Heritage Interior Design BA (Hons) Top-Up Online (Apply direct with National Design Academy)

Module 1

Research & Contextualisation

Interior design is a vibrant and exciting industry, and within this module you will be introduced to world leaders in both residential and commercial design. Research underpins all good design projects therefore this module will introduce you to the skills and methods needed to undertake this research. You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of interior design and its history through the ages; knowledge which you will be able to apply to future modules.

Module 2

Space Planning

However beautiful a space, if it is not functional it will not work for the user. Form and function is essential for good design. In this module you will learn how to design a space to meet the requirements of its function. You will learn how to plan and design an efficient, comfortable and safe space within a number of different briefs for both residential and commercial interiors. You will also start to learn the importance of development work at the initial stages of a project and how a concept will aid the design process.

Module 3

Design in Historical Context

To understand the present, you need to understand the past, and in this module you will be encouraged to actively research heritage buildings within your local area, utilising some of the skills developed in the research module. This module examines the factors that have played a part in the development of interior design since the Renaissance and gives you the opportunity to recreate some of the most fascinating design styles throughout history.

Module 4

Traditional Design Techniques

When working with heritage properties it is important not only to be sympathetic but authentic; in this module you will explore the specialist techniques and finishes used when restoring or recreating historic interiors, and learn how these can be applied. You will also learn about the modern techniques used to recreate historic interiors, when the original materials are unavailable or unsafe.

Module 5

Design & Tech for Listed Buildings

There are a range of constraints, procedures and processes involved in the restoration of heritage interiors, however after completing this module you will have a better understanding of these and be able to apply this knowledge to your own design work. You will be introduced to the criteria used to assess a listed building, and organisations who are ultimately responsible for the welfare of heritage buildings.

Module 6

Wall, Floor & Window Treatments

Walls, floors and window treatments are integral to any interior scheme, and in this module you will discover how these three elements can help you to create a scheme specifically for a heritage interior. Throughout this module you will be introduced to techniques used in different periods, however the module will culminate in the creation of a Georgian interior scheme, giving you a range of visuals to add to your portfolio.

Module 7

Professional Practice

In this module you will be given the tools you need to create your own design practice and a marketing plan specifically tailored to you and your chosen career path. You will also explore the importance of branding to a business, and be given the opportunity to develop your own brand, which can form part of your portfolio and used to develop your future career prospects. You will also have the skills required to work within an existing practice at a professional level.

Module 8

Commercial Project

This project will draw on all the skills you will have developed in the specialist modules. You will work with a brief from concept, to development, through to completion, producing a great range of work to include within your portfolio. For this module you will also complete 40 hours of work experience which will give you a unique insight into the industry.

Module 9

Heritage Conversions

Using what you have learnt so far, in this module you will be tasked with finding a heritage building in your local area and producing a concept that converts this into a usable and authentic space which is reflective of the property’s history. You will explore the importance of protecting and enhancing a buildings history whilst developing a space which is style and appropriate for contemporary living.

Module 10

Research Study

It is at this stage of the course that you will truly get to choose the direction of the work you produce, starting with the research of a topic close to your heart. If there is an area of design that you are passionate about, then this is an exciting opportunity to incorporate this into your degree. Within this module you will write a dissertation, with the support and guidance of your tutor, who by now will have a great understanding of you and how you study. This dissertation will then feed into your final module; the independent study.

Module 11

Independent Study

Building on the topic you have developed in the Research Study module, with the support of your tutor, you will be given double the amount of time of the previous modules, to focus on your chosen design based project. This will be the culmination of three years of hard work and will bring together all the skills you have learnt along the way. This module will provide you with visuals, presentation boards, development sketches and technical drawings to add to your portfolio.