Loughborough University

Inclusive Design and Ageing

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

As populations age globally, inclusive design offers vital pathways to ensure environments, products, and services support diverse needs across the lifespan. This research area explores how design and creative arts can empower older adults, reduce barriers, and foster dignity, independence, and social participation. Key challenges include addressing age-related changes in mobility, cognition, and sensory perception, while avoiding stereotypes and promoting intergenerational equity.

Research questions may include: Projects may span our world-leading Environmental Ergonomics and Transport Safety Research Centres, healthcare, housing, digital accessibility, and cultural engagement, with opportunities to collaborate with gerontologists, technologists, and community stakeholders encouraged. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research on design empowering older adults' dignity, independence and participation
  • Addresses age-related changes in mobility, cognition and sensory perception
  • Access to Environmental Ergonomics and Transport Safety Research Centres
  • Projects span healthcare, housing, digital accessibility and cultural engagement
  • Collaboration with gerontologists, technologists and community stakeholders encouraged

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees
  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000
  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000
  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Academic researcher
  • University lecturer
  • Inclusive design consultant
  • Accessibility specialist
  • User experience researcher
  • Policy adviser on ageing

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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