Interior Design BA (Hons)

About the course

The course develops your ability to manipulate and divide volume and space within interior environments, while building your awareness of community, social and global issues.

Reasons to study an Interior Design degree at DMU

• Covers all aspects of interior architecture and spatial design

• An emphasis on individual development and creativity

• Vibrant cross-media approach to communication, visualisation and presentation

• Winners and commendations in many prestigious national design awards

• Course facilities are excellent, with access to the latest CAD, modelscope, drawing studios, video visualisation equipment and prototype workshops

Some projects are based on real buildings and sites, including regeneration and adaptive re-use of constructions. This process includes converting old warehouses and factories into exciting new café-bars and living spaces. Other projects focus on flexible installations within existing environments, such as designing retail plazas, transport hubs, exhibitions and TV scenography design. You will develop personal skills through drawing, 3D modelling, computing and the video-modelscope.

The first year encourages creativity and experimentation and provides basic knowledge, techniques and skills. The second and third years encourage diversification through module and project choice. Studies include investigative and research methodology, and an awareness of relevant technology and legislation. In the third year, you will pursue individual projects and have the opportunity to enter national design competitions, which are frequently won by DMU students.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: W250

Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

A good portfolio and normally:

• Art and Design Foundation or
• 260 points with a minimum of 160 points from 2 full A levels and including grade C in Art and Design (AS/A level) or
• National Diploma MMM or
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above

Interview and Portfolio

UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.

Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.

International Students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Teaching and assessment

Essentially studio-based, supported by lectures, seminars, tutorials and site visits. Assessment is continuous and project orientated. The course is delivered by experienced professional designers and complementary experts.

Course modules

Year one

• Project Exploration
• Culture, Context and Forum
• Technology and Materials/Cross-media Communication and Representation

Year two

• Design pathway choices: Leisure, Living, Retail, Healthcare and Working, Exhibition and Performance
• Technology in Context
• Cross Media Techniques

Year three

You will develop your own areas of special interest, pursue individually selected projects and enter prestigious and challenging national and international competitions.

Specific Modules include:

• Interior Design in Practice
• Advanced Cross-media
• Project Realisation

Academic expertise

Our staff have extensive commercial design backgrounds in display/exhibition and in interior architecture. Some run their own interior design practices, working in the leisure industry, domestic, retail and office sectors of interior design. The course also has specialists in design for television and drama productions, exhibition and corporate interiors. Recent research includes work for the NHS and papers for conferences in mainland China and Taiwan.

Work experience and placements

More and more students undertake work placements either in vacations or by undertaking the Industry Year module. Tutors support these initiatives and help you to find placements using our strong links with industry. At the end of the second year as an alternative to a work placement you can undertake a year’s ‘exchange’ with a European design school through the Erasmus scheme.

Graduate careers

Students graduate with a wide range of design skills and diverse opportunities within in-house and freelance design for retail, public spaces, leisure environments, contract interiors and workspaces. There are also opportunities in exhibition design, TV and film scenography, lighting design, visualisation, 3D modelling and point-of-purchase design. Recent employers include Foster & Partners, Conran Design, Kelly Hoppen, Tesco's Design Think Tank, Blueprint, Haley Sharpe and Carey Jones.

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.

Facilities

Projects are essentially studio-based with specialist areas for computer design, video and modelscope capture, electronic imaging and printing. There are also workshops for specialised processes in wood, metal, glass and plastics. The studio is open-plan and flexible to cater for presentations, feedback sessions, seminars, tutorials and work spaces.