BA in Interior Design

About our BA in Interior Design

Limperts Academy of Design is currently working with a prominent UK University in the development of a BA in Interior Design and an MA in Interior Design. The BA is a one-year program representing the final year of a BA course and it builds on the progress that graduates of our HND in Interior Design have already achieved. Because of the unique nature of this course, it is only open to those students who have successfully completed the BTEC HND in Interior Design and achieved a minimim grade of Merit.

Validation of degree programs is a lengthy process and we have already reached an advanced stage. However, full details of the accrediting university cannot be published until the formal validation process has been finalised. Students can sign up for the interior design BA now although it will not be officially available until early to mid 2009.

To qualify for a BA in Interior Design in the UK, a student must achieve 360 credits. The HND in Interior Design in valued at 240 credits and will form the first two years of this BA Program. The final year of the BA in Interior Design encompasses a total of 4 modules, with a total value of 120 credits (UK / European Credit System). The individual module titles and their credit calues are shown below, followed by a brief description of each module:

Computer Aided Software (CAD)
Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) software has now become a standard design tool in architectural offices and the ability to use and work with CAD drawings produced in industry standard software programs is of considerable importance to interior designers. Students on this program may choose from one of the CAD learning options below and they will be provided with a full working version of the software:

• OPTION 1 - AutoCAD: The aim of this module is to enable students to gain sufficient skill and ability using AutoCAD software so that they can fully integrate CAD into the design process when producing 2D and 3D drawings and presentations. On successful completion of this module students will be able to import, modify and produce CAD drawings to high professional standards.
• OPTION 2- ArchiCAD: The aim of this module is to enable students to gain sufficient skill and ability using ArchiCAD software that students can fully integrate this tool into the design process. On successful completion of this module students will be able to import, modify and produce CAD drawings and digital 3D-visual tours to high professional standards.
  
  Please note: AutoCAD is a standard software program that is commonly used by many architectural and large interior design firms. However, for the purposes of illustrating interior design schemes with virtual presentations and computer generated drawings, it is the opinion of the course development team for this BA program that ArchiCAD software offers considerably more benefits to the interior designer. ArchiCAD software is also compatible with drawings produced in other software packages (including AutoCAD) so drawings can be imported from these programs. These options are provided so that students may make their own decision as to which software package would be most suitable to their needs and those of prospective employers. (More detailed information on each package can be provided upon request).

Dissertation
The aim of this module is to enable students to explore a subject of interest to them, and to further develop research skills, thinking/analytical skills and writing ability. This module provides a formal framework within which students may demonstrate their ability to independently conduct detailed research, and then present a knowledgeable and informed argument based on their findings. Students should note that their chosen subject is not necessarily limited to interior design, but should be related to art and design.

Methodology
The purpose of this module is to provide a formal framework within which students may structure their individual approach to each interior design project and to the course as a whole. By meticulously planning and documenting each aspect of their progress, students will be able to critically evaluate their own method of working and manage time more effectively. This method of record keeping is also an important way in which to establish authorship of work, both on this program and in professional practice.

Final Major Interior Design Project
The aim of this module is to build on prior knowledge and design skills gained by students, so they can generate practical and innovative design solutions and can manage a project from inception to completion. This is a self-generated project that enables students to pursue a specialist area of their own choice, and to demonstrate that they have reached maturity by making key decisions and justifying those decisions with sound reasons. Students will be required to set their own schedule for completing various key stages of this project, and in doing so they will demonstrate highly resolved interior design ability coupled with the discipline to manage projects and complete work to deadlines. This project is an appropriate preparation for entry to the professional interior design industry where graduates will be required to work autonomously and independently within the field.