MA Design and Branding

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 75% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.

International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.

Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.

Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.

Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.

Loughborough University is one of the UK’s leading academic institutions, renowned for its cutting-edge research and practical, industry-driven programs. The MA Design and Branding program is a highly sought-after course that merges design principles with strategic branding, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of design and branding. By the end of the program, graduates are well-prepared for careers in various creative fields, ranging from graphic design to brand strategy, in both the private and public sectors.

Brand Strategist: Brand strategists play a pivotal role in creating and managing brand identities and campaigns. They are responsible for defining a brand’s values, vision, target audience, and communication strategy. Graduates of Loughborough University’s MA Design and Branding program are well-equipped for this role, using their knowledge of design and branding to develop long-term strategies that resonate with consumers and help companies stand out in competitive markets. Brand strategists work closely with creative teams, marketers, and business leaders to ensure that a brand’s message is consistent across all touchpoints.

Creative Director: Creative directors are responsible for overseeing the creative vision of a project, campaign, or brand identity. Graduates from this program are prepared to take on leadership roles in design agencies, advertising firms, or corporate marketing teams. They guide the overall look and feel of branding campaigns, ensuring that all visual materials align with the company’s brand strategy. Creative directors also lead teams of designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to deliver compelling and impactful brand visuals.

Graphic Designer: Graphic designers create visual content for brands, including logos, advertisements, digital marketing materials, websites, and packaging. The MA Design and Branding program gives students a solid foundation in design principles and branding strategies, preparing them for the creative aspects of graphic design. Graduates are capable of developing designs that not only look visually appealing but also communicate a brand’s core message effectively. This role can be pursued within design studios, advertising agencies, or in-house marketing teams.

UX/UI Designer: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are crucial in shaping how users interact with digital products and services. UX/UI designers focus on creating user-friendly and visually engaging digital experiences that reflect a brand’s values and meet user needs. Graduates from Loughborough University’s MA Design and Branding program are equipped with the skills to work in UX/UI design, using principles of design thinking to create seamless and intuitive digital interfaces. This role is particularly important in today’s digital-first world, where the user experience can make or break a brand.

Brand Consultant: Brand consultants work with companies to help them refine their branding strategy, improve brand perception, and manage brand identity. These professionals provide insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive positioning, offering recommendations on how brands can enhance their visibility and appeal. Graduates of the MA Design and Branding program are well-suited for consulting roles, applying their expertise in design and brand strategy to advise companies across a range of industries on how to optimize their brand presence.

Marketing Manager (Brand Focus): Marketing managers with a focus on branding manage the strategic marketing activities that support a brand’s objectives. These professionals develop marketing campaigns, analyze market trends, and ensure that the brand’s messaging aligns with its identity. Loughborough University’s MA Design and Branding program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both design and marketing, preparing them to take on marketing management roles where they can influence a brand’s strategy and growth.

Advertising Creative: Advertising creatives work on developing innovative advertising campaigns that capture the attention of the target audience. They work in creative teams to develop ideas for advertisements, print materials, digital content, and commercials. Graduates of the MA Design and Branding program can pursue careers in advertising, using their expertise in design and branding to create compelling visuals and narratives that effectively communicate a brand’s message and drive consumer engagement.

Packaging Designer: Packaging designers are responsible for creating the visual and structural design of product packaging. This role involves developing packaging that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, sustainable, and aligned with the brand’s identity. Graduates of the MA Design and Branding program are equipped to enter the packaging design field, where they can use their skills to create packaging solutions that enhance product appeal, ensure brand consistency, and meet consumer expectations.

Social Media Manager (Brand Focus): Social media managers are responsible for managing a brand’s presence on social media platforms, creating content, and engaging with the community. They ensure that the brand’s voice and visual identity remain consistent across different social media channels. Graduates with a focus on branding are well-positioned to manage brand-based social media campaigns, ensuring that social media activity aligns with broader brand strategies and engages with target audiences in meaningful ways.

Content Creator/Content Strategist: Content creators are responsible for producing digital content that aligns with a brand’s voice and marketing objectives. Content strategists, on the other hand, develop content strategies that guide the creation, distribution, and management of brand-related content. Graduates from the MA Design and Branding program, with their understanding of design, branding, and communication, are well-equipped for these roles, where they can produce compelling and on-brand content across digital channels, helping brands connect with their audience through storytelling and visual communication.

Digital Marketing Specialist (Branding Focus): Digital marketing specialists develop and execute online marketing strategies that promote a brand’s products and services. They manage SEO, paid advertising, content marketing, and social media campaigns. Graduates with expertise in branding can specialize in digital marketing, focusing on building brand awareness and engagement through online channels. They use their knowledge of branding and digital tools to create cohesive online experiences that reflect the brand’s identity and drive business growth.

Sustainability Consultant (Branding Focus): With growing emphasis on sustainability, sustainability consultants with a focus on branding help brands align their values with sustainable practices. They advise organizations on how to incorporate sustainability into their brand identity, communicate it effectively, and make environmentally conscious decisions in their branding and marketing strategies. Loughborough’s MA Design and Branding program, with its focus on sustainable design, prepares graduates to help brands become more eco-conscious while maintaining their identity.