Diploma in Interior Design
Interior Design has probably never been so popular. It’s everywhere you look – on television with programmes such as Grand Designs, in glossy magazines, and on the internet. Now thanks to this exciting distance learning course from UK Open Learning, it could be the beginning of an exciting new career for you.
A great new lucrative career could lie ahead
Do you appreciate good design and feel you have a creative streak? If you do, Interior Design is just right for you. Our new Diploma will give you a clear understanding of the principles of Interior Design. In short, this course could set you along the road to becoming an in-demand professional Interior Designer - perfect if you are bored with your job or thinking about a change of career. Even if you simply want to improve your knowledge and skills in this area without any thought of making you money, this is the course for you.
What will I learn on the course?
By taking our distance learning Diploma in Interior Design course, you will learn the basic skills of an Interior Designer. You will learn about the history of interior design and study classic design styles. The course also deals with the features which contribute to good design such as concept, colour, shape, texture and balance. It also explores the various ‘elements’ of a room which influence design. There are practical areas of the course too – you will undertake an interior design project and learn what equipment and other skills you will need to set up a small business as an Interior Designer.
Who can take the Diploma in Interior Design?
The Diploma in Interior Design is from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. No prior knowledge of Interior Design is necessary, the course is open to anyone but quite obviously a good background in, and enthusiasm for, design in general is an advantage.
How does the Interior Design course work?
The great thing about distance learning is that you can study from home or work, at your own pace and in your own time. You will also have your very own professional personal tutor offering support via email and post. He or she will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you advice as to how to complete the course successfully. You will have tutor support for a full 12 months from the date you received it. To complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over the 12 month period.
Will I be able to become a professional Interior Designer after taking the course?
At the end of the course you should have the confidence and the necessary skills and knowledge to explore the subject further. You can then decide whether to look for a job as an interior designer, or run your own interior design business. We can offer you advice on finding work within the industry or in starting up your own business.
What are the advantages of being self-employed?
Being your own boss, not having to answer to anyone but yourself, choosing your hours, working from home…the list is endless! Starting up your own business is less daunting than you think and once you’ve started, you’ll never look back.
Is the Diploma in Interior Design a recognised qualification?
The course is accredited by the Open College Network which is one of 10 OCNs across the UK licensed by the National Open College Network (NOCN). In turn NOCN is an awarding body approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. You can be confident in the Quality Assurance that we and the OCN employ to ensure that you are being assessed and certificated properly. This course is a level 3 qualification with 9 learning credits which can be used towards further learning.
Assessment.
Each unit is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted and marked by your tutor. You can send in your assignments and enquiries by e-mail and post. There is no external examination required. With one exception, there is no word count for the assignments. However, you must prove to your tutor that you have fully understood the questions. This course is at Level Three so the assessment criteria will require you to work at a demanding but rewarding level.
How long do I have to complete the course?
12 months. If we update the course, the information will either be posted on our supporting website or sent to you free of charge.
What happens if I’ve paid for the course but find it unsuitable?
Not a problem. If you return it within seven days, we’ll give you a complete refund. We do, however, charge a £15 fee for administration costs.
Objectives
The objectives of the course are to:
· describe the history of interior design, classic design styles and the work of leading designers
· investigate the various elements which contribute to a design
· explore the room elements which influence a design effect
· create a story board
· undertake an interior design project
· identify the tools of the trade
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided up into six units, as follows:
Unit 1 The background
· The origins of Interior Design
· Influences through the ages
· Great designers of the recent past
· Defining a style
Unit 2 Design Elements
· Space
· Colour
· Balance
· Texture & Pattern
· Scale
· Line
· Form
Unit 3 Room Elements
· Furniture
· Flooring
· Lighting
· Walls
· Windows
· Doors
· Fabrics
· Accessories
Unit 4 The Project
· Space planning
· Choosing a colour scheme
· Choosing flooring
· Choosing wall treatments
· Choosing lighting
· Choosing furniture
· Choosing window dressings
· Arranging the furniture
· Choosing accessories
· Creating a Story Board
· The results
Unit 5 Making a living from Interior design
· Have you got what it takes?
· Health and Safety
· Interpersonal Skills
· Management Skills
· Hours and environment
· Earnings
· Building a portfolio and CV
· Tools of the trade
We also include a Colour Wheel, Pad and ruler to get your studies off to a flying start!
