Interior Design BA(Hons)

Why choose this course?

Interior design is concerned with the creation of the spaces in which we live, and involves the design of the interface between buildings and the people who use them. This often entails the redevelopment and reuse of existing buildings to create a variety of spaces, including airports, hospitals, hotels, shops, restaurants, leisure centres and workplaces.

What will you study?

In Year 1, studio-based projects introduce the fundamental principles of interior design (eg form, geometry, structure, colour, light and function). To complement these studies you will learn skills such as drawing, model-making and the use of digital media.

In Year 2 you will further explore issues such as spatial organisation, planning and detailing through a series of design projects supported by professional studies in computer-aided design, building construction and careers management.

Year 3 culminates with the preparation of a professional portfolio. Your work throughout the course will be supported by historical and theoretical studies.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Interior Design Communication Skills

• Interior Design Communication Skills

  This module introduces the communication skills essential to working as an interior designer.

  
   
• Interior Design Principles I

• Interior Design Principles I

  This module introduces the fundamental principles of interior design, including:

  • form;
  • geometry;
  • proportion; and
  • structure.
  
   
• Interior Design Principles II

• Interior Design Principles II

  This module introduces the fundamental principles of interior design concerning:

  • ergonomics;
  • colour; and
  • light.

  You will also build on your previous learning in a small scale interior design proposal.

  
   
• Themes in the History of Architecture and Design I

• Themes in the History of Architecture and Design I

  The module provides a historical and critical framework for you to develop personal philosophy and theoretical standpoint in regard to the practice of design.

  A series of lectures convey a thematic (and roughly chronological) study of the development of architecture and design from the mid-19th century to the end of the 20th century. A strong focus is placed upon the relationship between the theory and practice of product, furniture, architecture, interior design.

  
   
• Themes in the History of Architecture and Design II
• Language option
• Communicating Art and Design History option

Year 2

• Interior Design Practice I

• Interior Design Practice I

  In this module you will:

  • undertake feasibility study work - formulating appropriate uses for given sites and selecting appropriate sites for given building programmes;
  • define and organise spatial configurations - considering circulation and planning strategies for a given building programme within a given site; and
  • produce presentation material - to communicate design proposals and develop your portfolio.
  
   
• Interior Design Practice II

• Interior Design Practice II

  In this module you will:

  • undertake feasibility study work - formulating appropriate uses for given sites and selecting appropriate sites for given building programmes;
  • define and organise spatial configurations - considering circulation and planning strategies for a given building programme within a given site; and
  • produce presentation material - to communicate design proposals and develop your portfolio.
  
   
• Interior Design Professional Studies

• Interior Design Professional Studies

  This module introduces the fundamental principles of:

  • building construction and materials relevant to the interior designer; and
  • CAD software programmes relevant to the interior designer.
  
   
• Contemporary Issues in Research

• Contemporary Issues in Research

  This module provides a broad introduction and preparation for the dissertation project. It considers:

  • the role of research within art and design practice;
  • the relationship between primary and secondary material;
  • ways of developing and originating research; and
  • ways of realising the research in a formal written manner.

  The module provides a broad overview of some of the different critical and methodological approaches to researching in art and design culture.

  
   
• Creative Careers Management
• Art and design history option
• Language option

Year 3

• Interior Design Projects
• Professional Practice

• Professional Practice

  This module gives you the chance to develop your understanding of the professional practice of interior design, including:

  • the roles of the various professionals who contribute to the interior design team;
  • the principles of job running within the interior design profession;
  • general office matters appropriate to interior design practice; and
  • how to produce written material using recognised report writing conventions.
  
   
• Portfolio Presentation
• Dissertation

• Dissertation

  The dissertation module involves individual research, organisation and development of a subject of personal interest. You will develop:

  • critical and analytical thought; and
  • the ability to sustain an argument using research and writings skills.