BA (Hons) in Outdoor Living

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Design for Outdoor Living equips students with the skills to design exceptional outdoor spaces, combining core interior design modules with specialized outdoor living modules in the final year. Through flexible online learning, personal tutor support, and industry professional insights, students develop creative and technical skills, gain practical experience, and prepare for careers in the interior and outdoor design industry.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Design for Outdoor Living

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Design for Outdoor Living equips students with the skills required to seamlessly transition between interior spaces and the outdoors. It combines all core modules of the BA (Hons) Interior Design with specialized outdoor living modules in the final year.

Objectives:

• Develop the creative and technical skills required to design and deliver exceptional outdoor spaces.
• Acquire practical experience through the development and presentation of a major design project.
• Prepare for a successful career in the interior and outdoor design industry.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Research & Contextualisation
• Space Planning
• Design in Historical Context
• Creative Lighting & Technology
• Sustainable Design & Technology
• Home Staging & Show Home Design

Year 2:

• Professional Practice
• Major Design Project

Year 3:

• Design Technology & Materials
• Plants & Planting for Outdoor Living
• Research & Independent Study

Modules:

• Research & Contextualisation: Explores leading figures in interior and residential design, research methodologies, and the history of interior design through the ages.
• Space Planning: Focuses on designing functional and efficient spaces for various briefs across both residential and commercial applications.
• Design in Historical Context: Analyzes the history and influences on design since the Renaissance, allowing students to recreate iconic historical designs.
• Creative Lighting & Technology: Covers lighting products and technologies to achieve dynamic and functional schemes across residential and commercial projects.
• Sustainable Design & Technology: Examines sustainable design principles, materials, and technologies, addressing environmental concerns in design projects.
• Home Staging & Show Home Design: Teaches the principles of designing and presenting properties for sale, including client communication, design packs, and 3D visuals.
• Professional Practice: Provides the necessary tools and knowledge for developing a design practice and marketing plan, covering branding and professional practice within existing firms.
• Major Design Project: Involves developing and presenting a major design project, applying all acquired skills and knowledge, with a choice of client briefs across different areas of design.
• Design Technology & Materials: Introduces the principles of outdoor living design, focusing on transitional spaces, material selection, finishes, furniture, and environmental considerations.
• Plants & Planting for Outdoor Living: Explores selecting and placing plants and planting schemes to enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Research & Independent Study: Allows students to further develop their research and design skills by independently choosing and focusing on a design-based research project.

Assessment:

• No formal exams; rather, students are assessed through tutor evaluations of design projects and a moderated final portfolio by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

Teaching:

• Flexible online learning through the VLS platform, enabling students to rewind and review lectures at their convenience.
• Personal tutors offer unlimited support through email, phone, Zoom, Skype, or in-person consultations.
• Industry professionals teach specialized modules, providing real-world insights and knowledge.
• The opportunity to complete work experience gains invaluable exposure to the design industry.

Careers:

• Opportunities include establishing an independent interior and outdoor design practice.
• Working within design firms as a specialized outdoor designer.
• Holding senior or management positions within the design industry by pursuing an MA degree.

Other:

• The program is accredited by DMU and offers a guaranteed place on the online MA Interior Design for eligible graduates with a generous scholarship.
• Entry requirements include qualifications like the NDA Professional Diploma, a relevant design qualification, or professional design experience.
• International students require an acceptable level of English proficiency.
• Successful graduates often pursue successful careers in the interior and exterior design industry.

Student Spotlight:

• Mackenzie Morrison established her own thriving interior design business after completing the BA (Hons).
• Nicci Aplin transitioned from interior design consulting to pursuing a project management role in the industry.

UK Students

• Tuition Fee: £5,250 per year
• 3 ways to pay:
• UK Student Loan: Covers all tuition fees
• One Payment: £5,250 on enrolment
• 10 x Monthly Payments: £550 per month (total: £5,500)

International Students

• Tuition Fee: $7,650 per year
• 2 ways to pay:
• One Payment: $7,650 on enrolment (save $600)
• 10 x Monthly Payments: $8,250 in total ($1,500 on enrolment + 9 x $750 monthly payments)
• Fee per level/year subject to change after 1st August each year.
• Monthly payments include admin fee.
• International fees are in US Dollars.