Interior Design BA (Hons) 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

Creative Lighting and Technology

Good lighting and the creative use of technology is integral to any good interior design project. This module will cover the vast array of products and technologies which can be used within a space to create a dynamic yet functional scheme for both residential and commercial projects. You will further develop the scheme produced in your Space Planning module, adding lighting and audio-visual technology to an already developed furniture plan, ensuring that the space is fit for the purpose identified by the client.

Module 5

Sustainable Design and Technology

Regardless of the sector you decide to specialise in, you will need to understand how and when to use sustainable products, materials and technologies, as this is a growing concern among clients. As a designer you need to be able to offer your clients the same range of options whilst being conscious of current environmental issues. Within this module you will address these issues and discover a range of architects and designers who specialise in eco-friendly interiors, all whilst exploring the world of restaurant design.

Module 6

Home Staging and Show Home Design

There are many factors which influence the sale or re-sale of residential properties, and in this module you will focus on how to design interiors that sell! By designing two different properties for clients who will not be the intended residents the way in which you communicate your ideas will be different. As part of this module you will learn how to produce letters to clients, design packs and 3D visuals.

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

Furniture and Furnishings

The main focus on this module is furniture and furnishings, together with everything you have learned at this point to produce an interior design scheme to meet a specific client brief. There is a choice of different briefs within this module, allowing you to tailor the direction of your own study. Alongside this you will explore the history of furniture and furnishings, the placement of these features and look at major high-end suppliers. For this module you will also complete 40 hours of work experience which will give you a unique insight into the design industry.

Module 9a (Option)

Exhibition Design

This module has two study options, which allows you to choose a project for your portfolio within the area of design that appeals to you most. Option 1 is exhibition design and within this you will explore the two main exhibition approaches; commercial trade shows and exhibitions within a gallery space. There are many elements to explore, including the visitor experience and branding.

Module 9b (Option)

Hotel Design

Option 2 for this module focuses on hotel design and tracks the evolution of this global industry. You will be given the opportunity to work with a building of your choice, developing an understanding for the impact a site will have on a target market and concept. This is a rich and diverse subject which will prove invaluable to anyone wanting to specialise in this area of design.

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.