Big Splash Campaign School of Design and Creative Arts
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements
- 2.1
- Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)
-
UK: Fully fundedInternational: Fully funded
- Start date
- October 2025
- Application deadline
- 6th March 2025
- Project reference
- SDCA/BigSplash/2024
- Location
- Loughborough
- Subject area(s)
- Design, Creative Arts
Project details
The School of Design and Creative Arts invites applications for fully funded studentships. We are seeking motivated, talented, focused individuals to contribute to our world-leading research and innovation community. The School is committed to widening participation and would welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Studentship recipients will address one of the University’s three strategic themes:
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
The School has expertise in ergonomics and human factors, design for health, inclusive design (especially with regards to disability) and creative approaches to wellbeing in visual art, theatre and storytelling. Staff consistently break through barriers to wellbeing, whether in the transport industry or providing creative interventions for those with hidden disabilities.
Climate Change and Net Zero
Sustainability is central to the School ethos, exemplified by staff research, including in areas such as packaging design, sustainable fashion and textiles, circular economy, and responsible design. We also have expertise in new ways to understand ecology through speculative futures and non-human subjects.
Vibrant and Inclusive Communities
SDCA prioritises work that celebrates diversity and amplifies marginalised voices, whether that be through global textile design, visual art practice, disability arts, digital technology, or applied storytelling. Healthy aging and women’s health are particular overarching themes.
The School welcomes applications that are transdisciplinary in approach and, where appropriate, welcome practice-as-research and applied methodologies. We invite applicants to check the School website to identify potential supervisors and research specialisms.
Supervisors
You should identify a potential supervisor prior to applying to discuss your proposal.
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
Applicants must have or expect to achieve least a high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. A relevant Masters degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.
Afghanistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
| 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 |
Algeria
| 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 |
Argentina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
| 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 |
Australia
| 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%) |
Austria
| 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) |
Azerbaijan
| 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% |
Bahamas
| 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) |
Bahrain
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Bangladesh
| 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 only) | 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 |
Belarus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
| 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 |
Belize
| 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) |
Benin
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
| 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) |
Bolivia
| 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 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
| 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% |
Brazil
| 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 |
Brunei
| 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) |
Bulgaria
| 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 |
Burundi
| 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) |
Cambodia
| 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 |
Cameroon
| 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 |
Canada
| 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 |
Chile
| 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 |
China
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 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
| Shanghai Rank 251-500 | 88% | 84% | 80% | 78% | 75% |
| Shanghai Rank 501+ | 92% | 87% | 84% | 82% | 80% |
Affiliated colleges
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 75%-84%.
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 80%-87%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:
- School of Business and Economics: not considered
- All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Universities given special consideration
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:
*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.
Colombia
| 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 |
Costa Rica
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
| 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 |
Denmark
| 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 |
Dominican Republic
| 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% |
Ecuador
| 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% |
Egypt
| 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% |
El Salvador
| 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 |
Estonia
| 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 |
Ethiopia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | A/GPA 4.0 | A/GPA 3.5 | B/GPA 2.8 |
Finland
| 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) |
France
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
| 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%) |
Germany
| 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 |
Ghana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | First | Upper second/60% | Lower second/50% |
Greece
| 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 |
Grenada
| 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 |
Guatemala
| 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) |
Guyana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
| 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% |
Hong Kong
| 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 |
Hungary
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
Iceland
| 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 |
India
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 65% (First) | 60% (First) | 55% (Upper second) |
| All other Indian institutions | 70% (First with distinction) | 65% (First) | 60% (First) |
Indonesia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Iran
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
| 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%) |
Israel
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110 |
Ivory Coast
| 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) |
Jamaica
| 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) |
Japan
| 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 |
Jordan
| 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% |
Kazakhstan
| 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 |
Kenya
| 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 |
Kosovo
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Latvia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 90% (3.5) | 80% (3.2) | 70% (2.8) |
| French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
| 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% |
Libya
| 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) |
Lithuania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
| 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 |
Macedonia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
| 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 |
Malta
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
| 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% |
Mexico
| 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 |
Moldova
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Mongolia
| 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 |
Montenegro
| 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) |
Morocco
| 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 |
Mozambique
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
| 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% |
Namibia
| 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 |
Nepal
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA |
Netherlands
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
| 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) |
Nicaragua
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
| 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 | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| 4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0 |
Oman
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
| 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 |
Palestine
| 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 |
Panama
| 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) |
Papua New Guinea
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
| 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%) |
Peru
| 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 |
Philippines
| 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 |
Poland
| 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 |
Portugal
| 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 |
Qatar
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
| 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%) |
Saudi Arabia
| 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 |
Senegal
| 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 |
Serbia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
| 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) |
Singapore
| 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 |
Slovakia
| 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 |
Slovenia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7 |
South Africa
| 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% |
South Korea
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA out of 4.5 | 4.0 / A | 3.5 / B | 3.0 / C+ |
| GPA out of 4.3 | 4.0 / A | 3.0 / B | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
| 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 |
Sri Lanka
| 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 |
Sudan
| 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 |
Sweden
| 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 |
Switzerland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 6 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3 |
Syria
| 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% |
Taiwan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (4 year degree) | 80% | 75% | 70% |
| Category 2 (4 year degree) | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Tajikistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Trinidad and Tobago
| 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 |
Tunisia
| 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) |
Turkey
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Turkmenistan
| 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 |
Uganda
| 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 |
Ukraine
| 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 |
United Arab Emirates
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Uruguay
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Uzbekistan
| 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 |
Venezuela
| 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 |
Vietnam
| 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 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Zambia
| 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% |
Zimbabwe
| 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% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.
How to apply
All applications (and the research proposal) should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Design’ or ‘Creative Arts’. Please quote the advertised reference number: SDCABigSplash2025 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. In-complete applications will not be considered at the Studentship decision Panel.
As part of your application, you must submit a proposal (maximum 2 pages). Part of your proposal must specifically indicate how your research fits within one of the strategic priority themes. You should indicate a potential supervisor from our School and state this person on the online application. The following selection criteria, as well as an assessment of how the project aligns with the School strategy and supervisor capacity, will be used by the School to help them make a decision on your application.
