Study options
- Foundation studies
- Undergraduate Programmes
- Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes
- Postgraduate Research Programmes
- Erasmus, International Exchange and Study Abroad
Foundation studies
There are two routes available for students wishing to study at Loughborough University and have studied in a schooling system where a foundation course is required prior to entry to the University.
1. Loughborough University International Foundation Programmes (Business or Science)
In 2009 Loughborough University launched a new foundation programme for international students wishing to study at Loughborough University. The programme has two streams (Business & Science), is run by Loughborough College (based adjacent to the University campus) and is validated by Loughborough University.
The Loughborough University International Foundation Programme offers a pathway for students who are required to undertake a bridging course between the school system they have attended in their home country and undergraduate study in the UK.
Successful completion leads to the award of a Loughborough University Certificate in Foundation Studies.
Some key features of the programme are as follows:
- High quality teaching and support (all students are allocated a personal tutor);
- Fully validated and recognised by Loughborough University;
- Guaranteed entry to Loughborough University undergraduate programmes (subject to the achievement of minimum grades at the completion of the programme);
- An attractive, convenient and safe location with easy access to the UK’s major cities;
- High quality College facilities and access to University facilities;
- September and January (Business only) starts available;
- Access for students who have a minimum IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 70 (internet-based test)
For full information on this programme including entry requirements and online application please visit the Loughborough College website.
2. Loughborough University Science and Engineering Foundation Programme
This programme is designed for students who do not meet the normal entrance requirements of the University because:
- They have narrowly missed the standard entrance requirements (eg. slightly below the usual A-level entry grades).
- They do not have the correct subject profile (eg. do not have the required Maths or Science A-level equivalent).
OR
- They are from a 12 year school education system and require an additional year of science and maths before embarking on degree level study.
In each of these cases, applicants should meet the usual English language requirements of the University (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Students who achieve pre-set grades in this programme are guaranteed entry to the relevant programme at Loughborough (this will be confirmed at the point of admission).
Students must apply to the University through UCAS for this programme. Further information can be found in the Undergraduate Prospectus.
Undergraduate Programmes
Undergraduate degree programmes (sometimes referred to as a ‘first degree’) are suitable for students who have completed high school education to the equivalent of UK A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). A number of overseas high school qualifications are accepted for direct entry but in some cases a foundation programme will be required. If you are unsure please visit the regional information pages and look up entry requirements applicable to your country.
Undergraduate degree courses are normally three or four years duration although they may be longer if you opt to do an industrial placement. Teaching is conducted through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You can choose to concentrate on one subject, or combine two or more subjects. A list of all available degree courses (single and combined) can be found by going to the online Undergraduate Prospectus.
Loughborough University’s undergraduate degree programmes usually lead to the award of a BA, BSc or BEng. Many, however, are extended programmes leading to the award of Master e.g. MEng or MComp. This is not the equivalent of a postgraduate higher award (e.g. MSc, MA, MBA), but gives you the opportunity to study a subject to a greater depth for a year, and gain further professional accreditation where relevant.
Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes
Taught masters programmes are suitable for applicants who have already completed their undergraduate studies. Some programmes are open to graduates from any subject background but others will require applicants to have majored in a relevant field. There is a wide range of programmes available and, if studied full-time, the standard period of study for a masters programme is 12 months. Most masters programmes consist of taught modules for the first two semesters and then this is followed by a dissertation – an extensive piece of work which you will choose, research and write with individual supervision from your tutor.
To see the full range of masters programmes available at Loughborough, find out about the entry requirements and access an online application form please visit the online Postgraduate Prospectus.
Postgraduate Research Programmes
The results of the Research Assessment Exercise in 2008 confirm Loughborough as one of the UK’s top 20 institutions for research excellence making Loughborough the ideal place to embark on a research degree.
All of Loughborough’s academic departments offer research degrees and it is normally possible to study a masters degree by research, an MPhil or PhD. Whatever the level it is essential that you put together a research proposal and include this with your application. This should set out the area and topic you wish to research and give some indication of how you intend to carry it out. It is also advisable that you identify a potential research supervisor. You can find detailed information on departmental websites about research groups and the research interests of individual members of staff. This should help to give you some insight into whether the department is likely to be able to support your research ambitions.
Erasmus, International Exchange and Study Abroad
Loughborough University actively encourages all students to spend a period of your studies overseas. We believe all students benefit greatly from an overseas experience. Loughborough has study exchange contracts with many partner universities throughout Europe. The academic Schools at Loughborough University participate in the Erasmus and international exchange programmes and welcome short-stay international students on our Study Abroad programme.
Whether you are a Loughborough student who wishes to experience a period of study overseas, or a European / international student who wishes to spend one semester or an academic year on our campus, there are a number of opportunities open to you.
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