StudyLink logoHome
Students on a university campus

Graphic Communication, BA (Hons)

University of Reading, the United Kingdom

University of Reading

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
BA (Hons)Full-time3 yearsfind outfind outfind out

About Graphic Communication, BA (Hons) - at University of Reading

Study on a top design course at the UK’s subject-leading department. Develop the ability to express your design ideas confidently, learn how to solve real-life graphic communication challenges, and graduate with a diverse and relevant portfolio.

The Department of Typography & Graphic Communication offers you a distinctive approach to a design degree. We integrate different ways of thinking about design – practical, historical, and theoretical – so that you will become a well-rounded ‘thinking designer’, with a profile that’s sought after by the design industry.

You will undertake practical projects across digital and print media, and learn about design principles and how to respond to user needs. Current projects include: brand campaigns, e-books and magazines, music packaging, newspapers, pictograms, wayfinding and sign systems, and websites and mobile apps. You will also enjoy a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections.

You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final-year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. This combination of academic writing, problem-solving, and client-facing communication gives you a competitive edge in the employment market. You can also broaden your profile by studying abroad in your second year. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with staff on research projects with real-world impact.

We enjoy a high level of student satisfaction because we offer small-group teaching, accessible tutors, dedicated 24-hour studio spaces, and a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections. You will learn how to communicate your design ideas clearly and persuasively through project reports and presentations. Essays and a final year dissertation will develop your research skills and your ability to bring your ideas together. You can widen your profile by studying abroad in your second year at one of our partner institutions in Germany, Canada or Australia, where the design courses are taught in English. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with staff on research projects with real-world impact.

The curriculum is constantly evolving and is informed by the research carried out by our staff. Our research, much of which is concerned with everyday communication, is recognised as excellent – we were recently ranked first among all UK art and design institutions in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. 100% of our research was recognised internationally and 56% was rated world-leading.

Placement - We bring the benefits of placements into the Department for all students. Employers such as IBM Design and Oxford University Press are actively engaged with our teaching and offer individual feedback on student projects. You will develop your approach to design in a practical way through working with real clients, real budgets and real time scales. These ‘real jobs’ are supported by your tutors and form part of your assessment. You will also work alongside the University’s professional design team to gain experience of dealing with print and online production processes. In your second year you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, where the design courses are taught in English. We currently have links with DHBW in Ravensburg, Germany; Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Notes about fees for this course

Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.

Entry requirements

English language requirements: IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

Study Abroad Summer Program Summer Course

Osgoode Professional Development

Find out more

Smart Grids MSc

University of Vaasa

Find out more

Canine Training and Performance BSc (Hons)

Hartpury University

Find out more

Choral Conducting MA

University of Pécs

Find out more

Innovative Business Design MDes

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (PolyU Design)

Find out more

PGCE Primary (5-11) PGCE

Bishop Grosseteste University

Find out more

Foundation and Pathway Courses at other institutions

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these courses from another institution:

NCA Online Exam Prep

Osgoode Professional Development

Find out more

English Foundation Program

EU Business School, Munich

Find out more

Filmmaking - 1 year

ESRA Film School Paris

Find out more
See all Foundation and Pathway courses

Other courses at University of Reading

There are 602 other courses listed from University of Reading. A selection of these are displayed below:

Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)

University of Reading

Find out more

Accounting and Finance MSc

University of Reading

Find out more
View all 602 courses at University of Reading

Related Information

Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom