BA Graphic Communication at Reading!!
Come on designers, where the hell are you?!
It's my firm... nobody on Yougo!
I haven't seen a thread for this course this year, so here we go! Anyone else got an offer for Graphic Communication? It's a pretty teensy course (25-35 applicants a year) so it's a bit scary wondering who's going to end up there! Now where are you all hiding?
It's my firm... nobody on Yougo!
I haven't seen a thread for this course this year, so here we go! Anyone else got an offer for Graphic Communication? It's a pretty teensy course (25-35 applicants a year) so it's a bit scary wondering who's going to end up there! Now where are you all hiding?
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Hey 
I'm glad someone had made this thread...
I'm think i'm putting Reading down as my firm too.
I'm Sarah by the way
I'm glad someone had made this thread... I'm think i'm putting Reading down as my firm too.
I'm Sarah by the way
Reply 2
Lol hurrah! What's your insurance?
Reply 3
I've got an offer as well and I will most likely put it as my firm. (yay for us for having our own thread!)
Reply 4
Lol wooooooo! Our tiny, echoing thread...
Reply 5
Coventry will probably be my insurance - how about you?!
Reply 6
can I just ask what A levels you have taken. Just because this kinda course , i might be interested in ...
Reply 7
jimbo lad
can I just ask what A levels you have taken. Just because this kinda course , i might be interested in ...
I did IB but my higher levels were English, History, and Art. It says on the website that they want a mixture of practical and non practical subjects, the course is all available as a joint with History or English. The most important thing is to take the subjects you enjoy and are good at. I have an offer but it's one I know will be tough to reach. A friend of mine applied for this course last year got an offer and then didn't make it.
Reply 8
I took Psychology, English Lit/Lan and Design Technology.
I've always liked art-related subjects, but in particular, I left Art behind me because the mark scheme bugged me and I hated mechanically churning out drawings and copying artists. Design felt like it had so much more point and direction....And yeah, I absolutely love Reading's course because I have good writing skill and I don't want to loose my academic-ness by choosing a creative subject. Also, unlike other universities, they clearly define their design from art, others just sort of blur the two and its confusing what to expect.
I have a very strict idea about the difference between art and design, and some courses really were just art in disguise- most others are ''design'' but are so...artsy and expressive about everything, it's not the way that I work.
I've always liked art-related subjects, but in particular, I left Art behind me because the mark scheme bugged me and I hated mechanically churning out drawings and copying artists. Design felt like it had so much more point and direction....And yeah, I absolutely love Reading's course because I have good writing skill and I don't want to loose my academic-ness by choosing a creative subject. Also, unlike other universities, they clearly define their design from art, others just sort of blur the two and its confusing what to expect.
I have a very strict idea about the difference between art and design, and some courses really were just art in disguise- most others are ''design'' but are so...artsy and expressive about everything, it's not the way that I work.
Reply 9
Heyy.. Im choosing this as my firm choice!! does anyone have idea about what are good halls?
does anyone have idea about what are good halls?Reply 10
DesignHoney
I took Psychology, English Lit/Lan and Design Technology.
I've always liked art-related subjects, but in particular, I left Art behind me because the mark scheme bugged me and I hated mechanically churning out drawings and copying artists. Design felt like it had so much more point and direction....And yeah, I absolutely love Reading's course because I have good writing skill and I don't want to loose my academic-ness by choosing a creative subject. Also, unlike other universities, they clearly define their design from art, others just sort of blur the two and its confusing what to expect.
I have a very strict idea about the difference between art and design, and some courses really were just art in disguise- most others are ''design'' but are so...artsy and expressive about everything, it's not the way that I work.
I've always liked art-related subjects, but in particular, I left Art behind me because the mark scheme bugged me and I hated mechanically churning out drawings and copying artists. Design felt like it had so much more point and direction....And yeah, I absolutely love Reading's course because I have good writing skill and I don't want to loose my academic-ness by choosing a creative subject. Also, unlike other universities, they clearly define their design from art, others just sort of blur the two and its confusing what to expect.
I have a very strict idea about the difference between art and design, and some courses really were just art in disguise- most others are ''design'' but are so...artsy and expressive about everything, it's not the way that I work.
OKay kool. Im taking Graphic Design along with Economics, maths and history;. I take it its mainly about your eportfolio over the two when you go for an interview and if you didnt do art how did you get together drawing etc. Sorry im still a bit blind to all of this as im only in year 11 but this might be a future prospect for me.!
Reply 11
yes yes yes
I've accepted reading as my firm for graphics,
I adore the course, and am pretty much a dead cert, all they want is a pass in FAD if you have good a-levels
I've accepted reading as my firm for graphics,
I adore the course, and am pretty much a dead cert, all they want is a pass in FAD if you have good a-levels
Reply 12
jimbo lad
can I just ask what A levels you have taken. Just because this kinda course , i might be interested in ...
I took Product Design, Media, Psychology and English Literature ( very similar to DesignHoney :P )
Reply 13
jimbo lad
OKay kool. Im taking Graphic Design along with Economics, maths and history;. I take it its mainly about your eportfolio over the two when you go for an interview and if you didnt do art how did you get together drawing etc. Sorry im still a bit blind to all of this as im only in year 11 but this might be a future prospect for me.!
Well if I didnt do art, then it makes sense I did design? lol
During my GCSE's I did a Certificate in Digital Applications and Design Technology which gave me lots of design work, and Art gave me some good illustrations/artwork. Then Design Technology A Level and personal work is what boosted it. I do alot of design in my free time and have had some real clients.
Reading says they prefer to see design work, but understand if your school only offered Art, and will look at your artwork. However cause of the subjects I was able to take I was literally gushing with design to show.
I will also say this (presuming it is not subject to change anytime soon); Reading only wants to see four pieces of your best work, plus an example of academic written work (such as an Essay). You are not there at all to talk to anyone, they judge you purely on your work while youre out lunching and touring!
Secondly, a seperate person will mark your essay, to test you on your writing skills.
Your graphic design course should give you some design pieces to present in your portfolio, and you have good academic subjects too, so you're the kind of student they're looking for (so long as youre imrpessive/creative, of course).
Like I said, all these things made me love Reading. They still value intellect in a creative course, and not having to have a personal interview was a major weight off my chest....!
Reply 14
AmyLewis
Heyy.. Im choosing this as my firm choice!! does anyone have idea about what are good halls?
does anyone have idea about what are good halls?Lol. Why do so many people ask about this everywhere? Research research research. Everyone will have varied and different opinions, not to mention that a person only really lives in one at a time, so cant tell you much!
My advice is to know whether you want catered or non-catered, and then whether you want a standard room, a washbasin (sink) or an en suite. This will narrow your search down quite a bit.
Then, find as many photos of the available halls as you can via the Reading website, accomodation books and even Google Images.
Finally, look on Googlemaps etc to see where on Campus the hall is. For example, you ideally want to be in a hall near the Typography building.
The Pros of Catered:
Don't have to cook your own food
Don't have to shop for food
You get to dine together with people from your hall, so there is a great social atmosphere and better chance to meet a wider range of people from your hall
No stress
3 Square meals a day! And desserts etc
Great selection, plus vegetarian etc
Cons of Catered:
No meals on Sundays (I think)
Can't completely choose your own food
Have to walk all the way to your canteen for food
Need to get guest cards for visitors to allow them to eat
You have to share a pantry when the kitchen isnt running, which is where you microwave small emals/prepare snacks/make some coffee
. This can get pretty crowded on weekends. If you dont eat at the canteen regularly, you have effectively wasted your money.
Pros of Self-Catered:
Meet people who share your kitchen, cook meals together etc
Great way to break the ice because you have to say hi!
Shop for your own food, cook when you want and what you want
Can have social events in your kitchen
Cons of Self-Catered:
You're in charge of your diet
You have to cook
Have to plan/worry about your diet
Shop for food each week
Also if you have a wash-basin room you have somewhere to freshen up, brush your teeth, shave, wash, etc. If you do not have a wash basin room you have to go do this communally!
Non-ensuite is fine, the bathrooms are cleaned regularly (not saying some days won't be gross though) and it is very rare you ever have to wait to use a shower- it's kind of weird!
From my experience:
Wessex has self-catered wasbasin rooms, and while there were some scabbier corridors painted ugly colours, the section I visited regularly was really nice. The hallways were painted lilac, and the kitchens are lovely and look new, with cheap pine-looking tables/cupboards. The bedrooms have quite old dark-coloured furniture but are in my opinion very roomy. My boyfriends room was lovely! The sunlight always came through the window, and you could see everyone elses windows in the 'U' bit so there was a homey, buzzing atmosphere.
I would recommend this hall for those who want a washbasin!
Bulmershe is generally 'Beware' because of a stale atmosphere/sheer distance from the main campus. Childs is a building that is segregated alot with many many doors (unlike Wessex) so you are limited to the section you're ''allowed'' in, which I hear greatly damages the social atmosphere/overall freedom.
One plus to this is no huge drunk gangs wandering around I guess?
My boyfriend said when he went on a tour, White Knights has a brilliant old-style pub, but the whole place felt like a hotel because of the lifeless corridors...
St. Patricks is a private (I think) hall just over the road from the University and is so far, my first choice because it has ensuite rooms with generally nice furniture (though rooms are a tad small). However, this place is pricey!
Wantage has some washbasin rooms, and comes with high street cred
however there are two parts to the building- the older half looks gorgeous and medieval, with lattice windows and old bricks like some sort of Hogwarts, but the other side generally looks average, icky and normal. Most of the people I knew disliked the hall though cause they said that's where snobs go ;PHowever, don't take my word for it. I've seen alot of Reading uni and talked to quite a few people, but you honestly need to reseach for yourself! Hope I helped a little, though
Reply 15
DesignHoney
Well if I didnt do art, then it makes sense I did design? lol
During my GCSE's I did a Certificate in Digital Applications and Design Technology which gave me lots of design work, and Art gave me some good illustrations/artwork. Then Design Technology A Level and personal work is what boosted it. I do alot of design in my free time and have had some real clients.
Reading says they prefer to see design work, but understand if your school only offered Art, and will look at your artwork. However cause of the subjects I was able to take I was literally gushing with design to show.
I will also say this (presuming it is not subject to change anytime soon); Reading only wants to see four pieces of your best work, plus an example of academic written work (such as an Essay). You are not there at all to talk to anyone, they judge you purely on your work while youre out lunching and touring!
Secondly, a seperate person will mark your essay, to test you on your writing skills.
Your graphic design course should give you some design pieces to present in your portfolio, and you have good academic subjects too, so you're the kind of student they're looking for (so long as youre imrpessive/creative, of course).
Like I said, all these things made me love Reading. They still value intellect in a creative course, and not having to have a personal interview was a major weight off my chest....!
During my GCSE's I did a Certificate in Digital Applications and Design Technology which gave me lots of design work, and Art gave me some good illustrations/artwork. Then Design Technology A Level and personal work is what boosted it. I do alot of design in my free time and have had some real clients.
Reading says they prefer to see design work, but understand if your school only offered Art, and will look at your artwork. However cause of the subjects I was able to take I was literally gushing with design to show.
I will also say this (presuming it is not subject to change anytime soon); Reading only wants to see four pieces of your best work, plus an example of academic written work (such as an Essay). You are not there at all to talk to anyone, they judge you purely on your work while youre out lunching and touring!
Secondly, a seperate person will mark your essay, to test you on your writing skills.
Your graphic design course should give you some design pieces to present in your portfolio, and you have good academic subjects too, so you're the kind of student they're looking for (so long as youre imrpessive/creative, of course).
Like I said, all these things made me love Reading. They still value intellect in a creative course, and not having to have a personal interview was a major weight off my chest....!
thankyou , top answer. I have a really strong passion for design and have been using software for years now. I have also created a few bits and pieces for clients but more casually if you get what I mean. Thanks for your answer it was really promising!
Reply 16
11
DesignHoney
St. Patricks is a private (I think) hall just over the road from the University and is so far, my first choice because it has ensuite rooms with generally nice furniture (though rooms are a tad small). However, this place is pricey!
I'm in St Pats at the moment, and will be starting my 2nd year of Graphic Communication in October.
St Pats isn't private, it is University-run
As someone who has spent the past 7 months doing the course and staying there: It is about 20 minutes walking distance away from the Typography building. I ended up getting a bike because it meant that I could get up 10 minutes later each morning!
However the distance hasn't put me off - in fact my house next year is just across the road.
The JCR team we've voted in for next year is fantastic though - so I can promise that the social life there next year will be great.
You're right, it is a bit pricey. As I'm completely broke now, I'd have to say that if I was to choose again, I'd stay in Childs and save myself a couple of grand - even though it comes with drawbacks.
Reply 17
123450
I'm in St Pats at the moment, and will be starting my 2nd year of Graphic Communication in October.
As someone who has spent the past 7 months doing the course and staying there: It is about 20 minutes walking distance away from the Typography building. I ended up getting a bike because it meant that I could get up 10 minutes later each morning!
However the distance hasn't put me off - in fact my house next year is just across the road.
The JCR team we've voted in for next year is fantastic though - so I can promise that the social life there next year will be great.
You're right, it is a bit pricey. As I'm completely broke now, I'd have to say that if I was to choose again, I'd stay in Childs and save myself a couple of grand - even though it comes with drawbacks.
As someone who has spent the past 7 months doing the course and staying there: It is about 20 minutes walking distance away from the Typography building. I ended up getting a bike because it meant that I could get up 10 minutes later each morning!
However the distance hasn't put me off - in fact my house next year is just across the road.
The JCR team we've voted in for next year is fantastic though - so I can promise that the social life there next year will be great.
You're right, it is a bit pricey. As I'm completely broke now, I'd have to say that if I was to choose again, I'd stay in Childs and save myself a couple of grand - even though it comes with drawbacks.
Yeah, the distance is annoying. They made us walk it on the tour, to boot >_> I'm just not sure.. I think I really do want a catered ensuite and st patricks seems the best? I'm not too fussed about money if it means I'll be comfortable...but then again, I am naive :P
Is there anything extra you can tell us about St. pats or the course?
**Edit..I just realised, I think I got St. Patricks mixed with St. Georges :P St. Pats doesnt do en suite!
Reply 18
Hey everyone, I think it's time to revive this thread. So who made their offers?
I'm so excited about the course can't wait to start!
I'm so excited about the course can't wait to start!
Reply 19
I'm doing this course too, i couldn't find anyone else that did it till now! My offers been made unconditional now and its my firm choice, can't waait
and its my firm choice, can't waaitQuick Reply
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