MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program at Loughborough University focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of industrial design principles, from the initial stages of concept development to the final production of market-ready products. Students are encouraged to think creatively and critically, considering the needs of the user while addressing the technical feasibility and environmental impact of their designs. The placement year is a key feature of the program, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience, work on real-world projects, and develop professional skills that are highly sought after by employers. The course emphasizes user-centered design, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that students are prepared to tackle contemporary challenges in the design and manufacturing industries.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field of industrial design. In the first year, students are introduced to foundational concepts, such as design history, sketching techniques, computer-aided design (CAD), and material science. The second year delves deeper into specialized areas, including product development, user experience (UX) design, sustainable design practices, and manufacturing processes. In the final year, students focus on refining their design skills by working on complex design projects, often in collaboration with industry partners, and preparing a professional portfolio that showcases their abilities. During the placement year, students gain hands-on experience with design firms, product manufacturers, or design consultancies, providing invaluable insight into the practical aspects of the industry. This year-long work placement helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and professional practice, giving students a competitive edge when they enter the job market.
Research Focus: Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program benefits from the university’s strong emphasis on research and innovation in the field of design. Research areas include human-centered design, sustainability, advanced manufacturing technologies, and smart product development. The university’s research-led teaching approach encourages students to engage with cutting-edge developments in industrial design, providing opportunities to collaborate with faculty on innovative projects. Sustainability is a key focus in the program, with students being introduced to eco-design principles and the use of renewable materials, which are increasingly important in today’s design landscape. Loughborough University is known for its research excellence in areas such as product design and manufacturing, offering students exposure to the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in industrial design.
Industry Engagement: One of the standout features of the BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program is its strong industry engagement. Loughborough University has established partnerships with leading companies in the design, engineering, and manufacturing sectors, offering students opportunities to work on live projects and gain real-world experience. During the placement year, students work with industry professionals, gaining insights into the day-to-day operations of design firms, product development teams, and manufacturing companies. These industry connections ensure that students are exposed to the latest industry practices and trends, while also building a professional network that will prove valuable when seeking employment after graduation. Loughborough also invites industry professionals to collaborate with students on design challenges, offering mentorship and feedback that enhance students' learning and practical skills. This close connection with the industry not only boosts employability but also ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current market needs.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program at Loughborough University offers a global perspective by encouraging students to think beyond national borders and engage with international design challenges. The program’s emphasis on sustainable design practices and the use of global materials ensures that students are prepared to address the environmental and social challenges faced by industries around the world. Loughborough’s diverse student body and strong international links allow students to collaborate with peers from different cultural backgrounds, expanding their understanding of global design trends and practices. Additionally, the university offers opportunities for study abroad exchanges, allowing students to experience different design approaches and methodologies in international settings. This global perspective prepares graduates to work in global design markets and tackle issues related to sustainability, ethics, and technology on a worldwide scale.
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.
Loughborough University is renowned for its focus on providing high-quality education and practical experience, especially in the fields of engineering, design, and technology. The BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program at Loughborough offers students the perfect blend of academic excellence and industry experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to launch successful careers in a variety of design-related fields. Graduates of this program are equipped with both creative design skills and technical knowledge, making them highly desirable to employers in industries such as product design, manufacturing, engineering, and technology.
Industrial Designer: Industrial designers are professionals who focus on designing products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program can work in various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, and household products. With a comprehensive understanding of user-centered design, materials science, and manufacturing processes, industrial designers are tasked with creating innovative solutions to meet consumer needs. The placement year allows students to develop a portfolio of real-world projects that can be instrumental in securing a role as an industrial designer upon graduation.
Product Designer: Product designers are responsible for developing new products from initial concept to final production, ensuring they meet the needs of users and are functional, ergonomic, and marketable. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work as product designers in a wide range of industries, including technology, consumer goods, and medical devices. Loughborough’s focus on sustainability and human-centered design gives graduates the tools to create products that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on creating products that offer the best possible user experience. This role involves understanding user behavior, conducting usability testing, and designing intuitive interfaces for digital products, apps, websites, and software systems. Loughborough University’s BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program’s focus on user-centered design and problem-solving prepares graduates to step into UX design roles in technology companies, design agencies, and digital startups. The placement year gives students an opportunity to apply their skills in real-world digital projects.
Design Engineer: Design engineers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between creative design and technical feasibility. They are involved in turning concepts into functional, manufacturable products by applying engineering principles. Graduates of this program who have a strong understanding of both design and engineering can pursue roles as design engineers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and medical devices. The hands-on experience gained during the placement year provides graduates with the practical skills needed to thrive in technical environments and contribute to product development teams.
Packaging Designer: Packaging designers are responsible for developing creative packaging solutions that enhance product presentation, protect the product, and align with brand identity. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in packaging design, Loughborough graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge of sustainable materials and eco-design principles. Packaging designers may work with companies in the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods industries, creating functional and visually appealing packaging that meets both regulatory standards and environmental considerations.
Sustainability Consultant: With growing awareness of environmental impact, many industries are seeking experts in sustainable design practices. Graduates from Loughborough’s BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program, which emphasizes sustainable product design and eco-friendly materials, are well-suited to work as sustainability consultants. These professionals advise companies on how to reduce their environmental footprint by developing sustainable products, improving energy efficiency, and using renewable resources. Sustainability consultants work across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, consumer goods, construction, and energy.
Design Consultant: Design consultants provide expert advice to organizations on how to improve their product offerings. Graduates can become design consultants, working with design agencies or as freelancers, to offer specialized services in areas such as product development, branding, and consumer insight. They help companies refine their design processes, integrate user-centered design principles, and create innovative products. The industry experience gained through the placement year enables Loughborough graduates to understand the needs of clients and provide actionable design strategies.
Entrepreneur/Start-Up Founder: The BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program equips students with the skills to innovate and create their own business ventures. For those who are entrepreneurial, the course provides a solid foundation for launching a design consultancy, a product-based business, or a tech startup. Graduates can use the knowledge gained in design thinking, prototyping, user experience, and manufacturing to bring innovative products to market. Loughborough University’s supportive environment, which includes access to business incubators and networks, makes it an ideal setting for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Innovation Manager: Innovation managers lead teams that focus on developing new ideas, products, or processes that can give companies a competitive edge. They work in industries such as technology, engineering, consumer goods, and manufacturing, overseeing the process of turning creative concepts into viable products. Loughborough graduates, with their combination of creative design and technical expertise, are well-equipped to manage innovation projects and lead cross-functional teams from concept to execution.
Research and Development (R&D) Specialist: R&D specialists focus on developing new products and technologies through research and experimentation. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Industrial Design with Placement Year program who are interested in pursuing research roles can work in R&D teams within companies, universities, or independent research organizations. Their work may involve investigating new materials, manufacturing methods, or design solutions. Loughborough’s strong research focus allows graduates to stay at the forefront of design innovation, contributing to advancements in technology, sustainability, and product functionality.
