Interior Design BA(Hons) (Online)

You will be challenged to respond to real world design scenarios, and consider the role of commercial space, client and user-centric requirements with a focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors. You will be introduced to core skills and theories within the Interior Design discipline.  

Online workshops in 2D and 3D hand drawing and sketching, 2D CAD and presentation software will introduce you to the tools and conventions of the design industry and enable you to develop your own means of effectively communicating your ideas. 

You will begin to experiment with the vast array of materials available to interior designers to create compelling colour designs, materials and finish palettes which will enhance your spatial concepts. You will also learn about sustainability and the application of sustainable approaches and ethical practices in your design work.

Modules

Interior Design Toolbox

Through a structured design project focusing on the leisure industries, you will be introduced to the language and principles of working with interior spaces from both a user and client perspective. 

From Unsustainability to Sustainability   

This module introduces critical thinking and communication skills in relation to the history of the Interior Design profession, with a focus on the evolution of sustainable design theory and its implications for the future of the industry. 

Sustainable and Ethical Luxury 

This module will explore the potential for sustainable luxury, the role of conscious consumerism and the consideration of environmental impact when designing for a future of sustainable travel. It will also investigate the significance of health and wellbeing within the context of hospitality and travel.

Materiality: Surface and Texture     

This module introduces you to the built reality of a scheme by developing the ‘materiality’ of design concepts and interior specification, considering colour, materials and finishes. 

Commercial design thrives on the ‘new’. Through a series of selected projects, you will be encouraged to challenge the norm through originality and being ‘disruptive’. You will consider the psychology of space and changing consumer behaviour in developing design solutions to current societal challenges, as well as extending your understanding of sustainable working methods and approaches to specification.  

Detail design will be introduced, showing how a design concept moves from the idea into built reality, while also learning how building regulations impact on design proposals and how building services are integrated into a design solution. Lighting design will also be introduced. Workshops in 3D digital software will help you to refine and present your ideas in a professional manner. 

Modules

Brandscape: Experiential Interiors  

Understanding brand ethos and its application to the creation of an interior branded environment, this module will encourage you to take a more questioning approach to the nature of design and will reward risk-taking as part of your design practice. 

Detail Design: Bespoke  

In order to create innovative design solutions, you will develop your understanding of how elements within a visual concept can be designed, detailed and assembled sustainably.

Re-imaging Retail   

This module explores opportunities for the redevelopment of the high street caused by the shift from traditional bricks and mortar retail to online shopping. 

Collaborate 

Working as part of a team, you'll work on 'Challenge Briefs' that reflect the sort of assignments you could expect to be working on in industry. Developing your 'soft skills', like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, you'll sharpen your ability to work well as part of a group to produce outstanding work.

Pursue your preferred pathway in Interior Design and challenge yourself by asking: ‘what can interior design be?’ Liaise with industry professionals and design mentors in your final major project to create a career-launching portfolio.   

You will create your own professional identity and online presence, developing your project management skills and business awareness, including cost control, fee structures and timelines. Advanced 3D CAD workshops will allow you to create immersive, interactive experiences and environments.  

Modules

Future Environments: Work, Rest and Play 

This module gives you the opportunity to test an independently identified and researched design or societal challenge, through the application of research methodologies to innovative design practice. 

Production Information  

In this module you will learn about and explore the ‘built reality’ of a project proposal through integrated detail drawings and considered interior specifications.

Career Portfolio    

In preparation for your engagement with industry or post-graduate study, you will showcase your skills and design ability through the creation of an impactful portfolio.

Professional Identity  

Following your own interests as a designer, you will build your professional identity reflecting your career ambitions, an understanding of professional business and project management processes, and skills relevant to the industry.   

The BA Interior Design course employs a variety of assessment strategies over the course of the year. These include the submission of digital portfolios of work, online presentations, reports and a major practise project.