MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
MA by Research Typography and Graphic Communication
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Reading offers a unique and specialized program, the MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication. This program provides students with the opportunity to engage in independent, advanced research within the fields of typography and graphic communication. With a strong emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, the program is designed for those wishing to deepen their understanding of typography, graphic design, and visual communication in a research-focused environment. This course is ideal for students seeking to make significant contributions to the design field and those wishing to pursue further academic or professional careers in typography and graphic communication.
Curriculum: The MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication is a flexible program designed to support individual research interests within the broader context of visual communication. Unlike traditional taught master's programs, the MA by Research offers students the opportunity to explore specific topics in depth, under the guidance of expert faculty members. Students begin by identifying their research focus, which may include topics such as type design, typography history, graphic design theory, visual culture, and digital communication. The curriculum is centered around independent research, critical analysis, and the development of a research dissertation or thesis. Throughout the program, students have access to various resources, workshops, and seminars to support their work, enabling them to engage with both contemporary and historical aspects of typography and graphic design.
Research Focus: At the University of Reading, the MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication places a strong emphasis on high-level research in design and visual communication. The research focus spans a wide range of areas within typography and graphic design, including typographic history, experimental typography, design theory, and the impact of digital technologies on visual communication. Students can explore new and emerging trends in design, such as the influence of digital media on typography or the cultural significance of graphic design in various societies. The program also supports interdisciplinary research, allowing students to engage with fields such as art history, media studies, and communication studies. The department is home to internationally renowned researchers and offers access to cutting-edge facilities, allowing students to explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to graphic communication.
Industry Engagement: The University of Reading’s MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication program is strongly connected with the design industry. The program benefits from the university’s long-standing reputation in design and its relationships with leading professionals and organizations in the field. Students are encouraged to participate in workshops, conferences, and industry events, which facilitate networking and professional development opportunities. Collaboration with design studios, agencies, and other creative industries is an integral part of the research process, providing students with valuable real-world insights and the opportunity to apply their research to practical design challenges. Additionally, students can participate in exhibitions or publish their research findings in relevant journals, further establishing their presence in the design community.
Global Perspective: The MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication at the University of Reading is grounded in a global perspective, reflecting the university’s international reputation for design excellence. The program attracts students from around the world, fostering a diverse and multicultural learning environment. The global aspect of the program is reflected in the diverse range of research topics students can pursue, such as the study of global typography trends, cross-cultural design practices, and the role of graphic design in global communication. Students are encouraged to consider global issues, from the internationalization of design practices to the impact of digital media on visual communication worldwide. This international context enriches the research process and helps students understand how typography and graphic communication can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25850
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for students from Commonwealth nations pursuing a master's or PhD. Covers tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
Great Scholarships: A collaboration between the British Council and UK universities. Provides funding of up to £10,000 for postgraduate students from selected countries.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Alumni Discount for Postgraduate Students: If you are a University of Reading graduate, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount for further studies.
The University of Reading offers a specialized and research-focused MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication, which prepares graduates to pursue diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the creative industries. This program provides students with in-depth research skills in typography, graphic design, and visual communication, enabling them to make valuable contributions to the field. Graduates are equipped with a solid understanding of design theory, research methodologies, and contemporary issues, making them well-suited for a wide range of career paths in academia, design practice, and related industries.
Academic Researcher or Lecturer: Graduates with an MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication are well-positioned to pursue careers in academia. As researchers or lecturers, they can contribute to the body of knowledge in typography, graphic design, and visual communication by conducting independent research or teaching the next generation of design professionals. Academia offers opportunities to publish research, present at conferences, and engage with students, which can lead to roles at universities and research institutions worldwide.
Graphic Designer: Many graduates of the MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication choose to apply their research-driven skills to practical design work. As graphic designers, they may work in creative agencies, design studios, or as freelance designers, creating visual communication solutions for various clients. Their in-depth understanding of typography, design history, and visual culture enables them to develop sophisticated and informed design concepts that effectively communicate messages and solve design challenges.
Typographer: Typographers specialize in the design and development of typefaces, letterforms, and fonts. Graduates of the MA by Research program with a focus on typography can pursue careers as typographers, working in type foundries, digital design companies, or as independent practitioners. They may work on creating new typefaces, developing custom fonts for clients, or studying the evolution of type design. The knowledge gained during the program positions them to shape the future of typography in the digital age.
Design Consultant: Design consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations on how to enhance their visual communication strategies. Graduates of this program, with their strong research background, are equipped to analyze a company’s design needs, recommend improvements, and assist in the development of branding and visual identity systems. Design consultants often work with a range of industries, including publishing, advertising, media, and corporate sectors, offering guidance on everything from typography to overall graphic design strategies.
Branding and Identity Designer: Branding and identity designers are responsible for creating visual identities that reflect a company’s values, mission, and aesthetic. Graduates of the MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication can work in branding agencies or as independent consultants, developing logos, typography, color schemes, and other visual elements that define a brand’s personality. Their research-based approach ensures that the identities they create are rooted in both design theory and real-world communication needs.
UX/UI Designer: With the increasing importance of digital media and user-centered design, many MA by Research graduates pursue careers in UX (User Experience) or UI (User Interface) design. Their expertise in typography, graphic communication, and visual culture translates well into creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms. UX/UI designers ensure that users have an engaging and functional experience, incorporating typography and visual elements in a way that enhances usability and accessibility.
Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the visual and conceptual direction of design projects and teams. Graduates of the MA by Research program can work as creative directors in design agencies, advertising firms, or media companies, where they manage design projects, coordinate teams of designers, and ensure that the final output aligns with clients’ goals. Their deep understanding of typography and graphic communication allows them to create compelling and cohesive visual narratives.
Publishing Professional: The publishing industry requires professionals who understand the nuances of typography and layout design. Graduates of the MA by Research in Typography and Graphic Communication can pursue careers in publishing, whether in editorial design, book design, or magazine publishing. Their research knowledge allows them to work on complex projects that require an in-depth understanding of design principles, typographic history, and visual storytelling. These roles often involve collaborating with writers, editors, and production teams to create visually impactful publications.
Exhibition Designer: Exhibition designers work on the conceptualization and design of spaces used to display art, information, or products. Graduates with a focus on graphic communication and design theory are well-suited for this career, as they can create compelling visual narratives for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other public spaces. Exhibition design incorporates typography, graphic elements, and layout to engage audiences and convey meaningful information in physical environments.
Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual aspects of advertising campaigns, marketing materials, and media production. MA by Research graduates with a passion for typography and graphic communication can work as art directors in advertising agencies, marketing firms, or production companies. They manage teams of designers, photographers, and illustrators to create visual content that aligns with a brand’s vision and effectively communicates its message to the target audience.
Design Educator or Consultant in Corporate Settings: Some graduates may choose to apply their research expertise to teaching or consulting roles within corporations. In these positions, they help internal teams or clients enhance their understanding of design principles, typography, and visual communication. They may also lead internal workshops, presentations, or design projects to improve the visual standards of corporate communications, branding, or product development.
