MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Placement Year at Loughborough University is a future-focused degree that develops students into versatile designers capable of working across print, digital, and interactive media. The program encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and visual storytelling while aligning with the latest industry standards. What sets this course apart is the inclusion of a year-long industry placement, offering students valuable exposure to real-world design environments, helping them gain hands-on experience, build networks, and strengthen their portfolios—essential components for post-graduation success.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to help students evolve creatively and professionally from day one. The first two years focus on building foundational skills in visual language, typography, branding, editorial design, motion graphics, UX/UI, and design software. Students engage with live briefs, collaborative projects, and portfolio-building assignments. During the placement year—typically in the third year—students work with design studios, agencies, or in-house creative teams, gaining insight into professional practice. In the final year, students return to complete a self-directed major design project, develop a professional portfolio, and prepare for life as a creative professional. The course balances design theory, technical training, and business awareness, making graduates job-ready and creatively confident.
Research Focus: While the program emphasizes practice-based learning, it is also embedded within Loughborough’s thriving research culture. Students explore how design intersects with social, environmental, and technological change. Themes such as design for social good, ethical communication, sustainable design, and inclusive visual language are woven into the learning experience. The university encourages students to undertake design-led research and critically engage with topics like digital transformation, audience behavior, and visual culture—preparing them to think deeply and design with purpose.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Placement Year is built around strong industry engagement. Students work on live briefs set by real clients, attend talks from leading designers and creative directors, and participate in networking events and portfolio reviews. The placement year is a key feature, allowing students to secure roles in top design studios, branding agencies, publishing houses, advertising firms, or digital companies. This direct exposure to the industry not only enhances their employability but also provides clarity about potential career paths. Many students receive job offers from their placement employers after graduation.
Global Perspective: The program reflects a global outlook, both in its curriculum and in its opportunities. Graphic design is a universal language, and Loughborough prepares students to think internationally. The course integrates global design trends, cross-cultural communication strategies, and international visual branding into its modules. The university also welcomes students and faculty from across the world, creating a multicultural learning environment that fosters collaboration and diversity. Opportunities for international exchanges, competitions, and exhibitions further extend students’ global reach and creative impact.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 23000
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 with Placement Year program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career paths within the graphic design field and beyond. By engaging with both academic study and professional practice, students develop a comprehensive understanding of visual communication, design principles, and creative problem-solving.
Graphic Designer: The most direct career path for graduates is becoming a graphic designer. This role involves creating visual content for a variety of mediums, including print, digital, and social media. Graphic designers work with branding, marketing materials, advertising campaigns, and more. The placement year offers students valuable industry experience, allowing them to work in design agencies, freelance, or within in-house teams across various industries.
Web Designer/Developer: As digital media continues to dominate, many graphic design graduates transition into web design, combining their visual communication skills with technical expertise. Web designers focus on creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites, ensuring a seamless experience for users. With further training in coding and web technologies, graduates can also venture into web development.
Brand Designer/Branding Specialist: Brand design is a highly sought-after career in the creative industries. Graduates can pursue roles where they develop visual identities for companies, products, or services. This includes designing logos, color schemes, typography, and packaging that reflect the essence of a brand. A strong understanding of brand strategy and consumer behavior is key in this role.
UX/UI Designer: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are growing fields within the digital design industry. Graduates can specialize in designing intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites and mobile applications. UX/UI designers work closely with developers to ensure that a product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, placing a strong focus on improving the overall user experience.
Illustrator: Graphic design graduates with a passion for illustration can pursue careers as professional illustrators. This role involves creating custom drawings and designs for various industries, such as publishing, advertising, and entertainment. Whether working digitally or by hand, illustrators contribute to books, magazines, advertisements, product packaging, and more.
Advertising Designer: Many graphic design graduates choose to work in advertising, creating eye-catching visuals for print ads, digital campaigns, billboards, and more. They collaborate with marketing teams to ensure that advertising materials align with the company’s goals and resonate with target audiences. Creative thinking and an understanding of consumer psychology are essential in this field.
Packaging Designer: Packaging design is a specialized area within graphic design that focuses on the creation of visually appealing and functional packaging for products. Graduates can work with brands and manufacturers to design packaging that protects products while also enhancing their visual appeal on store shelves. This role requires creativity and an understanding of material constraints and sustainability issues.
