Interior Design MA

Program Overview

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Course overview

Normally based around the conversion of existing buildings, the interior designer considers the needs of the client and building’s end use, the creation of interior spatial layouts, and improving circulation and function. Working as an interior designer, you specify materials, design fittings and furniture, and select colour palettes and lighting schemes.

You focus on existing and emerging design trends including health, wellbeing and sustainability, and engage with socially and ethically-focused agendas essential in current practice. You learn how to contextualise interiors in relation to people and society, and participate in live projects and national competitions that replicate professional practice, preparing you to become a creative design professional who can work with a range of clients.

Interior design at Teesside has a long heritage and has been taught at undergraduate level for over 50 years. We are also a Society of British and International Interior Design Centre of Excellence.

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Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

The Interior Design MA program at Teesside University focuses on the creative design of stimulating environments for various purposes, including living, working, shopping, and more. The program emphasizes the conversion of existing buildings, considering client needs, spatial layouts, circulation, and functionality. Students learn to specify materials, design furniture and fittings, and select color palettes and lighting schemes. Additionally, they explore current and emerging design trends, including those related to health, well-being, and sustainability. The program encourages engagement with socially and ethically focused agendas in design practice. Students learn to contextualize interiors in relation to people and society, participate in real-world projects and national competitions, and develop the skills required to become creative design professionals working with diverse clients.

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Objectives:

• Prepare students to become successful design professionals with a deep understanding of interior design principles and practices.
• Develop students' creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Equip students with the technical and theoretical knowledge to design effective and impactful interior spaces.
• Foster a strong understanding of sustainability, health, and well-being in the context of interior design.
• Provide students with hands-on experience through live projects and competitions.
• Enable students to develop strong communication and collaboration skills essential for working in the design industry.

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Program Description:

The Interior Design MA program at Teesside University offers a unique and comprehensive approach to interior design education. The program is built upon a strong foundation of design principles, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills. Students benefit from:

• Experienced faculty: The program is taught by experienced and passionate lecturers and associate professors, including those with professional body certification and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Students also learn from industry-based tutors with extensive experience in interior design practice.
• Real-world projects: Students engage in various real-world projects and national competitions simulating professional practice and providing valuable experience.
These projects allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and develop valuable problem-solving abilities.
• Industry connections: The program has strong links with the interior design industry, providing students with opportunities for networking, internships, and potential career opportunities.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to modern design studios, workshops, and computer labs equipped with the latest software and technology.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The Interior Design MA program covers a broad range of topics related to the design of interior spaces, including:

• Design in Context: This module introduces students to the social, cultural, and economic aspects of current design and built-environment thinking.
Students explore the relationship between design and people, communities, spatial trends, innovation, and new models of construction.
• Emerging Spatial Trends: Wellbeing and Sustainability: This module focuses on the connections between interior design and the built environment, exploring how design can impact health and well-being.
Students examine the growing importance of environmental wellness in interior design and learn how residential and commercial spaces can influence physical and mental health.
• Final Design Project: This module allows students to lead and manage a large-scale, innovative, and complex interior design project.
The project provides an opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding of creative and innovative design, underpinned by research and a detailed development process.
• Future Technologies: This module introduces students to new and emerging design tools and software used in interior and architectural design practices.
Students explore the role of building information modeling, consider key considerations, terminology, and software used by design professionals. Additionally, they learn how building performance and sustainability are integrated from the design process's start and how new software facilitates collaboration and iteration in design.
• Interior Practice: Managing Design: This module explores the various aspects of the interior designer's role, going beyond the purely creative design element.
Students delve into the business and management side of interior design practice, focusing on building and construction regulations, legal constraints, project management, health and safety, and contracts. They learn about the management of interior design practice and the professional relationships between interior designers and other practitioners.

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Module Descriptions:

• Design in Context: Building for People and Society: This module explores the social, cultural, and economic aspects of current design and the built environment.
Students investigate the impact of changing government policies, demographics, technology, and sustainability on design. Additionally, they explore the relationship between the design process and product, applying theoretical understanding to a design project that connects past and present.
• Emerging Spatial Trends: Wellbeing and Sustainability: This module delves into the relationship between interior design and the built environment, focusing on health and well-being in design.
Students explore new materials and biophilic trends that promote well-being and investigate environmental wellness as a growing design ethos. They learn how residential and commercial spaces influence physical and mental health.
• Final Design Project: This module provides an opportunity for students to independently manage a complex interior design project, demonstrating their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
They conduct extensive research, develop and implement solutions, and present their design through comprehensive communication and visualization strategies.
• Future Technologies: This module introduces students to emerging design technologies and software.
They explore building information modeling, learn about key considerations, terminology, and software used in the field. Additionally, they investigate how these technologies facilitate collaboration, iteration, and consideration of building performance and sustainability within the design process.
• Interior Practice: Managing Design: This module explores the business and management aspects of interior design practice.
Students learn about building and construction regulations, legal constraints, project management, health and safety, and contracts. They gain an understanding of the professional relationships between interior designers and other practitioners and the overall management of interior design businesses.

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Assessment:

The Interior Design MA program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and understanding. These assessments include:

• Portfolio of designed work: Students present a portfolio of design work demonstrating their creativity, technical skills, and design process.
• Verbal presentations: Students complement their portfolios with verbal presentations, effectively communicating their design ideas and solutions.
• Final design project: The final design project serves as a significant assessment, showcasing students' comprehensive understanding of interior design principles, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills.
• Project reports: Additionally, some modules may involve project reports, allowing students to document their research, development process, and design decisions.

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Teaching:

The teaching methods in the Interior Design MA program vary depending on the module and learning outcomes. However, some common approaches include:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical content, concepts, practical demonstrations, and interactive exercises.
• Enquiry-based learning: Engaging students in active learning, research, discussions, and client/user-facing activities.
• Individual and group-based work: Encouraging collaborative learning and teamwork.
• Critiques: Providing constructive feedback and fostering critical analysis of design work.
• Studio-based learning: Offering a dedicated space for students to work on projects, experiment, and collaborate.

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Careers:

The Interior Design MA program prepares graduates for various career opportunities in the design industry, including:

• Interior designer
• Commercial designer
• Residential designer
• Hospitality designer
• Healthcare designer
• Retail designer
• Technical computer-aided design (CAD) work
• Lighting design
• Exhibition and museum design
• Interior product and branding specialist
• Interior specialist within architectural practices
Graduates may also pursue careers related to their specialization, such as:
• Design researcher
• Design educator
• Design consultant
• Design entrepreneur

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Full-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £6,710 a year
• Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year
• Part-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £750 for each 20 credits