BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

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 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.

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 BA (Hons) Graphic Design program are equipped to pursue a variety of career paths, ranging from traditional graphic design roles to emerging sectors in digital media and creative technology. The combination of practical design skills, critical thinking, and industry exposure allows Loughborough graduates to enter the workforce with a competitive edge. 

Graphic Designer: The most direct career path for graphic design graduates is working as a graphic designer in design agencies, corporations, or as a freelance designer. Graphic designers create visual concepts that communicate ideas, messages, and branding for clients across a wide range of industries. Their work may include creating logos, posters, digital media, advertisements, product packaging, and much more. With Loughborough’s strong emphasis on building a diverse portfolio, graduates are well-prepared to create impactful designs that meet client needs and resonate with target audiences.

Branding and Identity Designer: A major area within graphic design, branding and identity design involves developing visual brand assets that help businesses communicate their values and identity to consumers. Graduates can work with companies or agencies to create logos, packaging, websites, and other brand materials that shape how a company is perceived in the market. This field often requires a deep understanding of consumer psychology and the ability to apply design principles to establish strong, memorable brands.

UX/UI Designer: With digital design becoming increasingly central to brand engagement, UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design are booming career options for graphic design graduates. UX/UI designers focus on creating seamless, aesthetically pleasing, and functional interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital platforms. They ensure that the end user’s experience is intuitive, engaging, and efficient. Graduates with expertise in digital design tools, user research, and information architecture are well-suited for these roles.

Motion Graphics Designer: As demand for dynamic, multimedia content grows, the role of motion graphics designer is in high demand. These professionals create animated visuals, video graphics, and digital effects for use in film, television, advertisements, and online media. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program, with exposure to both traditional and digital media, are prepared to work in fast-paced environments, producing visually captivating animations that enhance the narrative in a variety of industries.

Web Designer/Developer: Graphic design graduates with an interest in coding and digital technologies can pursue careers as web designers or web developers. Web designers focus on the visual design and layout of websites, ensuring they are user-friendly and align with the brand’s identity. Web developers, on the other hand, often take a more technical approach, building and maintaining the infrastructure of websites and web applications. With Loughborough University’s emphasis on practical, hands-on design skills, graduates can transition smoothly into these in-demand roles.

Art Director: As an art director, professionals oversee the visual style and creative direction of projects, guiding teams of designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creatives. Art directors are typically responsible for managing the look and feel of advertising campaigns, magazines, television productions, websites, and branding materials. Loughborough’s strong industry engagement ensures that graduates gain the leadership skills needed to manage creative teams and projects.

Editorial Designer: Editorial design is focused on creating layouts and designs for print and digital publications, including magazines, newspapers, books, and online platforms. Editorial designers use typography, photography, and visual hierarchy to create compelling page layouts that engage readers. Graduates from Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design program are well-equipped for these roles, thanks to their exposure to print design, digital media, and visual storytelling.

Packaging Designer: Packaging design is a specialized field where graphic designers create product packaging that is both functional and visually appealing. This may involve designing labels, boxes, containers, and other forms of packaging to enhance the product's marketability. Graduates can work in industries such as retail, food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, where standout packaging is essential to attracting customers and differentiating brands.

Freelance Designer/Entrepreneur: The flexibility of the graphic design field also allows graduates to pursue careers as independent freelancers or start their own design studios. As a freelance designer, graduates can offer their services to a range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations, working on projects that may include branding, web design, packaging, and marketing materials. With Loughborough’s emphasis on professional skills and portfolio development, graduates are equipped to launch their own businesses and manage client relationships effectively.

Design Consultant: Graduates can also explore careers as design consultants, working with companies to offer expert advice on design strategies and creative direction. Consultants help businesses refine their branding, marketing materials, digital presence, and visual identity to align with their business goals and consumer expectations. This role may involve market research, brand analysis, and collaboration with marketing teams to create effective design solutions.