Bachelor of Interior Design
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Interior Design program at BCIT prepares students to design creative solutions for interior environments, considering human behavior, sustainability, and global citizenship. Students engage in studio projects, field studies, and business courses, developing skills in research, communication, and leadership. Graduates are eligible for registration as Interior Designers in Canada and can pursue careers in interior design and architectural firms worldwide.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Interior Design program's purpose is to develop graduates who combine research and critical thinking to generate creative solutions that support human behavior within the interior environment. Students will work on studio projects that include healthcare environments, ageing in place, multi-use designs, and public spaces. Aspects of cultural histories, socioeconomics, human behavior, sustainability, and global citizenship will be explored and incorporated into their design solutions. Students will expand their knowledge of related fields through discussions with building specialists in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC trades. The program includes a field study component where students will explore a location of interest for 8 – 10 days as part of the program. In addition, students will take business and communications courses to develop leadership, marketing, and professional written and oral communication skills. Students will also choose several general education electives to complete their Bachelor’s Degree. Two additional options are available to students in this program: a co-op and an opportunity to study abroad for a term. These options have limited openings, and interested students will need to go through an application process.
Outline:
- Research Methods
- Systems and Trade Liaison
- Degree Studio A: Inclusive Environments
- Interior Construction Detailing
- Degree Studio B: Cultural Exploration
- Field Study for Interior Design
- Proposal Writing for Interior Design
- Professional Practice
- Capstone Proposal
- Capstone Project
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Acoustic Science and Ecology
Careers:
BCIT’s Bachelor of Interior Design graduates will be able to apply for jobs at Interior Design and Architectural firms across Canada, the USA, and abroad. They will also have a direct path to becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Canada and are eligible to write the NCIDQ exam upon completion of the required work experience.
BCIT - British Columbia Institute of Technology
Overview:
BCIT is a public post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada, offering practical, flexible, and applied education. It distinguishes itself from traditional colleges and universities by focusing on hands-on learning with instructors who have direct experience in their fields.
Services Offered:
BCIT provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic & Learning Services:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and library resources.Campus Amenities:
Cafeterias, fitness facilities, student lounges, and other amenities.Financial Aid & Awards:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.Health & Wellness:
Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.Safety & Security:
Campus security services and safety protocols.Student Life & Housing:
Student clubs, events, and housing options.Technology:
Access to computer labs, software, and online learning platforms.Workplace & Career Opportunities:
Career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities.Indigenous Initiatives:
Support services and programs for Indigenous students.International Students:
Support services and programs for international students.Student Association:
Student-run organization representing student interests.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCIT offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Joining clubs and organizations related to their interests.Events:
Attending campus events, workshops, and social gatherings.Volunteering:
Contributing to the community through volunteer opportunities.Mentorship:
Connecting with mentors and peers for guidance and support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical, Hands-on Learning:
Focus on applied learning with industry-relevant skills.Experienced Instructors:
Instructors with direct experience in their fields.Flexible Learning Options:
Full-time, part-time, and online programs.Strong Industry Connections:
Close ties with industry partners for internships and job opportunities.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Vibrant Campus Community:
Opportunities for student engagement and social interaction.Academic Programs:
BCIT offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Applied & Natural Sciences:
Business, media, computing, and IT.Engineering:
Various engineering disciplines.Health Sciences:
Healthcare and medical programs.Trades & Apprenticeships:
Skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.Flexible Learning:
Online and part-time programs.Microcredentials:
Short-term, specialized programs for skill development.Other:
BCIT is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives focused on environmental protection and community engagement. The institution also acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations.
Entry Requirements:
Admission to this program is competitive. Successful applicants held a Full-Time Diploma in Interior Design at BCIT or exceeded entrance requirements, including the Part-Time Diploma in Interior Design at BCIT. Competitive Entry: Two-step process Preference will be given to applicants with a BCIT Diploma in Interior Design that are continuing on through full-time studies. Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent Post-Secondary: one of the following options: Option 1: BCIT Interior Design diploma with: 65% in COMM 2320 and all INTD courses 65% in INTD 3260 - Revit for Interior Design 50% in ENGL 1177 - Academic Writing 50% in LIBS 7001 - Critical Reading and Writing 0 credits of General Education electives [PDF]
- Students currently enrolled in the full-time or part-time Interior Design diploma may be conditionally accepted. Applicants must submit proof of registration in all remaining diploma courses, LIBS 7001, and General Education electives to show they are on track to complete by the end of August. Option 2: Non-BCIT Interior Design diploma or degree with: Completion of a Diploma in Interior Design from another public or private post-secondary institution in Canada with a 65% minimum grade in all interior design courses. The credential must be no less than 60 credits in interior design or related coursework that culminates in a diploma or degree. Complete the following form for submission with your online application: Self-Assessment form [PDF] Complete the following form for submission with your online application: Self-Assessment form [PDF] Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations. Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements Step 2: Department assessment Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the program area when the entrance requirements are complete. Applicants may be contacted for the following: Option 1: BCIT Diploma in Interior Design with: Currency in the BC Building Code (Part 3) and computer skills (completed within three years of the program start date). Applicants lacking these requirements will need to take applicable bridging courses: INTD 3360 - Advanced Digital Illustration for Interior Design INTD 4320 - Commercial Construction Drawings INTD 4360 - Building Codes and Barrier Free for Interior Design Option 2: Non-BCIT Interior Design diploma or degree with: A meeting with the program head or assigned instructor for an assessment. Applicants will need to bring: Official transcript, or ICES report, and course outlines A list of related work experience (if applicable) Portfolio of work Demonstration of currency in the BC Building Code (Part 3) and computer skills (completed within three years of the program start) including AutoCAD and Sketch Up. Applicants lacking these requirements will need to take applicable bridging courses. Completion of the following courses or equivalents: 70% in COMM 1120 - Communication 1 or equivalent 65% in COMM 2320 - Communication 2 or equivalent 50% in ENGL 1177 - Academic Writing or equivalent 50% in LIBS 7001 - Critical Reading and Writing or equivalent 0 credits of General Education electives Both Options 1 and 2: Portfolio submission (see details below) Interior Design Entrance Project (see details below) Portfolio Requirements Number of pieces and content: Portfolio to include a resume and maximum of ten double-sided pages. Portfolio pieces are to be student projects from former education or industry related work and should demonstrate a cross section of skills. A maximum of two pages of design related work such as: photography, fashion, art work, sculpture, graphics, painting, etc. could be included in portfolio (any piece which demonstrates a highly-developed design aesthetic) Presentation of work: Portfolio may not be larger than 11”X17". Work should be reduced to fit this format. Present portfolio in a clear, neat, professional manner. Label each page and include a note for each piece of work submitted explaining why you have included it. Student projects or industry related work must include details of the work completed by the individual. Credit when necessary must be given to team members in a project. Submission details: Portfolio to be submitted digitally via email to BCIT_Interior_Design_Entrance_FTS@bcit.ca by April 15th, no later than 3:30pm. Submissions must be a single PDF file. Compress your PDF file to appropriate file size to be sent via email. Interior Design Entrance Project An Interior Design Entrance Project will be given to all applicants on one day only. This will take place the first Friday in May from 1-5 pm. Attendance is mandatory. If you are eligible to take the Entrance Project, please contact us at BCIT_Interior_Design_Entrance_FTS@bcit.ca for further instructions one week before the exam. Students who are continuing on from BCIT’s full-time diploma will be exempt from submitting a portfolio and Interior Design Entrance Project. Please contact us at BCIT_Interior_Design_FTS@bcit.ca for forms required.
