BA Graphic Communication

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 University of Reading.

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.

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 University of Reading.

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. 

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 University of Reading.