MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year at Loughborough University is a forward-thinking program that prepares students for dynamic careers in design. This course emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving to equip students with the necessary skills for success in various design-related industries. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the program allows students to engage with real-world design challenges, fostering innovation and adaptability. With the inclusion of a placement year, students gain invaluable industry exposure, enhancing their employability and providing them with the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. The program focuses on producing graduates who are not only proficient designers but also capable of applying their creative solutions across diverse sectors such as product design, user experience (UX) design, graphic design, and more.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year is designed to build a strong foundation in design principles while encouraging creativity and exploration. In the first year, students are introduced to core design skills, including design thinking, sketching, prototyping, and visual communication. This year emphasizes building technical proficiency and an understanding of the design process, from initial concepts through to final execution. In the second year, students dive deeper into specialized design areas, exploring topics such as sustainable design, digital design, and user-centered design. The second year also allows students to begin focusing on their specific interests, whether that be in product design, graphic design, or interaction design. The final year provides students with the opportunity to complete self-directed projects, refine their portfolios, and showcase their design work to potential employers. The program culminates in a substantial design project that serves as a capstone experience. The inclusion of a placement year in the program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience by working in the design industry. This placement year is vital for applying the skills learned in the classroom to actual design challenges, providing practical experience that enhances both personal development and professional growth.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is renowned for its strong research initiatives in design, engineering, and technology, and the BA (Hons) Design program benefits from its research-led teaching. The university’s design department is actively engaged in groundbreaking research that explores new materials, innovative design processes, sustainable solutions, and digital technologies. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and gain exposure to the latest trends and advancements in the field of design. Research areas of focus include user experience design, design for sustainability, interaction design, and the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital fabrication in design practice. This research-driven environment ensures that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge, methodologies, and design practices, keeping them ahead of industry trends and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University’s strong links with the design industry are one of the standout features of the BA (Hons) Design program. The university works closely with a range of high-profile companies, design consultancies, and industry experts, providing students with ample opportunities for industry engagement. This includes collaborative projects, internships, guest lectures, and live briefs where students can work on real-world design challenges. The program also emphasizes the importance of networking, with many students gaining valuable industry contacts through internships and placements, which often lead to full-time job offers after graduation. The inclusion of a placement year allows students to immerse themselves in the design industry, enhancing their professional skills and providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the design process in a commercial setting. Furthermore, Loughborough University encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for potential careers as freelance designers or design entrepreneurs. The university's partnerships with industry leaders ensure that the curriculum is always aligned with current trends and challenges in the design world, helping students stay ahead in a competitive job market.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year program at Loughborough University offers students a global perspective by attracting a diverse student body and fostering an international learning environment. This multicultural atmosphere allows students to engage with peers from different backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences, which broadens their design thinking and understanding of global design challenges. The program also encourages students to explore design practices from around the world, exposing them to a wide range of aesthetic preferences, technological advancements, and environmental concerns that shape global design trends.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28600
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) Design with Placement Year program at Loughborough University are equipped with a diverse skill set and practical experience, making them highly attractive to employers across various sectors of the design industry. The program provides students with the necessary tools to thrive in creative, technical, and managerial roles, all while focusing on real-world applications of design principles. The addition of a placement year enhances the employability of graduates, allowing them to apply their learning in industry settings and gain valuable professional experience before entering the job market.
Product Designer: Product designers are responsible for creating new products that meet the needs of consumers while balancing functionality, aesthetics, and cost. Graduates can work in a variety of industries, such as consumer goods, automotive, technology, or sports equipment. They utilize design thinking, prototyping, and user feedback to develop products that are both innovative and practical. With strong technical and creative skills gained through the program, graduates are well-positioned to thrive as product designers in leading design firms, manufacturing companies, or startups.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers focus on the design of mass-produced products, considering factors such as ergonomics, sustainability, and production costs. They often work in sectors like consumer electronics, automotive, and home appliances, ensuring that products are both functional and aesthetically appealing. The BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year equips students with the knowledge and skills to design products that meet the needs of users while considering commercial viability. Graduates can also work with companies to improve existing products, enhancing their performance and user experience.
Graphic Designer: Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate messages through digital and print media. They work in various industries, including advertising, marketing, publishing, and media, designing materials such as logos, brochures, websites, and promotional content. With expertise in visual communication, typography, and digital tools, graduates of the BA (Hons) Design program can work for design agencies, in-house marketing teams, or as freelance graphic designers. They can also contribute to branding and marketing strategies, ensuring that visual designs align with the brand identity and business objectives.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on enhancing the usability and overall experience of digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, and software. They work closely with developers, marketers, and product managers to design user-centered solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Design program can work as UX designers for tech companies, e-commerce businesses, or digital agencies. Their skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing help them create seamless digital experiences that meet the needs of users.
Interaction Designer: Interaction designers design the way users interact with digital products, ensuring that digital interfaces are intuitive and engaging. This role often involves working on websites, mobile applications, and interactive devices. Graduates can pursue careers in tech companies, design consultancies, or even start their own design agencies. Their ability to integrate user feedback and behavioral data into the design process ensures that digital products deliver a high level of user satisfaction.
Design Consultant: Design consultants provide expert advice to businesses on how to enhance their design processes, products, and branding strategies. They work across various industries, helping companies create innovative solutions to design challenges. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Design with Placement Year program can use their expertise to offer guidance on everything from product development to design strategy. As consultants, they may work independently or as part of a larger design consultancy, helping clients improve their design outcomes and market positioning.
Interior Designer: Interior designers plan and design interior spaces for residential, commercial, and public buildings. They create environments that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with the client's needs. The program’s focus on spatial design and problem-solving prepares graduates to take on roles in architecture firms, interior design consultancies, or even start their own interior design practices. Graduates can design office spaces, retail environments, homes, and hospitality venues, using their creativity and knowledge of design materials to create compelling interior spaces.
Design Manager: Design managers oversee design teams and projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. They are responsible for managing both the creative and operational aspects of design projects, from concept to completion. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Design program can transition into management roles within design agencies, manufacturing companies, or marketing teams. As design managers, they work with cross-functional teams, ensuring that design solutions meet both client and business objectives.
Fashion Designer: Fashion designers work on creating clothing, accessories, and footwear, considering both form and function. Graduates with a passion for fashion can enter the fashion industry, working for fashion houses, retailers, or starting their own design labels. The skills developed through the BA (Hons) Design program, such as creative problem-solving and product development, prepare graduates to succeed in this highly competitive field.
Branding and Marketing Designer: Branding and marketing designers are responsible for creating visual identities for companies, including logos, packaging, advertisements, and promotional materials. They work to establish and communicate a brand’s identity through design. Graduates of the program with an interest in branding can pursue careers in advertising agencies, marketing departments, or as freelance designers. They are instrumental in shaping the visual strategies of companies to ensure that their brand messages are clear, memorable, and impactful.
