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MA Communication Design

On our MA Communication Design pathways, you'll develop practical skills and study historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class, research-intensive environment. 

Each pathway equips you with fundamental knowledge of typography and allows you to specialise in a particular area of communication design. You'll work on practical projects and produce a substantial dissertation as part of your studies.

Graphic Design Pathway

Embark on practical work in editorial design both in print and digital form. You'll be able to choose modules from across all MA Communication Design pathways, so you can graduate with a breadth of knowledge and experience.

Book Design Pathway

Apply your design skills to printed books and electronic publications. You'll engage with emerging experimental publishing strategies, as well as the current demands of professional practice.

Information Design Pathway

Explore the relationship between user experience and the presentation of information across different everyday applications and contexts, including interaction design and wayfinding.

Typeface Design Pathway

Define, plan, and design your own multiscript typeface family. You'll explore issues of character complements, the development of family styles across scripts, and the relationship of convention and modernity in typeface design.


MA by Research Typography and Graphic Communication

Develop your independent research and writing skills on this intensive course. Its flexible structure allows you to tailor the programme to your personal interests. It’s ideal preparation for higher study and self-directed research.

MRes Typeface Design

Gain a deeper understanding of the historical and theoretical aspects of your field. The MRes Typeface Design course is for experienced, practising typeface designers and allows you to teach at postgraduate level.

Read Dan's story

My time at Reading was the start of many relationships with colleagues and specialists whose own work is vital to what we’re doing at Adobe now.

Dan Rhatigan

Master's graduate and Senior Manager at Adobe Type


Read Tamsin's story

Tamsin Oglivie embarked on a part-time master's in book design after a successful career in film set and exhibition design.

Application information

We take a portfolio and personal statement into account when we assess your application. Read our advice on what to include to ensure the best chance of securing a place on one of our programmes.