Exploring how we relate to the architectural space around us, and with a focus on human need, emotional response, atmosphere, scale, colour, light, texture, acoustics and material, the course examines how interior spaces can have the power to inspire, relax, communicate or reassure the user experience.

This course combines art, design, architecture, technology and contemporary culture to develop an all-round appreciation of the elements which effect and combine to formulate interior spaces.

Interior Design is the link between architecture and the users of space. It deals with the relationship of people to spaces through volume, planning, atmosphere, scale, colour, light, texture, acoustics and material. Interior design solutions can inspire, excite, relax, communicate or reassure.

The course is part of the Design Studies Programme and shares modules with Product Design, Interior Products Design and Design Management Strategies. Links with these subject areas enable you to explore a variety of design areas in a holistic context while also widening your career prospects.

Take a look at this year's graduates' work

Key Facts

• Explores the link between architecture and how people relate to spaces within, through atmosphere, scale, colour, light, texture, materials and more.
• You appreciate, and learn to communicate, how interior design solutions can inspire, excite, relax, communicate or reassure.
• Part of our Design Studies Programme, sharing modules with BA (Hons) Design Management Strategies; BA (Hons) Product Design; and BA (Hons) Interior Products Design.
• Explore several fascinating design areas, widening your professional experience, contacts and prospects, with the flexibility to change direction within the first year of the programme.
• Enter an international design competition.
• Work on large industry-based projects with practising professional clients.
• Chance to study overseas and go on study trips, bringing you vivid and relevant experience of contemporary design.

“From the course directors to the visiting tutors, all the staff are supportive and encourage you to push and explore new boundaries in expressing yourself in a more dynamic and professional manner.”
Jake Griffiths, BA Initerior Design graduate.

Why Choose Us?

•    The course brings together art, design, architecture, technology and contemporary culture - the elements which effect and combine to formulate interior spaces.
•    Work with experienced research-active lecturers and designers in design studios and workshops, supported by skilled technicians and trained academics.  With studios richly equipped for practical design tuition, model-making facilities to aid your skill development, and software for the exploration of virtual forms of creative design.
•    The course engages with industry including London-based design consultants, Imagination, whose portfolio includes Ford, Jaguar and BT, Global Colour Research, LG Chemicals Europe, and the Lighting Association.  This important industrial collaboration has led to student work being shortlisted for national awards.
•    Chance to work on industry-based projects with practising professional clients, and enter an international design competitions. Competitions for which our students have been successfully shortlisted  include the Janine Stone Young Designers of the Year, and supported entries for the RSA Project Awards.
•    Opportunity to study overseas and go on study trips, offering vivid and relevant experience of contemporary design.  Previous trips have included visiting The Guggenheim in New York or submerging yourself in the creative talent amidst The London Design Festival.
•    Our distinguished staff are well established art and design professionals, who provide a remarkable range of expertise and industry insight.

Further Studies

You can choose to continue your study in higher education by enrolling on one of our postgraduate programmes in Design Management Strategies, Interior Design, or Design and Visualisation.

For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website

Employment Opportunities

Exposure to both the theoretical and practical side of interior design means you can confidently present your credentials to potential employers as a designer in interior or architectural practices, exhibition and events design, set designer for theatre or film or design journalism.

Once you have had the opportunity to experience the world of industry we would welcome graduates back to contribute to our programme within our lecture series or as a visiting tutor.

Course Structure

The course considers the range of factors which affect spatial development – such as psychology, technology and tactility. You’ll be exposed to a combination of different design techniques including drawing and model-making skills, concept modelling, computer simulation and experimentation using the latest digital techniques. Learning is through a combination of studio-based lectures, seminars, tutorials, live industry projects and formal theory lectures.

Throughout the course there is the opportunity to study overseas and regular study trips, which will provide you with the ability to assess and evaluate the design field in greater depth. Towards the conclusion of the degree you will have the opportunity to enter an international design competition, and work on large industrybased projects with clients.

You will be supported by experienced tutors who combine their expertise in practice, research and design techniques. You’ll also have access to design studios and workshops which house a large array of equipment for practical design tuition, model-making facilities to aid your skill development, and computer facilities for the exploration of virtual forms of creative design.

What’s covered in the course?

The course shares common modules with BA (Hons) Product Design and BA (Hons) Interior Product Design, giving you the flexibility to explore a variety of specialised Design Briefs and Outcomes in your first year. This helps to widen your understanding of multi disciplinary design areas and therefore strengthen your understanding of 3D Design, widening your career prospects and allowing you to hone in on specific transferrable industry skills.

Through studio-based activities, seminars, tutorials, live industry projects and specialist lectures, you explore the factors which affect spatial development, such as psychology, technology and tactility.

By immersing yourself in different design techniques, you gain invaluable skills in drawing, model-making and concept modelling, both studio based and workshop centred. Computer simulation through CAD software from Photoshop, Google Sketch Up, AutoCAD and 3DS Max and experimentation using the latest digital techniques also plays an important role in your formation as an interior designer.

You get a feel for design as it applies to the world we live in, through study trips and possibly overseas study, participation in an international design competition, and collaboration with clients on large industry-based projects.

Entry Requirements

• 280 tariff points
• BTEC National Diploma overall grade DMM
• Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) with merit or distinction in the final stage
• International Baccalaureate with 28 points
• Equivalent qualifications or experience
• A good portfolio
  

Application Details

UCAS profile: W250 Interior Design

Portfolio Guidelines (to be presented at interview)

The work submitted within your portfolio can be work produced as part of a formal course of study, or anything you have produced independently as a result of your own personal interest, (this could also include any work you have produced professionally).
 
We will be looking for an obvious interest in the visual arts and three-dimensional design. You should be able to demonstrate an awareness of both the historical and contemporary scene.
 
A range of drawings displaying your skills in different mediums. If possible include a variety of styles, as this will give us much clearer idea of your artistic ability. Any graphic based work is also worth including.
 
Please include evidence of sketchbook work (we like to see how your ideas have evolved also you can include visits to relevant exhibitions, galleries, buildings, interiors, work experience etc.

Any projects concerning problem solving (taking a project brief and producing a solution) are essential, especially anything three-dimensional e.g. sculpture, model making, ceramics, furniture, interior projects etc. Photographs/images of any 3D work should be included and technical drawings would be good to see!
 

Fees Notes

If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.