MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MA Design Innovation
London
INTAKE: Jan & Oct
Program Overview
The MA Design Innovation program at Loughborough University is tailored for individuals interested in exploring how design thinking, creativity, and innovation intersect to solve complex global challenges. This program focuses on blending the principles of design, business strategy, and technological advancements, preparing students to become leaders in the field of design innovation. Whether it’s improving user experiences, creating sustainable products, or leading innovative service designs, the MA Design Innovation program equips students with the essential skills to drive change in industries like consumer goods, healthcare, automotive, and digital technologies. The program is designed for those seeking to build their expertise in user-centered design, sustainable practices, and business strategy in a global context.
Curriculum: The MA Design Innovation program at Loughborough University features a dynamic curriculum that combines core design principles with cutting-edge tools and techniques used in the innovation industry. Key modules include Design Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, Sustainable Product Design, Service Design, and Design for Business Innovation. These modules are carefully structured to ensure that students understand the process of design from concept to execution, with an emphasis on creating value and addressing the needs of users and industries. Students also have the option to specialize in areas such as digital design, product development, or service innovation, depending on their career aspirations. Additionally, the program encourages practical engagement through real-world projects, design prototyping, and a final dissertation or industry-based project.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is renowned for its commitment to research excellence, particularly in design and innovation. The MA Design Innovation program is closely aligned with the university's research strengths, particularly in sustainable design, digital technologies, and the application of design thinking in business contexts. The program encourages students to engage with the latest research in areas such as design for sustainability, human-centered design, design-led innovation, and emerging technologies. This research-driven approach allows students to push the boundaries of traditional design, exploring new ways to address current challenges such as climate change, social equity, and digital transformation. Students have access to the university's state-of-the-art research facilities and are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members on groundbreaking projects that contribute to the field.
Industry Engagement: One of the defining features of Loughborough University’s MA Design Innovation program is its strong industry engagement. The university has long-established connections with leading companies across various sectors, ensuring that students gain practical experience and insight into the professional world. The program incorporates live industry projects, internships, and collaborative research with industry partners, providing students with the opportunity to work on real-world challenges and develop solutions that can be applied immediately in the marketplace. Guest lectures, networking events, and workshops with industry professionals further enhance students' understanding of current trends and business needs. These industry links not only enrich students' learning experiences but also increase their employability by providing valuable industry connections and insights into best practices.
Global Perspective: Loughborough University’s MA Design Innovation program offers a global perspective by encouraging students to consider how design innovation can address worldwide challenges such as sustainability, economic disparity, and technological disruption. The curriculum integrates case studies from different regions, examining how design practices are applied across various cultures and markets. Students are exposed to a range of international design projects, which broadens their understanding of how design solutions can be tailored to meet global needs. In addition, Loughborough University’s strong international network and partnerships allow students to collaborate with peers, researchers, and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds. This global outlook ensures that graduates are equipped to work in an interconnected world and to design solutions that have a positive impact at both local and global levels.
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 MA Design Innovation program is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary course that equips graduates with the creative and strategic skills required to drive innovation and change in the design industry. By combining principles of design thinking, sustainable practices, user-centered design, and business strategy, the program prepares students to tackle complex challenges across various sectors, including product design, service design, digital technologies, and innovation management. Graduates of the MA Design Innovation program are well-positioned to enter diverse career paths in design and innovation leadership roles.
Design Innovation Manager: A Design Innovation Manager is responsible for leading design-driven projects, ensuring that innovation is at the heart of product or service development. Graduates of the MA Design Innovation program are well-suited to manage teams and processes that integrate creativity, business strategy, and technology to bring new products and services to market. They lead the ideation, development, and implementation of innovative design solutions while ensuring that these projects meet business goals and address user needs.
Product Designer: Product designers develop innovative products that meet consumer needs while considering functionality, aesthetics, and environmental impact. The MA Design Innovation program prepares graduates to design sustainable, user-centered products, integrating modern design thinking and digital tools. Whether in consumer electronics, automotive, or healthcare, graduates can apply their knowledge to create impactful products that deliver value to both businesses and users.
UX/UI Designer: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are responsible for creating engaging digital interfaces that offer smooth, intuitive interactions for users. The MA Design Innovation program’s focus on digital technologies and user-centered design principles provides graduates with the expertise needed to work in digital design fields. They can develop digital platforms, apps, and websites that improve user experiences and maximize business success in today’s technology-driven world.
Service Designer: Service designers focus on creating and optimizing services to meet customer needs efficiently. Graduates with an MA Design Innovation background are prepared to design services that improve customer experiences and enhance organizational processes. By understanding both user experience and operational processes, service designers create seamless, end-to-end services that provide value across industries like healthcare, finance, and hospitality.
Innovation Consultant: Innovation consultants work with organizations to develop new business strategies, products, and services that drive growth and competitive advantage. These professionals leverage design thinking methodologies and innovation management techniques to identify and capitalize on opportunities. The MA Design Innovation program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to provide consultancy services to businesses, helping them navigate the innovation landscape and implement effective design strategies.
Sustainability Consultant: As businesses increasingly focus on environmental responsibility, sustainability consultants guide organizations in integrating sustainable practices into product development, operations, and business strategies. Graduates of the MA Design Innovation program, with its emphasis on sustainable design, are equipped to work as sustainability consultants, helping companies create environmentally friendly products and services while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
R&D Designer/Manager: Research and development (R&D) designers and managers are responsible for the creation of innovative products, services, or technologies. They play a key role in driving the research phase of product development, identifying new technologies or materials that can be used to create better solutions. Graduates from the MA Design Innovation program can take on R&D roles, working in sectors like automotive, healthcare, or consumer goods to push the boundaries of design and innovation.
Brand Innovation Manager: Brand innovation managers focus on developing new strategies for product offerings, marketing campaigns, and business operations to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Graduates of the MA Design Innovation program can work with brands to explore how innovation can reinforce brand identity and align with market demands. They help companies find new ways to engage customers and differentiate themselves in competitive industries.
Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Many graduates of the MA Design Innovation program choose to become entrepreneurs, applying their knowledge of design and innovation to launch new ventures. Whether they are developing new products, services, or technologies, Loughborough University’s graduates are equipped to build startups that meet emerging market needs. The combination of creativity, business acumen, and user-centered design approaches learned in the program gives graduates the confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Interaction Designer: Interaction designers focus on optimizing how users interact with digital products, services, and interfaces. Graduates with expertise in design and technology can work in industries such as web development, mobile applications, and digital platforms, where they are responsible for designing user interactions that enhance engagement and improve the overall digital experience.
Design Educator: For those with a passion for teaching, an MA Design Innovation graduate can pursue a career in academia, working as a design educator. These professionals inspire the next generation of designers by teaching design thinking, creative problem-solving, and innovation techniques at various educational institutions. Graduates can also contribute to curriculum development or serve as design consultants in an academic context.
Digital Transformation Specialist: Digital transformation specialists help organizations integrate new technologies into their processes, products, and services. Graduates of the MA Design Innovation program, with their focus on digital design and emerging technologies, are well-suited to help businesses adapt to changing digital landscapes. They guide companies in leveraging technology to enhance their operations, customer experiences, and competitive positioning in the digital age.
