Program Overview

MA Communication Design: Information Design Pathway

The MA Communication Design: Information Design Pathway combines the development of practical skills with the study of historical and theoretical issues, in a world-class research-intensive environment. This program integrates shared elements of study and pathway-specific elements, allowing for specialization and a deeper engagement with communication design.

Overview

The Information Design pathway focuses on the relationship between the presentation of information and user experience across different everyday applications and contexts of use. These include: data visualization, document and user interface design, and wayfinding. Students examine and conceptualize services, experiences, and user journeys, and develop communication and visual systems that facilitate the effective delivery of complex information to users.

Why Study MA Communication Design: Information Design Pathway at Reading?

• Access to world-class collections and archives
• Learn to apply a user-centered approach to support design decisions and generate new design opportunities
• Practice within a research-intensive environment, where equal emphasis is placed on design theory and practice
• Develop effective communication and visual systems
• Produce functional, aesthetic, and highly crafted complex documents, interfaces, and interaction environments

The Department of Typography & Graphic Design is internationally renowned, with 100% of its research judged to be of international standing and 100% of its research impact classed as 'outstanding' or 'very considerable'. The University of Reading ranks in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities globally and 21 in the UK.

Entry Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
• Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honors degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a design-related subject. For exceptional candidates without such a degree, convincing evidence of relevant professional experience is required. A relevant practice portfolio and an example of academic writing are also required. Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for an interview.

The personal statement should demonstrate:

• An ability to articulate clear career goals and interests that align with the program and pathway applied for
• The relevance of the applicant's previous studies, professional experience, portfolio, and skills to the program and pathway applied for

The portfolio should demonstrate that applicants can:

• Conceptualize, develop, and evaluate projects in response to design briefs
• Incorporate relevant research into project work
• Use text and images effectively in page layout design
• Use typography to articulate and organize text
• Demonstrate engagement with appropriate communication design genres and contexts
• Use Adobe InDesign for typesetting, layout, and prepress design work
• Use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create and edit images

It is advantageous if the portfolio also shows:

• A strong foundation in complex typographic work
• Experience using digital prototyping tools
• Evidence of any complementary skills

The interview should demonstrate:

• How the applicant's career goals and interests align with the program and pathway applied for
• The relevance of the applicant's previous studies, professional experience, portfolio, and skills to the program and pathway applied for
• An ability to articulate research interests and/or skills relevant to the program and pathway applied for

Structure

• Modules:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Core: Learn through a series of collections-based teaching sessions that focus on key areas in typography and communication design.
    • Reflective Practice: This module focuses on user-centered design, wayfinding, data visualization, and a solid background in typography.
    • Dissertation: Work on a substantial dissertation related to your work or modules, with the help of research methods teaching sessions and individual tutorials.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,050. If you study part-time over two years, your fees will be calculated at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year.
• New international students: £26,450. If you study part-time over two years, your fees will be calculated at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year.
• Tuition fee information: The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants.

Careers

Our graduates have an excellent employment record. Overall, 93% of graduates from Typography and Graphic Communication are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Many take up positions in type design studios, with publishers and general design studios, and wayfinding and information design studios. Previous employers have included Apple, Financial Times, Microsoft Typography, Monotype, Nokia, Oxford University Press, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.