Communication Design: Typeface Design pathway

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.

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’†.

The University of Reading ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (joint 92) and 21 in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

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).