Interior Decoration & Styling MA
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Interior Decoration and Styling program at UCA Canterbury equips students with advanced knowledge, research skills, and a unique design identity in interior design and styling. The program emphasizes experimentation, innovation, and individualization, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in the creative industries. Students benefit from extensive facilities, individualized attention, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals and academics. The program fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration, providing a transformative learning experience for aspiring interior designers and stylists.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
This course emphasizes experimentation, innovation, and individualization, empowering students to delve into various interior contexts, including residential, commercial, retail, and heritage settings. The curriculum encourages students to establish their unique specializations, be it material specifications, brand-led styles, or sustainable design practices. Students have access to extensive facilities, including cutting-edge fabrication and testing equipment, sophisticated scanning and VR technology, traditional craft workshops, photography studios, and print facilities, enabling them to bring their design ideas to life. The curriculum is designed to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration. Students receive individualized attention through one-on-one tuition and seminars, and they have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, academics, and visiting critics through regular reviews and international study visits.
Outline
The MA Interior Decoration and Styling program is a one-year intensive program, structured into three distinct terms:
Term One:
- Launch: An introductory week designed to familiarize students with the course, staff, and peers. It includes guest lectures, studio tours, and a collaborative project.
- Experimentation and Innovation: A unit focused on exploration and discovery, allowing students to develop new perspectives on design, analysis, and production methods.
- Research and Professional Contexts 1: This unit equips students with advanced research and analysis skills, critical thinking tools, and foundational knowledge within the field of interior design.
- Opportunity Week: An intensive week dedicated to a collaborative project outside the core subject area, exploring topics like economics, politics, or culture.
Term Two:
- Studio Practice: This unit acts as a design accelerator, where students develop a research project proposal and embark on the core development of their individual project. It encourages rapid development, experimentation, and production.
- Research and Professional Contexts 2: This unit delves deeper into research and analysis skills with two components: a contextual practice presentation to position the individual project within a broader field and a choice between a Collaborative Practice Project or a Creative Business Start-Up exploration.
Term Three:
- Final Realisation: The culmination of the program, where students refine their research, experimentation, and development into a comprehensive and sophisticated project, demonstrating mastery of their practice. The project concludes with dissemination to external audiences.
Assessment
The assessment methods in the MA Interior Decoration and Styling program vary depending on the specific modules and project stages. They may include:
- Essays and written assignments
- Presentations and project proposals
- Visual portfolios and design work
- Critical analysis and research reports
- Participation in tutorials and group discussions
- Final project exhibition and evaluation The assessment criteria prioritize originality, critical thinking, research skills, technical proficiency, presentation skills, and the ability to communicate design concepts effectively.
Teaching
The MA Interior Decoration and Styling program employs a diverse range of teaching methods:
- Individual tutorials: Students receive individualized guidance and feedback from experienced tutors.
- Seminars: Group discussions facilitate knowledge sharing, critical analysis, and debate.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals and academics share insights and perspectives.
- Workshops and demonstrations: Hands-on learning experiences enhance technical skills and knowledge.
- Studio work: Dedicated studio spaces provide a collaborative environment for project development.
- Independent research and study: Students are encouraged to pursue self-directed learning and exploration. The teaching faculty comprises experienced practitioners, researchers, and academics with expertise in various areas of interior design, styling, and related fields. The program fosters a dynamic and supportive learning environment, encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and individual growth.
Careers
Potential career opportunities include:
- Interior designer
- Studio designer
- Design manager
- Creative stylist
- Set designer
- Exhibition designer
- Retail designer
- Product designer
- Architectural interior designer
- Freelance designer
- Educator The program also prepares graduates for further academic pursuits, such as PhD or MPhil research degrees, enabling them to delve deeper into specialized areas of interest.
Other
Additional notes:
- The program welcomes students with backgrounds in design or related disciplines, as well as those with relevant work experience.
- International students
Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information) Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry Requirements:
UK Students:
- A good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related discipline
- OR
- Relevant work experience demonstrating your ability to study at a postgraduate level
- Applicants without the above may be considered on an individual basis with a strong portfolio and clear potential for successful completion of the program.
EU Students:
- The entry requirements for EU students are the same as those for UK students.
- Applicants with qualifications from other EU countries should check the [equivalent qualifications page](https://www.uca.ac.uk/study-here/entry-requirements
on-uk-eu-equivalent-qualifications) for their specific country.
International Students:
- A recognised bachelor's degree or 3-year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.
- Additionally, any specific requirements listed in the UK requirements section (e.g., subject requirements, work experience) also apply.
Portfolio Requirements (All Applicants):
- All applicants will need to submit a portfolio for review.
- Instructions on portfolio submission and specific requirements will be provided after your application has been received.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English.
