MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MSc Design Innovation
London
INTAKE: Jan & Oct
Program Overview
Loughborough University’s MSc Design Innovation program is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to drive innovation through design in various industries. The program blends the principles of design thinking, creativity, and business strategy to prepare graduates for leadership roles in product development, service design, and innovation management. By emphasizing user-centered design, sustainability, and digital technologies, the MSc Design Innovation program equips students with the tools to generate transformative design solutions that address complex challenges across diverse sectors. Students benefit from Loughborough’s strong industry connections, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary approach to design education.
Curriculum: The MSc Design Innovation curriculum at Loughborough University provides a balanced blend of theoretical understanding and practical application. Core modules include Design Thinking, Design for Sustainability, Product Design and Development, Innovation and Technology Management, and Strategic Design Leadership. These modules ensure that students are well-versed in the design process, from concept to execution, while considering broader implications such as environmental impact and user experience. The curriculum is designed to allow students to work on real-world projects, develop prototypes, and explore the latest trends in design innovation, including digital transformation and new manufacturing techniques. In addition, students are encouraged to complete a dissertation or an industry-based project, which further enhances their research skills and understanding of the industry’s practical challenges.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is known for its cutting-edge research and its focus on addressing contemporary challenges through design innovation. The MSc Design Innovation program is closely aligned with the university’s research themes, which include sustainable design, digital design technologies, and design for social impact. Research at Loughborough often focuses on designing products and services that are not only commercially successful but also environmentally and socially responsible. The university’s research centers, such as the Design School and the Institute of Design Innovation, offer students the opportunity to engage with ongoing projects and gain insights into the latest advancements in design thinking, sustainable practices, and technological innovation. This research-driven approach ensures that students are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the design industry.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University’s MSc Design Innovation program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience working with leading companies in various sectors, from consumer electronics to healthcare. The program features collaborations with industry partners, live projects, and internships, allowing students to work on real-world challenges and develop solutions that have tangible business value. Guest lectures, seminars, and workshops with industry experts provide students with the opportunity to interact with professionals and gain insights into current industry trends. These connections not only enhance students’ learning experience but also improve their employability upon graduation. Furthermore, the university’s established network of alumni and industry partners creates valuable opportunities for career development and networking.
Global Perspective: The MSc Design Innovation program at Loughborough University adopts a global perspective, encouraging students to think critically about how design innovation can address global challenges, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and social equity. The curriculum and research themes explore the global implications of design practices, with a particular focus on the impact of emerging technologies and the growing demand for sustainable solutions. The program also draws on global case studies, enabling students to understand how design innovation is applied in different cultural, economic, and regulatory contexts. With Loughborough University’s international outlook, students are encouraged to consider global markets, design trends, and cultural diversity in their approach to innovation, making them well-prepared to work in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 29750
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’s MSc Design Innovation program is a highly regarded course that prepares students to become leaders in design-driven innovation across various industries. Combining principles of design thinking, sustainability, user-centered design, and business strategy, this program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges through innovative design solutions. Upon completing the program, graduates can pursue a wide range of career options in sectors such as product design, innovation management, digital design, sustainability, and service design.
Design Innovation Manager: Design innovation managers are responsible for overseeing the development of new products, services, and business models that drive competitive advantage. These professionals lead innovation teams, work with cross-functional groups, and manage design projects from concept through to market launch. Graduates of the MSc Design Innovation program are well-equipped to take on leadership roles, guiding organizations in adopting creative, user-focused design solutions to meet evolving market needs.
Product Designer: Product designers develop innovative products that meet consumer needs, while considering functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Graduates of this program can work in various industries, such as consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare, designing products that are both visually appealing and user-friendly. The program's focus on sustainability and digital design tools ensures that students are prepared to create eco-conscious and technologically advanced products.
UX/UI Designer: With the increasing importance of digital interfaces, UX/UI designers focus on optimizing user experiences for websites, apps, and other digital platforms. The MSc Design Innovation program offers a strong foundation in user-centered design principles and emerging technologies, preparing graduates for roles where they can improve digital user experiences, making them intuitive, accessible, and engaging for consumers across various industries.
Service Designer: Service designers focus on designing and improving services, ensuring they are efficient, user-friendly, and meet customer expectations. Graduates with a focus on design innovation are well-suited to tackle complex service design challenges, ensuring seamless integration of customer experience, digital interfaces, and operational processes. Service designers work in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and finance to optimize service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Consultant: Innovation consultants work with organizations to identify new opportunities for growth, streamline operations, and improve products and services. They leverage design thinking and innovation methodologies to drive business transformation. MSc Design Innovation graduates can apply their expertise in research and strategic design to help businesses innovate and stay competitive in their respective markets. Innovation consultants may also work with startups, government agencies, or large corporations on various innovation initiatives.
Sustainability Consultant: With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, sustainability consultants help companies develop and implement sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact. Graduates of the MSc Design Innovation program, with its strong focus on sustainable design, are equipped to guide organizations on how to integrate sustainability into product development, manufacturing, and service delivery. They work with brands to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
Design Thinker/Facilitator: Design thinkers specialize in guiding organizations through the design thinking process to solve complex problems. By facilitating brainstorming sessions, ideation workshops, and prototyping exercises, design thinkers help teams develop innovative solutions that focus on user needs and business outcomes. Graduates from the MSc Design Innovation program, with their deep understanding of design thinking methodologies, can pursue roles in consultancy or within companies looking to adopt human-centered design principles.
R&D Manager (Design and Innovation Focus): Research and Development (R&D) managers in design and innovation oversee the creation of new products, technologies, and services. Graduates of the MSc Design Innovation program are well-prepared to work in R&D departments, leading projects that explore new design possibilities and technological advancements. These professionals manage research teams, collaborate with engineers, and ensure that new innovations align with both user needs and business goals.
Digital Transformation Specialist: Digital transformation specialists help organizations integrate digital technologies to improve business processes, customer experiences, and innovation. Graduates from the MSc Design Innovation program, with their focus on digital design technologies and innovation, are well-equipped to help companies adopt digital solutions that streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and create new business models.
Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder: Many graduates of the MSc Design Innovation program choose to start their own businesses, especially in sectors like product design, sustainability, and digital solutions. With the comprehensive understanding of design and business strategy gained from the program, students are well-positioned to launch their own startups and drive innovation in the market. Whether launching a product-based company, a design consultancy, or a service-oriented business, graduates can leverage their knowledge to build companies that meet emerging market needs.
Brand Manager (Innovation Focus): Brand managers focus on developing and maintaining a brand’s image and market presence. In the context of design innovation, these professionals work to ensure that a brand's products and services stay relevant and ahead of market trends. Graduates with expertise in design and innovation can work as brand managers in industries that prioritize new product development and user experience, guiding companies to create innovative solutions that align with the brand’s ethos and consumer expectations.
Interaction Designer: Interaction designers focus on creating engaging digital experiences that are intuitive and enjoyable for users. Graduates of the MSc Design Innovation program, with their expertise in digital design, are equipped to work on a wide range of digital platforms, including mobile applications, websites, and interactive installations. They design the interaction between users and systems, ensuring seamless and user-friendly experiences.
