Graphic Design and Visualisation

Qualification(s) available: MA

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year
UK: £13,700
International: £30,900
Scholarships available
Entry requirements
2:1
Full-time
1 year
Part-time
N/A
Location
Loughborough
Start date
September 2026
Department
Creative Arts
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Our Graphic Design and Visualisation Masters aims to enable students to develop a specialist area of expertise within graphic design while applying targeted, complex tools and methods to further design practice.

The programme seeks to prepare students for advanced professional careers or entrepreneurial aspirations and can become a catalyst for further studies at a doctoral level.

Taught in a progressive, industry aligned environment, students are empowered to explore advanced graphic design problems by applying user centric research methods. The programme structure allows students to transition from generalist graphic designers to specialists by encouraging radical enquiries that expand thinking beyond conventional approaches. Supervised by experts in the field of graphics, user experience/interface, illustration or animation, students on the course will receive support to propose future facing, internationally relevant solutions to build their professional or research profile opening up opportunities to study at PhD level.

Why you should choose us

2nd in the UK for Graphic Design The Guardian University Guide 2025
4th in the UK for Art and Design The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
4th in the UK for Art and Design The Complete University Guide 2026
39th in the world for Art and Design QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Why you should study this degree

You will be in an environment that cultivates a process of conceiving, planning, and producing work using a range of advanced graphic design and visualisation tools and techniques.

The programme will enable confident application of research methods to answer complex, industry allied design problems. You will be able to develop key professional practice transferable skills such as: co-design, international/transdisciplinary collaborations; design management and entrepreneurship. You will be able to innovate through a specialised understanding of your working field. You will be in an environment that cultivates a process of conceiving, planning and producing work using a range of advanced graphic design and visualisation tools and technique, to solve people’s problems.

MA Graphic Design and Visualisation

This programme aims to develop a specialist approach to graphic design and visualisation through combining traditional and contemporary approaches in the field.

I was drawn to this course because it offered more room for creativity. During my time at Loughborough, I have developed a strong passion for illustration.

Shruti MA Graphic Design and Visualisation alumna
Omeiza

Omeiza

The Creative Arts department offers incredible facilities only to be seconded by the staff that work there. For me, the University had what I needed most; the time and space to hone my skills and the support and encouragement.
Rupert

Rupert

I was attracted to the ethos of Loughborough – everyone I had spoken to had stressed the fact that it is one of the best universities in the country for student experience.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2025/26 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Our Graphic Design and Visualisation MA will enable the development of a specialist area of expertise within graphic design while equipping you with targeted, complex tools and methods to further your practice within relevant working fields.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to:

  • introduce students to industry-standard methods of design thinking
  • select and apply advanced principles, concepts, theoretical frameworks, and approaches of ideation to critically capture creative design thoughts
  • enable students to understand the difference between thinking through drawing and visualisation to decide on appropriate production tools

The aims of this module are to:

  • develop group working skills and competencies that are highly relevant to the international design industry and associated fields
  • develop critical analytic skills that allow for a systematic and critical evaluation of own and other design co-workers capabilities
  • practice management skills
  • develop advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in addressing real-world design problems respecting specialist professional competencies in their peers

The aims of this module are to:

  • enable students to recognise that there are various methods for understanding the interaction between external stakeholder environments and practice design processes
  • enable students to produce satisficed research data to inform and a guide a dialogic design case study

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the design research process, and how the methods and tools it comprises are used to collect, analyse, synthesise, and interpret research data for design research projects.

Compulsory module

The aims of this module are to:

  • enable students to develop a systematic understanding of how personal practice operates within the context of international design competitions
  • develop critical understanding of project and design management strategies, methods and techniques current in their specialist fields
  • synthesise and present information to define the parameters of viable specialist design practicess

 The aims of this module are to:

  • enable students to develop a systematic understanding of personal practice as critically evaluated against the context of international communication design
  • develop critical understanding and knowledge of problem-solving strategies, multi-modal methods, and techniques in use by international peers
  • synthesise information to define the parameters of specialist design practice that characterise an advanced level of international communication design practice, synthesising this as an advanced communication design artefact.

The aims of this module are to:

  •  Enable a systematic understanding of research and project management tools to generate working data to guide graphic practice in resolving a design problem in abstract and unpredictably complex contexts
  • Select and apply advanced principles, concepts, theoretical frameworks, and approaches to critically develop responses design problems
  • Synthesise advanced and specialist design research and practice outcomes that communicate design solutions
  • Develop and present action plans and responses to specialist design projects

The aims of this module are to:

  • Enable students to develop advanced personal practice through specialist field investigations: history, philosophies materials, processes, and techniques;
  • Empower students develop independent thinking by experimenting with specialist project materials and processes;
  • Critically reflect on design outcomes and challenge the boundaries of relevant conceptual frameworks

Compulsory module (choose one)

The aims of this module are to:

  • Enable students to demonstrate applied knowledge of specialist practice to an advanced level in their chosen Graphic Design and Visualisation area
  • Support students to apply advanced visualisation systems and specialist techniques to
    answer complex design problems.
  • Empower students to develop, design and present radical/innovative proposals to help
    them build a professional design profile.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Enable students to demonstrate knowledge of specialist research practice to an advanced level in their chosen Graphic Design and Visualisation area.
  • Support students to apply advanced research practices to acquire specialist techniques and research methods.
  • Empower students to write radical/innovative design research proposals to enable progression to further education (doctoral studies).

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is continuous and based on an appraisal of practice, written material, related research, and professional and entrepreneurial skills in relation to the final project outcome(s).

How you'll study

The MA Graphic Design and Visualisation programme features a variety of teaching and learning methods.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Field trips
  • Independent study
  • Group work
  • Workshops
  • Practical sessions

Where you'll study

You will have full access to a range of outstanding learning and teaching facilities, including a stop-frame animation area, printing facilities, visualisation lab, continuous lighting studio, photography studios, and study spaces.

darkroom
Darkroom
etching facilities
Etching facilities
open access lab
Open Access Lab
photography studio
Photography studio
printmaking
Printmaking studio
screen printing
Screen printing facilities
video studio
Imaging and lighting studio
visualisation lab
Visualisation lab

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in an Art and Design or closely related subject.

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) 8.5 7.5 6.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum 90% or 3.9 80% or 3.5 70% or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% / B / (or 2) 60% / B / (or 2)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 4.5 or 90% 4 or 80% 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses up to 2024)

Any 4 year Bachelor degree or BSc in Nursing (2025 onwards)		 1st (70%) / 3.5 2nd (60%) / 3.0 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie 80% or 17 70% or 14 60% or 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) 18 15/20 (Bien) 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 80% or B+ or 3.5 70% or B or 3.0 60% or C+ or 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 80% 76% 72% 70% 67%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 86% 82% 79% 77% 75%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 67%-80%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 70%-83%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-86%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] 3.8 Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 8.5 / 85% 8 / 80% 7 / 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto 8.5, 85% 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno 6.5, 65% or Bueno
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or 91% or A 4 or 81% or B 3 or 71% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) A / GPA 4.0 A / GPA 3.5 B / GPA 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.0 (85%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana 65% / 3.4 GPA 57% / 3.0 GPA 50% / 2.5 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
1st or 3.5/4 2:1or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 4.5 3.5 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework 61% 55% 50%
All other Indian institutions 68% 62% 57%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.2 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 100/110 90/110
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale 85% or A or 3.5 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 85% (3.5) 75% (3.0) 62% (2.6)
French 18 15 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg 18 (excellent) 16 (tres Bien) 14 (bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] 8.5 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies 10 (or 5.0) 9 (or 4.5) 8 (or 4.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) 80% or 3.7 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA 60% or 3.0 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4 3.4 2.7
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A / 1.8 B / 2.3 C / 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) (85%) 3.5 (80%) 3.0 (70%) 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado 18 16 14
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study 1st or 75% 2:1 or 70% 2:2 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 3.8 / B+ 3.2 / B 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 3.8 / B+ 2.9 / C+ 2.7 / C+
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree 1st, 70%, B+ 2:1, 66% mid 2:2, 60%, B
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) 10 / 5.5 / 1 8 / 5 / 2 6 / 4 / 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 76% 70% 65%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 83% 77% 72%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.2 2.8 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or GPA 3.6 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.3 2.9 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.2 2.8 2.4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

A pre-admission form is requested as part of the initial assessment process. You will be instructed on how to submit this once you have applied for the programme. You will also be required to submit a PDF portfolio of up to 20 pages that is no larger than 5MB.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year

UK fee

£13,700 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£30,900 Full-time degree per annum

What's included in your tuition fees Fee status Pay in advance or instalments

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

10% off tuition fees

Loughborough University Alumni Bursary
Master's degree funding

Your development

The MA Graphic Design and Visualisation programme is centred around the Project Proposal, which you will write. We look for original, thought-provoking and innovative ideas which can be explored at MA level.

We expect a level of maturity and autonomy which you can build on whilst studying at Loughborough University. The MA will provide you with the theoretical, conceptual, practical and entrepreneurial skills to further develop your practice in a professional environment.

The master's degree aims to aid you in using reflection and analysis to connect and improve known and unknown situations, as well as communicating ideas, concepts, theories, and arguments to different audiences.

Our academics

Simon sat in front of graphic design artwork

Dr Simon T. Downs

Senior Lecturer in Systems of Graphic Communication, Programme Leader for MA Graphic Design and Visualisation

Simon was a commercial illustrator & graphic communicator; as such he has an interest in how production technologies meet different communications needs for different stakeholders. He now researches this through systems theory applied to graphics problems, generally social and political problems.
Alis stood against grey background and picture frame

Dr Alis Diana Iacob

Director of Postgraduate studies (operational)

Alis has an interest is in Design Pedagogy and User Interface Design. She teaches experiential design and design entrepreneurship and supervises the research and practice of UX/UI and design pedagogy. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has a PhD in Creativity Assessment.
Steve stood in front of wood background

Steve Lannin

BA Graphic Design & MA Graphic Design & Visualisation Teaching Fellow

Steve Lannin BA (Hons) MSc FHEA FRSA creates (audio) visual narratives for global publication, design and exhibition. He has curated landmark LGBTQ+ exhibitions and his contributions include Condé Nast, British Heart Foundation, Intellect Books, Gay Times, Oxford University Press and the V&A Museum.
Stefania stood by some trees

Dr Stefania Sansoni

Lecturer in Graphic Design & Director of UG Student Experience

Stefania is passionate advocate of user-centred approach and UX for graphic and product design. Her research focuses on the Visual Design of below-knee Prosthetic Devices, with a goal of eliminating the stigma of disability. She is also involved in Environmental Sustainability research and teaching.
Clare sat by some trees

Clare Nicholas MA(RCA), FHEA

University Teacher in Graphic Design

Clare has a specialist knowledge of printmaking and is an established illustrator with a portfolio comprising publishing, advertising and design projects for an international clientele which includes Washington Post, American Scientist, World Wildlife Fund and DEFRA.
Tracy stood against a grey background

Dr Tracy Ross

Reader in People-Centred Innovation Design

Tracy is a people-centred designer who works in collaboration with industry partners across connected sectors such as transport and domestic energy. She is passionate about using research methods that ensure everyday product/service/system innovations are designed with the end users in mind.

A black and white profile picture of Richard

Richard Johnson FHEA

University Teacher in Graphic Communication and Illustration & Doctoral Researcher

Richard’s research utilises unconventional wordless visual narratives as collaborative reading experiences in the discussion of complex social issues with children. He is the holder of Gold and Silver Medals presented by the AOI and has been nominated for a Yoto Carnegie Medal in illustration.

Your future career

The universal demand for graphical knowledge and increasing emphasis on visualising complexity across diverse fields provides a vast range of career choices for graduates.

Depending on individual aspirations, students evolve their practical, historical and theoretical interests for a career in industry or academic research through PhD study. Graduates may also decide to start their own businesses or work freelance across a range of design-related disciplines.

This degree is suitable for those interested in working in graphic design related fields. Possible graduate careers include: photography, art direction, graphic design, publishing, illustration, video production, television and film, artist, curator, art buyer, art editor, marketing, art director for advertising, branding, performing arts, exhibition and display design, app designer, comic illustrator, public relations, advertising and artists' agents.