Design and Creative Arts PhD

Loughborough University

The best part of my university experience has been the people and the academic environment. I’ve met supportive lecturers and thoughtful students from different backgrounds, which has really shaped how I think and work. I’ve also valued the freedom to explore my own research interests and develop my ideas independently. At the same time, communication and administrative processes can sometimes be slow or unclear, especially when things feel urgent. Clearer guidance and quicker responses would make the experience much smoother.

Loughborough’s location in the midlands keeps its costs lower than London Universities whilst leveraging open spaces free from concrete jungles to its advantage. London still remains a direct train away with popular hotspots of Nottingham and Leicester being a train stop away. The School of Design and Creative Arts has courses that are of the best in the country, with facilities that match the teaching quality, and lecturers whose passion matches their students. Having come to Loughborough as an undergraduate and stayed on to do a PhD, I’ve been here for almost 10 years. Volunteering for various committees changed who I was on the inside, and being celebrated with awards made those changes external visible. Loughborough is the place that will accept you for who you are but inspire you to become your best. If you wanting a transformational experience, are happy to seek help along the way, and want to enjoy quality learning in design and art, then Loughborough should be on your watchlist!

University staff are incredibly warm, open, and helpful. The library has great services and supportive staff, and the advice team is excellent. I always feel supported and that I belong. I love the culture and atmosphere- it really feels like a big family. Areas to improve: - Out of term time, everything suddenly goes quiet, which can make PhD students feel less visible or important to university services. - Social events could use some improvement, such as the DR summer ball, especially in terms of food and overall vibe. - Inductions were really helpful, but a lot of procedures are still shared only by word of mouth- you reach your third year and only then realise you could have benefited from something much earlier!