MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MA Graphic Design and Visualisation
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program at Loughborough University provides students with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in graphic design while exploring visual communication and digital media. This program emphasizes the integration of design theory with practice, equipping students with the expertise needed to create compelling visual narratives, interactive media, and innovative design solutions. Students will engage in a range of projects, from branding and advertising to digital design and multimedia communication, ensuring a broad and flexible skill set upon graduation.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program is carefully structured to combine core design principles with contemporary industry practices. Students begin by exploring advanced design techniques, digital media tools, and visual storytelling. The course includes modules focused on areas such as typography, motion graphics, interactive design, and 3D visualization. Students will also develop their design research skills, preparing them to engage with complex creative challenges and explore new technologies and design trends. Practical assignments and real-world case studies provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to build a professional portfolio that showcases their creative and technical abilities.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is known for its strong research focus, and the MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program is no exception. The university’s research centers in design and digital media play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, ensuring students have access to the latest trends and technological advancements in the field. Research in areas like digital aesthetics, user experience (UX) design, and emerging visual technologies allows students to engage with contemporary design challenges and contribute to cutting-edge developments in the industry. The program encourages students to undertake independent research projects, exploring topics that push the boundaries of graphic design and visual communication.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University has established strong ties with industry leaders, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate on real-world design projects and gain valuable professional experience. The MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program offers students access to industry networks, design workshops, and internships with leading design agencies and companies. This industry engagement ensures that students stay up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in graphic design, while also enhancing their employability upon graduation. Additionally, Loughborough’s connections to both local and global design industries create a pathway for students to work on high-profile design projects, preparing them for a successful career in visual design and communication.
Global Perspective: The MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program at Loughborough University attracts a diverse cohort of students from all over the world, fostering a global perspective in design education. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different cultural and professional backgrounds, enriching their creative work and broadening their understanding of international design trends. Loughborough University’s global reputation for design excellence, combined with its international research collaborations, ensures that students are exposed to a range of global perspectives in visual design, preparing them for careers in a worldwide marketplace.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28750
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.
Graduates of the MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program from Loughborough University are well-equipped to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities in the creative industry. The program provides students with not only the technical and creative skills needed for high-quality graphic design but also the critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities essential for tackling modern design challenges.
Graphic Designer: Graphic designers play a crucial role in visual communication by creating designs that inform, entertain, or persuade. Graduates of the MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program can work as graphic designers across various sectors, including advertising, marketing, and publishing. With a strong foundation in design principles and advanced software tools, they can design branding materials, print publications, web graphics, and digital media content.
Visual Designer: Visual designers specialize in creating visual concepts to communicate ideas, using color, typography, and layout to design engaging user interfaces (UI) and experiences. The program’s focus on digital design and visualization provides graduates with the skills needed to work in tech-focused industries, including designing websites, mobile applications, and digital products that are user-friendly and visually appealing.
UX/UI Designer: User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design is a rapidly growing field that combines design with technology. UX/UI designers work to create seamless and intuitive digital experiences for users, focusing on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of websites, apps, and other interactive platforms. The MA in Graphic Design and Visualisation equips students with the skills to design user-centered digital products, conduct user research, and implement design solutions based on user feedback.
Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers specialize in creating animated graphics for film, television, video games, advertising, and online content. This career is ideal for graduates interested in combining graphic design with animation and visual storytelling. Loughborough’s program includes modules on motion graphics, providing students with the tools and skills to design dynamic visual content that communicates messages through moving imagery.
Branding Specialist: A branding specialist focuses on creating and managing the visual identity of a brand. They work on everything from logos and color schemes to brand messaging and marketing materials. Graduates with expertise in graphic design, typography, and visual identity can help companies build strong brands that resonate with their target audiences. The program’s emphasis on branding and communication strategies provides a solid foundation for this career.
Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the creative process within design agencies, marketing teams, or multimedia companies. They manage design projects, collaborate with clients, and lead a team of designers to bring creative concepts to life. Graduates of the MA in Graphic Design and Visualisation, with their deep understanding of design principles and leadership skills, are well-prepared to move into creative director roles in a wide range of industries, from advertising agencies to in-house design teams.
Illustrator: Illustrators create visual representations to communicate concepts, ideas, and stories. They often work on book covers, editorial illustrations, product packaging, and digital illustrations for websites or apps. Graduates who enjoy drawing and developing unique artistic styles can use the skills learned in the program to build a successful career in illustration, either in-house or as freelancers.
3D Visualization Artist: A 3D visualization artist uses computer software to create realistic 3D models and renderings. This is a highly specialized role that typically involves working in industries such as architecture, product design, or animation. With the MA in Graphic Design and Visualisation, students gain skills in 3D design and visualization, making this a viable career path for those interested in using cutting-edge technology to bring visual concepts to life.
Freelance Designer: Many graduates from the MA Graphic Design and Visualisation program choose to pursue a career as a freelance designer. Freelancing offers the flexibility to work on a variety of projects across different industries, from small startups to large corporations. Graduates can build a portfolio of work and develop relationships with clients in various sectors, allowing for a diverse and dynamic career path in the design industry.
Design Educator or Lecturer: For those interested in academia, pursuing a career as a design educator or lecturer can be a rewarding path. Graduates who are passionate about design theory and practice can teach at design schools or universities. The program provides students with not only the technical design skills but also the critical thinking abilities necessary to teach and inspire the next generation of designers.
