Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Design and Branding MA program at Loughborough University London equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the dynamic relationship between design and branding. The program emphasizes the strategic role of design in the marketplace and society, preparing graduates for careers in brand design and management, visual communications, and corporate strategy. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students develop a deep understanding of design methodologies, branding, and communication strategies, enabling them to contribute effectively to multi-disciplinary teams and drive innovation.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes the strategic role of design in the marketplace and society, making it ideal for individuals who want to learn more about strategic design, enhance their design skills, contribute to multi-disciplinary teams, and delve into the strategic aspects of design.
Objectives:
- Help students develop a grasp of the strategic role of design and branding within businesses, organizations, and society as a whole.
- Enhance students' design knowledge through theoretical and practical application of design methodologies, both individually and in multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
- Foster collaborative skills through active learning and teamwork, enabling students to analyse and solve problems in real time.
- Develop critical thinking to enhance students' effectiveness as design strategists.
- Support the development of research skills through the undertaking of a significant design and branding project grounded in design, branding, and organizational theories.
Outline:
Program Content:
- The program focuses on contemporary debates, design and culture, and various social and cultural contexts relevant to design strategy.
- Students will be introduced to key theoretical concepts and develop their understanding of complex interrelationships between identity, sociocultural contexts, and strategic design.
- The curriculum equips students with design approaches and tools for identifying and implementing human-centered innovation.
- The program delves into essential aspects of branding, organizational identity, design strategy, communication, and marketing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of communication and branding in various contexts.
- Students will analyze how brands and communication strategies align with organizational objectives.
- The program introduces the fundamentals of user experience design, focusing on innovation management and value creation through customer acquisition and retention.
- Students will explore the foundational concepts of human experience relevant to design innovation, building on knowledge from interdisciplinary fields like sociology, psychology, and human-centered design.
Structure:
- The program consists of two semesters, with a total of 180 credits.
Modules:
- Design & Identity: This module focuses on the foundations of design, including cultural studies, contemporary design debates, and identity, gender, and feminist studies.
- Design Strategy and Branding: This crucial module focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of working in the communication aspect of design in various contexts. Through lectures and seminars, students explore key theoretical concepts of branding, organizational identity, design strategy, communication, and marketing to understand the central position of communication and branding across different businesses, organizations, and society.
- Strategy and Market Analysis: This module equips students with the necessary academic insights and reflective skills to critically analyze organizations' positioning in the competitive environment and assess their preparedness for facing competition.
- Design Research: This module aims to help students gain a broad understanding of design research history and methodologies, equipping them with the skills and competencies to undertake research in their chosen field of inquiry.
- Design for Experiences: This module prepares students to understand the key concepts and complexities of designing for user experience. Focusing on innovation management and the creation of value in use, this module explores the foundational concepts of human experience relevant to design innovation, utilizing interdisciplinary knowledge from sociology, psychology, cognitive science, and human-centered design.
- Collaborative Project: This module provides students with hands-on experience in identifying, framing, and resolving practical and real-world challenges and problems. It also aims to support the development of students' critical inquiry and individual reflection skills, while leveraging their individual strengths and skills to build upon their educational backgrounds.
- Dissertation: This module allows students to delve into a subject, research a business problem, or explore a specific research question in depth.
- Essays and reports of varying lengths
- Presentations and projects
Teaching:
The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent study
- Group work
- Practical sessions Faculty members are renowned thought leaders, pioneering researchers, and creative innovators who introduce students to the latest theories and developments in the field.
Careers:
The MA in Design and Branding opens doors to diverse career paths in brand design and management, visual communications, and corporate strategy. Graduates can pursue careers as:
- Brand strategist
- Corporate designer
- Design consultant
- Brand manager
- Marketing manager
- Communication specialist
- Design researcher
- Brand consultant
- Entrepreneur
- Academic researcher The program also prepares students for doctoral studies in related fields.
Other:
The program highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion both in the classroom and in the wider design industry. The program emphasizes industry connections and provides opportunities for real-world projects and collaborations with partner organizations.
UK fee: £13,000 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £29,750 Full-time degree per annum
Loughborough University
Overview:
Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class facilities:
Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.Strong academic reputation:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Focus on research and innovation:
Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.Excellent career prospects:
Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.Academic Programs:
Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.Sport Science:
Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.Humanities and Social Sciences:
Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.Science and Technology:
Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.Other:
Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.
Entry Requirements:
UK Students:
A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in design (eg engineering design, fashion design, art and design), innovation, business, media, technology or a related subject. Applicants from non-design backgrounds must have achieved 55% or above in their final year.
International Students (Outside EU):
- A four-year Bachelor degree (or equivalent) from an approved university with a minimum average grade of C, or its equivalent.
- A Master’s degree from an approved university with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or a pass at an equivalent standard), or its equivalent.
Other Requirements for All Applicants:
- Completion of an application form
- Submission of supporting documents, including transcripts and references
- A personal statement outlining your interest in the program and relevant experience
- English language proficiency requirements (see below).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their English language proficiency by achieving the required score in one of the following tests:
IELTS:
Overall 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
92 overall with a minimum Writing score of 26
PTE Academic:
65 overall with no single score lower than 59
Cambridge English:
CAE 176, CPE 180 (C1 level)
Additional notes:
- The above are the minimum Entry Requirements, and applicants with stronger profiles may be more competitive.