Retail Design BA (Hons) Top-Up Online (Apply direct with National Design Academy)
Bachelor's degree
Online
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Methodology
Online
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Duration
3 Years
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Online campus
Yes
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Delivery of study materials
Yes
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Support service
Yes
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Virtual classes
Yes
The BA (Hons) in Retail Design contains some of the core modules from the BA (Hons) Interior Design but also includes specialist modules about designing specifically for the retail sector. It takes you from the history of interior design to space planning, creative lighting and sustainable design & technology. Specialist modules include branding, visual communication and merchandising, the customer experience and in the final year a choice between exhibition design or retail space in a wider context.
The degree also provides you with a solid background in business advice and professional practice to prepare you for your future career as a specialist in the retail design industry. You will complete a final retail design project for your professional portfolio to help you enter your exciting career as a retail design specialist.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
If you are passionate about interior design and excited by the retail sector this course is for you. It is ideal for students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Professional Interior Design with the National Design Academy, hold an equivalent UK or international qualification in a design subject or alternatively, have a portfolio of relevant industry experience. Direct entry students, transferring students from other institutions, and international students are all welcome. There are no term times – so you can apply and start at any time.
Successful students completing this BA (Hons) will be offered a guaranteed place on the NDA online M.A Interior Design with a generous progression scholarship.
Progression
Take your career to the next level!
After you complete your BA (Hons) you will be offered a guaranteed place on the online M.A. Interior Design with a generous progression scholarship
You can study flexibly, around your new career in Retail Design
With a Master’s Degree you will be qualified for a senior or management role within the design industry
Career
Work as a freelance designer in the dynamic world of retail or exhibitions
Work within a retail or exhibition design practice
Work within a retail development company
Work as a retail specialist within an architectural practice
Applicants should hold one of the following:
NDA Professional Diploma.
Level 3 Diploma, City & Guilds, NVQ, BTEC, HNC in a Design subject or equivalent.
A Level in Art and/or Design equivalent.
Art & Design Foundation Year (university or college).
Age 21+ portfolio of previous Interior Design experience.
International Baccalaureate Art & Design equivalent.
The BA (Hons) Retail Design degree is awarded by our academic partner, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
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Subjects
- Retail
- Design
- Visual Communication
- Branding
- Exhibition
- Interior Design
- Communication Training
- Industry
- Project
- Good Design
- Design Projects
Course programme
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.
Modules 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.
Modules 3
The Customer Experience
Ever wonder what makes for a good customer experience? In the first of the specialist modules you will be given the opportunity to explore this topic, considering the relationship between the retailer and the customer, and how this is affected by the lifestyle of the customer. You will undertake the development of a concept, using a selected target market and a space chosen by yourself. This is an exciting opportunity to tailor your portfolio towards the sector you wish to work within, creating presentation boards, drawings and rendered visual images.
Modules 4
Branding
Branding is one of the key considerations within retail design, and good branding can make or break a retailer, big or small. In this module you will focus on the development of branding and discover how this can be applied to a retail environment. You will also start to develop an understanding for the importance of branding when positioning a business within the market place.
Modules 5
Visual Communication & Merchandising
Another key consideration within retail design is visual communication and merchandising, as this will affect the way that the products are viewed by the customer. There are many elements that effect this, including layout, circulation and positioning of products. Within this module you will gain an understanding of how established brands use a range of methods and techniques within the retail environment, and explore these yourself through development sketches and drawings.
Modules 6
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.
Modules 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.
Modules 8
Commercial Project
This module will allow you to apply everything you have learnt so far to a specific retail space, and allow you to further tailor your learning by allowing you to select the types of products you display. Within this module you will research a retailer, develop branding, design visual communication and merchandising, all with a specific customer and experience in mind.
Modules 9a
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.
Modules 9b
Retail Space in a Wider Context
Within this module you will start to consider the design of a retail space within a wider range of environments. These may include; hotels, museums and galleries, exhibition venues, visitor’s centres, and airports. The same considerations need to be made, however on a much smaller scale. You will produce a design for a pop-up retail space, creating a range of sketches, technical drawings and visuals for your portfolio.
Modules 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.
Modules 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.
Additional information
Year One Tuition Fee (International Students) - $7,650*
Retail Design BA (Hons) Top-Up Online (Apply direct with National Design Academy)