Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical and practical study of branding as a discipline that blends strategy, visual communication and user experience. Core topics include brand strategy and positioning, semiotics and cultural analysis, visual identity systems, typography and wayfinding, research methods for design, and service and experience design as they relate to brands.

Teaching is studio-led and project-based. You will work on short design briefs and a substantial major project or dissertation, developing a professional portfolio. Typical modules and activities include:

• Brand Strategy and Positioning: frameworks for defining purpose, audience and competitive differentiation.
• Identity Design and Systems: development of logos, colour, typography, and adaptable brand systems for multi-channel application.
• Research and Insight: qualitative and quantitative methods, ethnography, user testing and stakeholder mapping to inform brand decisions.
• Experience and Service Design for Brands: touchpoint mapping, customer journeys and integrated brand experiences across physical and digital contexts.
• Creative Enterprise and Professional Practice: pitching, client management, project planning and portfolio development.
• Major Project / Dissertation: a sustained individual project synthesising research and practice, or a practice-based dissertation supporting a professional brief.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second class honours or higher) in design, visual communication, marketing, business, or a related discipline. Candidates with substantial professional experience in branding, marketing or design may be considered where academic qualifications differ.

A digital portfolio demonstrating design thinking, visual work and project outcomes is required. The portfolio should include recent work that shows research, concept development and final artefacts or campaign outputs.

International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements for postgraduate study (evidence of a recognised qualification or test score). Additional requirements such as a personal statement and references are requested at application.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across agencies, consultancies, in-house brand teams and start-ups. Typical job titles include brand designer, brand strategist, identity designer, creative lead, user experience designer with a brand focus, and brand consultant. Many alumni work in multidisciplinary teams on campaigns, packaging, retail and digital platform branding.

The course also prepares students for freelance practice and entrepreneurial activity, and provides a foundation for further research at MPhil/PhD level for those interested in academic careers or specialist consultancy roles.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough's Design School brings together studio teaching, technical workshops and research-informed practice, enabling close supervision and hands-on development of professional work. The school has strong links with industry, offering live briefs, guest crits and networking opportunities with agencies and corporate partners.

Students benefit from well-equipped workshops, digital fabrication facilities and specialist print and media labs, plus central support services for careers and enterprise. The campus environment supports interdisciplinary collaboration with business, sports technology and engineering, giving distinctive opportunities to explore branding across diverse sectors.