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Course information

If you've achieved well at school or college and your passion for design is strong, our undergraduate degree may be exactly right for you. 

Why study with us?

Our undergraduate course is renowned for its intellectual rigour. You'll engage in serious academic study with us as well as gaining top-level design skills and graduating with a diverse, relevant portfolio.

Student work

Design for Social Good

Our Year 2 students recently created designs inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their work was developed in response to a brief inspired by Project Everyone, a United Nations Global Partner dedicated to promoting these goals. Watch the video to learn more about the design process, the students' experiences, and the mission of Project Everyone!

Lewis' experience

“For me, studying this degree has probably been the best decision of my life and it has set me up for the future.” Lewis talks about his experience studying Graphic Communications, how supportive the department is, and how getting hands-on experience and exposure will help him in his future.

Real Jobs

Real Jobs is our innovative scheme for bringing together students and clients for personalised work placements. Students work on live briefs that bring the experience of professional practice to life.

Graduate Work

We keep an archive of work for every graduating class, which ranges from experimental UX design to traditional letterpress projects. 

2020 graduate work

2019 graduate work

2018 graduate work

Degree show

Students design, promote and host their own degree show each year. Their work, in their words.

2023 degree show

2022 degree show

2021 degree show

2020 degree show

Your first year with us

Year one starter projects

Our first year begins with a series of short, unassessed exercises where you'll start exploring your creative ideas and building basic technical and design thinking skills.

Instagram

Our students run their own Instagram account where they share what they value most about our course.

Baseline shift

Our student-curated programme of talks by visiting speakers, including designers and academics from around the world. It gives new students an expansive view of potential design careers and approaches.

Life in the Department

Enjoy small-group teaching and dedicated 24-hour studio spaces. You'll work closely with academics on real-life practical projects.

Applicant information

If you've already made your application, we look forward to seeing you soon. Here are some useful links to our portfolio guidance, applicant Facebook community, and applicant portal.

How you'll study

We help you engage with design from many angles and work to your strengths. Learn more about our stimulating and flexible teaching methods.

Caroline's story

Even after graduating, I have heard so much about the outstanding quality of Reading graduates because Reading is serious about design and design research.

Caroline Teng

BA Graphic Communication graduate

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.