Typography and Graphic Communication

Our Department has an international reputation for its teaching and research. It has been a leader in defining and shaping our field, with pioneering contributions in: the integration of research into design teaching; the use of archives in developing, understanding and guiding design decisions; and the consolidation of history, theory and practice in typographic education.

Our Department has an outstanding reputation for its research. We are a highly ranked University for Art and Design – 10th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025. We have defined and shaped our field, with pioneering contributions in the integration of research into design teaching, the use of archives in developing, understanding and guiding design decisions, and the consolidation of history, theory and practice in typographic education.

Our programmes enable you to develop excellent skills in design practice, enquiry and discourse. You will benefit from teaching that draws on academic and professional expertise from a wide range of staff and visiting contributors. Our small programme groups allow you to engage with other postgraduates and researchers, in a supportive and collegiate environment.

You will benefit from our links with design institutions all over the world. These include the Rare Book School in Lyon, the Information Design Association, International Institute for Information Design, Sign Design Society, Printing Historical Society, Monotype Imaging, The Newberry Library, Victoria & Albert Museum and St Bride Library. We also house a large number of outstanding typography and graphic communication collections, which are used regularly in teaching, allowing you a unique, hands-on experience with archival material.

Our programmes help prepare you for a career in practice, and are ideal for those considering MPhil or PhD study.

Looking for postgraduate research opportunities?

Come to Reading for your PhD or professional doctorate and join a talented and diverse community of fellow researchers working to improve lives across the globe.