Manaal Aydeed
Manaal Aydeed successfully completed her MA/MSc Design Innovation degree in 2025. Now working as a Service Designer, she reflects on her time at Loughborough University London and how it shaped her career journey, helping her develop transferable skills that continue to have a meaningful impact on her professional life.
- Programme: MA/MSc Design Innovation
Why I chose Loughborough University London
From the moment I discovered the field of design, I became deeply fascinated and wanted to pursue it as a career path. What drew me to the master’s program at Loughborough University, London is its practical approach to problem-solving. The course provides real-world challenges to solve collaboratively with partner companies and a diverse cohort of students, which I knew would be invaluable for launching my career in design.
My overall academic experience
My overall academic experience was unforgettable. I was fortunate to learn from extremely dedicated and caring professors, seek career guidance from the highly supportive Future Space team, and be continually inspired by my talented peers. Although there were some stressful moments, the encouragement, mentorship, and inspiration I received from everyone at Loughborough University London made a huge difference. It helped me break out of my shell and grow both personally and professionally.
Aspects of my course I enjoyed
The practical project-based nature of the course allowed me to learn by doing and build a strong portfolio. In particular, the Collaborative Dissertation was an incredibly memorable and valuable project. It gave me the chance to work with real industry professionals, tackle real-world problems, and see the tangible impact of my work. This experience not only enhanced my practical skills but also allowed me to demonstrate to prospective employers that I could solve real-world challenges and create meaningful results.
Highlights of my time at Loughborough University London
The highlights of my time here were the people and the city. I met so many warm and welcoming people who became family away from home and inspired me to grow. Every street in the city had something new and exciting to explore which made life outside my course really fun and memorable.
Campus facilities and resources
The campus facilities and resources were great. Being surrounded by innovative companies and colleges created an energizing atmosphere and the campus’s location by the river with cafés made it a beautiful spot to relax and socialize after classes. There were also many opportunities to learn from industry professionals and have fun with your cohort such as industry talks and movie nights. The faculty and staff were very welcoming and supportive, and the library and online resources provided endless opportunities for learning.
How Loughborough University London has prepared me for my future career
My time at Loughborough University transformed me from someone with little knowledge of design into someone who could deliver projects with real impact. It helped me build a strong portfolio that showcased my knowledge, process, and skills applied to real company projects. This experience was recognized by my employer and directly helped me achieve my goal of pursuing a career in design.
My advice to future students
Take a leap of faith in yourself, make the most of the university’s resources and opportunities, and enjoy every moment of the experience.