Structure
Course Structure
A one year programme - 52 weeks – 3 trimesters – 6 x 30 credit Modules
Fulltime students attend for scheduled teaching and learning experiences for two days per week. The rest of full-time the week is spent either developing a range of advanced creative, academic and professional skills through arranged workshops, seminars and tutorials, or, the students will participate in their assignment work through periods of self-directed study. It is anticipated that full-time students will need to spend approximately 40 hours a week on assignments.
A two year programme – 52 weeks per year – 6 Trimesters – 6 x 30 credit Modules
Part-time students attend for scheduled teaching and learning experiences one day per week. The rest of the part-time week is spent either developing a range of advanced creative, academic and professional through arranged workshops, seminars and tutorials, or the students will participate in their assignment work through periods of self directed study. It is anticipated that part-time students will need to spend approximately 20 hours a week on assignments.
Trimester 1 includes three weeks of Winter vacation and an induction week.
Trimester 2 includes three weeks of Spring vacation.
Trimester 3 includes two weeks of Summer vacation and PDP Activities/Events.
Birmingham Institute of Art and Design(BIAD) is a truly cosmopolitan 21st century creative melting pot. The richness gained by collaborative international educational programmes, projects and exchanges has cemented global relationships and fostered a sense of inter-connectedness both locally and internationally. The BIAD postgraduate Art & Design community is the largest in the UK outside of London and has established an enviable reputation for its creative, professional and academic contributions to the creative industries.
The MA Interior Design programme sits within BIAD, and as a spatially orientated programme contributes to the platform of varied and professional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that form the School of Fashion, Textiles and Three-Dimensional Design
An operational framework for postgraduate three-dimensional design programmes currently exists, connecting the MA Interior Design and MA Product Design programmes. This framework facilitates interdisciplinary experiences for the students adding value to their portfolio of skills and knowledge and opening up professional networking opportunities.
The MA Interior Design programme is designed to expand the knowledge-base of interior design professionals and academics. It considers a critical and reflective approach to the processes and practice of Interior Design, its methods and modes of manipulating interior space, but beyond conventional boundaries so as to consider (for example) notions of free-standing exhibition design, temporary and portable interior structures, spatial design and environmental installation art.
Stage One Modules introduce enhanced theoretical subject areas in order to expand key knowledge and professional skill components, via the introduction of theories and debates, which inform current interior design practice.
Stage Two Modules build upon this expansion of technical skills and academic knowledge by addressing the topical socio/cultural issues and political influences that are defining new trends and innovative areas of focus for the profession.
Stage Three Modules predominantly concentrates on the student’s unique Personal Project, which is negotiated with the teaching staff within the School. Whilst the module refers to the ‘Personal Project’ this does not mean that students undertake this in isolation – quite the opposite. Throughout this period students undertake peer-group presentations, seminars and tutorials so as to use this integration with staff and students to build the project to its full potential as an innovative, confident and creative interior design solution.
Award Structure
Final Awards can be gained on exiting the programme. The Award will be calculated based on grades that have been ratified at a formal Exam Board. The criteria for Final Awards adhere to the University's assessment regulations:
To qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate a student must successfully complete all required assessments and obtain a minimum of 60 credits of which at least 30 must be at level 7. The pass-mark in all modules is 50%.
To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma a student must successfully complete all required assessments and obtain a minimum of 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at level 7. The pass-mark in all modules is 50%. The award of Postgraduate Diploma with Distinction is made to students who achieve an average mark of 70% or above at the first sitting in the marks awarded for Stage 2 modules equivalent to at least 60 credits. A ‘Diploma with ‘Commendation’ is made to students who achieve an average mark of 60-69% at the first sitting in the marks awarded for Stage 2 modules equivalent to at least 60 credits. If a student finishes their studies at this stage and completes the programme, they will graduate with a Master's Award.
To qualify for a Master’s Degree a student must successfully complete all required assessments and obtain a minimum of 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at level 7. The pass mark in all modules is 50%. The award of Master's Degree with Distinction is made to students who achieve an average mark of 70% or above, at the first sitting in the marks awarded for Stage 2 modules equivalent to at least 60 credits. A Master's with ‘Commendation is made to students who achieve an average mark of 60-69% at the first sitting in the marks awarded for Stage 2 modules equivalent to at least 60 credits. If a student finishes their studies at this stage and completes the programme, they will graduate with a Masters Award.