in this subject
Highly international student body, with a wide range of backgrounds
Pathway combines practical and academic elements into a signature model for design education
Design and research areas are global in perspective, with a wide variety of typographic scripts covered

* 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

UK students

£10,500 per year (full-time)

International students

£21,350 per year (full-time)

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 fees

With 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.

Additional Costs

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.

Financial support for your studies

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 time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Global Recruitment Team
Email: student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk

Visit website

Communication Design: Typeface Design pathway