BA Graphic Communication

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.

Choose the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

Study in a top 10 university for graphic design (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 7th in the UK for graphic design, Guardian University Guide, 2025).
100% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication).
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication).
95% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication).
The 澳门六合彩开奖记录 ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (=91 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) and top 150 for Arts and Design globally (101-150 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)

Your learning environment

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
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.

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. 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.

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.

Overview

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.

Choose the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

Study in a top 10 university for graphic design (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 7th in the UK for graphic design, Guardian University Guide, 2025).
100% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication).
100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication).
95% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory; Typography and Graphic Communication).
The 澳门六合彩开奖记录 ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally (=91 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) and top 150 for Arts and Design globally (101-150 in QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)

Your learning environment

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
websites and mobile apps.

You will also enjoy a hands-on approach to design history through our renowned graphic design collections.

Placement

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall

Other information

Preference for a combination of practical and non-practical subjects.

Applicants may be asked to enhance their application by providing a portfolio and/or a piece of written work.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

Merit

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the 澳门六合彩开奖记录’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Professional Development 1

This module aims to help you imagine and achieve your career goals. Nurture your personal creative process, develop self-directed technical learning and gain exposure to a range of design- related roles through a vibrant, diverse, student-curated series of guest lectures. You’ll also build your personal network and industry contacts.

Study Skills

In this module you’ll be equipped to make use of the University’s vast academic resources and expertise. You’ll learn a research-based approach to design practice, be encouraged to develop a passion for reading and talking about design, and gain skills such as graphic analysis, essays and report writing, and critical thinking.

Type and Typography

Learn about fonts, or typefaces – from the minute detail of how each letter is designed, through to the ways in which letters build into words, sentences, paragraphs, pages, books or websites. You’ll learn about type and typography by exploring the history, theory, and practice of making and using fonts. You’ll gain hands-on experience through practical projects.

Information Design 1

Learn about the areas where information design is used and gain an understanding of the core techniques and principles. You’ll be introduced to essential skills in organising and presenting information using typography, illustration, and wider graphic language. You’ll appreciate the power of design in relation to how people view, process and act on the wealth of visual information they receive every day.

Brand and Persuasion 1

Branding is the practice of creating a unique way of presenting a business, person, institution or movement. Learn the techniques, principles and methods needed to create and manage visual identities. You’ll learn about aspects of history, theory and current practice of branding, with a focus on creativity as well as discipline.

User Experience 1

User experience (UX) refers to the planning and making of products (digital or physical) that address the needs of users. Develop your knowledge of user experience by learning about methods that are useful at every stage of the UX process including identifying user needs and creating functional digital prototypes. You’ll learn about the UX process by experiencing each step, and understand where a ‘designer‘ plays a significant role.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Compulsory modules

Professional Development 2

Develop ideas about design careers, alongside building your creative professional practice in the studio. You’ll focus on how printed objects are produced, both in an industrial setting, and in a studio crafting environment. You’ll learn about applying for design jobs, and get input into your portfolio and CV.

Design and Discourse

Engage with graphic design history, theory and thinking to explore the ideas that underpin contemporary design practice. Examine the history of graphic communication, discuss key theories, analyse contemporary debates, practice visual analysis and discover research in design. You’ll build a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, ecological and political contexts that surround the discipline and learn core research methods.

Editorial Design

Explore the challenges of design for reading continuous text. You’ll develop an understanding of type, and how to use and mix typefaces. You’ll learn about text hierarchy and reading strategy, grids and navigation, legibility, house style and layout on page and screen. The module draws on aspects of history and theory through practical teaching and assessments.

Brand and Persuasion 2

Explore the challenges of creating compelling visuals that aim to advertise, inform, identify and persuade. You’ll learn ideation skills, storyboarding, illustration and image-making, relevant craft skills, knowledge of typographic detailing conventions, and competence in technology.

Information Design 2

Develop expertise in information design through the design of complex graphic items. You’ll work on a practical project and attend lectures on the history and theory of design discipline.

User Experience 2

Develop your knowledge of user experience design by creating digital prototypes that embed principles of inclusive design. You’ll study practical aspects that are informed by contemporary professional practice, integrated with relevant theory, and current technologies. You’ll also build on the foundational principles from earlier UX projects and apply this knowledge to new challenges.

Optional modules

Discourse and Professional Development

Strengthen your engagement with typography and communication design as a rational, evidence-based, communication-focused activity. You’ll examine the diverse theoretical and historical perspectives and evaluate alternative points of view, build communication skills and develop your own position. You’ll also experience the common industry practice of design contests, and learn how printed objects are produced, both in an industrial setting, and in a studio crafting environment.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Compulsory modules

Design Portfolio

Produce work for your design portfolio in response to four different project briefs. You’ll gain understanding of elements of design process and justification, develop solutions, enhance your problem solving and visual skills, and learn to produce high quality work that demonstrates your ability to design in different specialist areas.

Dissertation

Create effective and engaging design solutions by demonstrating an understanding of how people process and react to graphic and typographic content. You’ll develop research-based approaches to design, identify and analyse graphic artefacts and, learn to examine and incorporate contemporary discourse in design thinking.

Professional Practice

Develop your professional skills through real-world design projects under supervision. You’ll receive career support in the form of exposure to external design professionals, and, an opportunity to present your practical work to prospective employers.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: 拢25,250

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

We have close links with industry, and will develop your professional and practical skills through supervised assignments for real clients.

Our graphic communication graduates are in high demand, because the combination of creative, production, and client-facing skills we teach help to prepare you for industry. Overall, 93% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

Our graduates take leadership roles in a range of creative industries. Recent graduates have gone on to work across the professional design sector, from publishing, branding, and information design, to web and mobile interface design. Employers of our graduates include BBC Online, the Financial Times, Vodafone, Adobe, Oxford University Press, and Penguin Books, as well as many specialist design studios and start-up agencies.

Alternatively, you can further develop your knowledge and skills on one of our internationally recognised master's courses in Book Design, Creative Enterprise, Information Design, Graphic Design, or Typeface Design.

*Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes all Typography and Graphic Communication responders.

澳门六合彩开奖记录