Interior Design BA (Hons)

Program Overview

The Interior Design BA (Hons) from the University of Derby is a specialized program that trains students to design functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Through hands-on experience and academic instruction, students develop skills in spatial planning, material selection, and visual communication. The program emphasizes environmental responsibility and prepares graduates for careers in various sectors of interior design.

Program Outline

Objectives:

• Develop students' design skills to create functional and unique spaces with strong spatial identities.
• Teach students how to best use specific spatial qualities, including forms, texture and materials, lighting, color, architectural components, objects, and placement.
• Inspire students to work in an environmentally responsible, memorable, and experiential way.
• Equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge for a successful career in interior design.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Critical Context: Exploring Global Context & Spatial Typologies: This module introduces students to the global network that has shaped interior design, exploring its history and evolution in relation to various socio-political and cultural contexts.
Students will also be introduced to theories that aid in the analysis of design and visual culture.
• Designing Spatial Narratives: Introduction and Exploration: This module introduces students to the concept of spatial narratives and how to create spaces that tell a story.
• Toolkit: Structural Layers & Materials: This module provides students with a foundational understanding of structural layers and materials used in interior design.

Year 2:

• Diploma in Professional Practice (optional): This optional diploma provides students with additional professional development opportunities.
• Core Modules: Students will continue to develop their skills and knowledge through a range of core modules, building upon the foundation established in Year 1.

Year 3:

• Core Modules: Students will continue to develop their skills and knowledge through a range of core modules, building upon the foundation established in Year 1 and Year 2.
• Dissertation: Students will have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a subject of their choice.
• Independent Creative Projects: Students will work on self-negotiated and independent creative projects, allowing them to explore their individual interests and develop their design skills further.

Assessment:

• Assessment is 100% coursework based, including practical production and oral presentation work, along with written assignments.
• In the final year, students will have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a subject of their choice and work on self-negotiated and independent creative projects.

Teaching:

• Students learn in well-resourced, professional design studios at Britannia Mill.
• Resources include ISKN tables, Macbook Pros, large format scanners, drawing boards, as well as the arts and design library.
• Students have access to traditional 3D workshop facilities (wood and metal) at Markeaton Street and the latest 3D computer software.
• Students have access to specialist textiles equipment and machinery in the Digital Design Hub, such as the laser cutter and digital fabric print facilities in the textiles department.
• Students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, which offers over 13,000 courses and tutorials, including professional accreditations, in a wide range of creative, business & technology disciplines.

Careers:

• The program aims to prepare students for a career in interior design, with opportunities in various sectors, including:
• Styling and window/retail display
• Cinematic interior styling along with TV sets
• Set-stage design and exhibition design
• Retail design (fashion, gifts, jewellery stores, computer and gaming stores, etc.)
• Corporate design (offices)
• Hospitality design (bars, restaurants, coffee shops)
• Health and leisure design (hotels, spas, sport facilities, etc.)
• Interior consultant and sourcing
• Bespoke furniture designer
• Kitchen design

Other:

• The program is accredited by the SBID (Society of British and International Design).
• It is also affiliated with IE (Interior Educators) and members of the teaching team are affiliated with the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design).
• The program offers unique collaborating opportunities with other disciplines in national/international partners.
• Students will participate in live projects, building upon their "real" world learning and contributing to their credibility as an interior designer.
• Students will be able to obtain Building Information Modelling (BIM) training by their second year and construct an online portfolio in readiness for DPP and/or final year and graduation.
• The program showcases at Free Range in London along with 50 other Interior Design institutions, giving students the opportunity to display their work at one of the largest graduate shows in Europe.

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)