BA (Hons) Interior Design

What it's all about?

HE, full-time, day-time

The major challenge facing interior designers today and especially in the future is in ensuring that the design and construction of their concepts are sustainable.

Study interior design on this course and you will be exposed to the many diversities which take place in the design and production of sustainable, energy efficient and functional as well as aesthetically pleasing environments. You will be taught by a team of practicing interior and graphic designers, CAD experts and fine artists, supported by visiting architects and engineers.

You will be encouraged to question conventional thinking and accepted practices on cultural, philosophical and global issues, and you will be expected to substantiate and rationalise your concepts with sound theory and strong arguments. We will help you improve your creative abilities, and by using the latest CAD packages you will be able to visualise your concepts, in the virtual world. You will also explore the properties of materials for innovative applications, and learn how to manipulate light, colour, and 3 dimensional forms within your spaces. We will support you in developing your technical knowledge, presentation and communication skills to a professional level, to help you prepare and be ready for the challenges of the design and construction industry.

Is this the course for you?

If you are interested in making a difference for the future, by studying about sustainable interiors and environments, then this course is definitely for you.

Mature students (21+)

We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults, even if you don't have conventional entry qualifications. We're interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ideas about changing careers - many mature students have succeeded in this in the past.

Course content
First year

We begin by exploring the design process, and developing basic knowledge and skills through design projects and related study programmes.

Modules include Visual Studies, Team Project, Visual Communication, Building, Materials & Technology 1, Computer-Aided Design 2D/3D, Critical Studies 1, Personal & Professional Development 1, and one elective.

Second year

The Personal & Professional Development 2 module prepares you for a work placement, during which you apply the knowledge and skills you have developed.

Modules include Designing for a Client, Design Innovations, Building, Materials & Technology 2, Advanced 3D CAD, Project Management and Practice, Personal & Professional Development 2, Critical Studies 2 and one elective.

Third year

You'll take part in an international module involving partner colleges in Europe, and will carry out research and development for your dissertation and major project.

Modules include International Project, Feasibility Study, Personal & Professional Development 3, a Dissertation and a Final Major Project.

Assessment

95% is by continuous assessment (at the end of each module) and 5% by examination.

European links

The course participates in the College's GIDE project and the Erasmus student exchange scheme. On Erasmus, a number of second- or third-year students have the opportunity to spend a minimum of three months in Europe, at one of our partner colleges in Belgium, Italy, Germany, France or Holland.

Gide is an international consortium of higher-education design schools which work together to enrich the experience of students in the areas of 3D Design, architectural and interior design.

Live briefs

Live briefs and competitions are integrated into your first and second year, depending on availability and relevance.

Work placements

There is a one-month work placement in your second year, for which the Personal & Professional Practice 2 module prepares you.

Resources

Our dedicated design studio is equipped with professional drawing boards and we provide well-equipped computer facilities running the latest versions of industry-standard software. Colour scanning, plotting and printing facilities are also available.

Study visits

We offer a four-day visit to a major UK city, usually London, in your first year, and a foreign trip during your second year. Previous destinations have included Milan, Prague, Berlin and New York.

Progression & career opportunities

Recent graduates have progressed into a variety of roles, mainly as interior designers, but some as CAD technicians and video/computer visualisation specialists. They have gone on to work within design consultancies and architectural practices in the UK and overseas, including Beijing, Dubai and Singapore. Some have set up their own design businesses, or work freelance. Of those students graduating in 2007, 93% found employment as Interior Designers.