Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons)

Interior architects need to develop an understanding of how buildings are constructed – the use of materials, legislation and regulation, and the programming of building projects. You familiarise yourself with the relevant regulatory texts and apply your learning and knowledge to a design exercise.

You gain a foundation in computer aided design (CAD) work, an introduction to the use of computers as design tools, and shown how to use industry-standard software. You become familiar with 2D representations of space and identify the advantages and disadvantages in their use.

You gain a basic understanding of the processes, methods of working and design communication involved within a practical interior design framework for a residential space. You experience the analysis of a given building space, understand the needs of a client and explore the translation of initial ideas into finished design proposals. The project takes you through a typical interior scheme from concept to completion.

You gain the skills to visually communicate your design ideas using a variety of 2D and 3D architectural drawing techniques. Plans, elevations and sections are covered as well as calculating scale and introducing some rendering skills.

You look at prototyping design ideas through 3D modelling and communicating with users and clients through making and constructed detailing. Technology is now available through laser and plasma cutting as well as Rapid Prototyping and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machinery – you explore these tools and their applications in the making of scale models as well as full scale end production.

You are introduced to key art, design, architectural and cultural histories that are central to studying a creative subject. You explore a range of contexts and influences including art historical, ecological, critical theory, industrial, technological change, social and political movements, examining the changing face of art and design and informing your future research.

During this module you will analyse and compare the performance and design of selected existing buildings. You will consider the construction type and style, building performance and how it might conform to various parts of the Building Regulations. Aspects relating to the theme of sustainability will be covered and you will consider the application of state-of-the-art technologies.

You learn advanced digital design techniques, experimenting with form, space, texture and light as a digital entity. You develop a greater understanding of industry-standard software and rendering tools, enabling you to represent your design ideas in accurate 3D representations illustrating your appreciation of surfaces, objects, materials and illumination.

You develop your understanding of building a career in the creative industries through key skills in creative leadership, collaborative entrepreneurship and sustainability. You start with a theoretical introduction to these concepts and then work collaboratively on a group project to establish a creative business. You present your project and submit an individual reflective portfolio on your research and project experiences.

You look outside of the studio to observe, make links and understand situations – considering how design can be a progressive force that impacts and improves lives and environments. You are introduced to the design of commercial spaces, extending your knowledge and appreciation of the variety of scenarios that design professionals work within.

From post war to the current day, the built environment is an area of rapid change and contextual debate. This module develops your knowledge of both UK and international design within historical, political, economic, social, technological and legislative contexts.

You develop your project management and collaborative skills within a practical entrepreneurial context, to an external brief or competition. You develop skills in project management, teamwork, managing interdisciplinary practice, applied research methods and the design process. Projects evolve from the analysis of problems and situations, allowing you to engage in work-related experiences and develop professionalism and self-management.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

You develop your critical thinking and an understanding of current issues and debates in the field of building rehabilitation and conservation. You explore a variety of themes to extend skills in building research, analysis of existing buildings, independent study and communication as you investigate and develop ideas around the construction industry.

You apply analytical skills to reflect upon and evaluate research through a minor design project, and through this iterative practice prepare a personal standpoint for progression towards your final major project.

Building performance and sustainability has become increasingly important in building design and refurbishment. You are introduced to the concepts and measurement of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and some of the design technologies that the process can utilise.

This module aims to enable you to bring your design project ideas to fruition, considering all aspects of research and development. You will be encouraged to demonstrate a high level of professional competence in the realisation of your projects and to have a deep understanding of the social and theoretical context in which you are practising.

On completion of your design development and your completed final project, as a group you will organise your work for presentation in either a physical or online digital exhibition involving technical work, interior visualisation, model making and the specification of materials, furniture and finishes.

The selection, scope and focus of the final project is agreed through negotiation with tutors to ensure appropriate levels of complexity, rigour and acceptable ethical content. You explore and define the parameters of your own professional practice and research interests. You develop understanding and gain experience in research as both an academic discipline and as part of the creative process, leading to a final design project.

As spatial designers you work within the boundaries, contexts and histories of existing buildings and therefore need to develop skills in research, contextualisation, critical thinking and communication. You undertake extended independent research on a topic of personal interest within the broad field of spatial design.