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Learn from expert academics

Our academic staff include leaders in research, scholarship and practice. You'll benefit from teaching that draws on their collective expertise and graduate with excellent design, critical thinking and research skills. 

Visiting professionals from across the design industry will also contribute to your learning. 

Read more about our staff and their expertise

Our network of graduates is spread across the design industry, both nationally and internationally. Watch the video to learn more about why companies like the Applied Information Group have been hiring Typography & Graphic Communication graduates over the years and continue to do so.

“So far, the standout thing for me is that the programme has challenged me to think about typography in a different way, and that's been a really useful skill.” At the University of Reading, you will have the opportunity to combine the study of theory with practical application, using our brilliant facilities and resources at the department of Typography & Graphic Communication.

Study in a top-rated research environment

Research is at the core of what we do, and we've made pioneering contributions to the integration of research into design teaching. 

When you choose to study with us, you'll gain the latest insights into practice, theory and history. Our programmes will prepare you for a career in an ever-evolving industry, and for study for an MPhil or PhD. 

Read more about our research

Weekly, direct access to stellar design collections

In hands-on learning sessions you'll gain knowledge of the technical and material contexts, which will allow you to confidently make informed design choices in your future career. 

You'll also build a critical understanding of genre, style and user-centred design as you examine sets of historical objects. 

Learn more about our internationally important collections

"The typographic knowledge and sensibility you gain at Reading in a year, can take many years to attain just through working in industry, as I’ve observed with other colleagues in the studios where I’ve worked. 

"It’s very hard to reconstruct such depth of knowledge once you’re working." 

Lozana Rossenova

Master's graduate

 

Read Lozana's story

Transforming your career

Our graduates make their mark in publishing and editorial design, branding, graphic design, information design, and typeface design.

Our MA Communication Design graduates go on to work in both large, international companies and smaller studios in their field. 

Employers include:

  • Apple
  • The Financial Times
  • Monotype
  • Rosetta Type
  • Type Together
  • Microsoft Typography
  • Nokia
  • Kilotype
  • Oxford University Press
  • Victoria and Albert Museum.
     

The MA by Research and MRes Typeface Design programmes are ideal preparation for starting or enhancing a career in teaching and research. Both allow you to apply for PhD study directly after graduation, with the MA by Research programme including preparation of a PhD proposal as part of the curriculum.

Our industry connections

As a master’s student in our Department, you’ll work closely with disciplinary experts and established industry contributors to develop your creative design skills.  

We have links with: 

  • Rare Book School in Lyon
  • Information Design Association
  • International Institute for Information Design
  • Monotype Imaging
  • The Newberry Library
  • St Bride Library.
     

Some of our courses provide the opportunity to engage with clients on real projects. Visiting teachers and lecturers from our extensive industry network will enrich your experience of studying at Reading.


Life in the Department

Find out what day-to-day life is like as a master's student in the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication.

Life in Reading

Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.

Professor Fiona Ross

Fiona has designed revolutionary fonts that have been used to communicate to millions of people throughout the world, and now lectures on our master's programmes.