BA (Hons) Interior Design (Full Time)

The BA (Hons) Interior Design at Southampton Solent University offers a unique blend of aesthetics and innovation. It brings together creative and practical skills and covers both domestic and commercial interior design.

It is an exciting and professionally oriented course, which embraces a distinctive approach through studio-based design studies of interior space and volume planning, complemented by awareness of sustainability, colour and texture, and professional practice.

You will be able to experiment with various presentation techniques, such as 2D drawing, mood boards and 3D modelling.

Industrial focus

The vocational and practical emphasis of the course is intended to develop professionalism within graduates and maximise employment opportunities. Projects are linked to real sites, and students have the opportunity to work with clients and employers. The Built Environment programme maintains excellent links with employers from a broad section of the industry. Studies are enhanced by real case studies and guest speakers from relevant disciplines.

Course content

Year 1

Four core units and two option units:

• Creative Interiors
• Design Communications
• Materials and Finishes
• History of Interior Design.

Options:

• Architectural Design Principles
• Principles of Business Environment
• Curriculum Plus.

Year 2

Five core units and one option unit:

• Innovative Technologies and Applications
• Modern and Contemporary Studies
• Interior Environments
• Design Technology
• Ergonomics for Interior Design.

Options:

• Commercial Interior Design
• Commercial Interior Design WBL.

Year 3

Three core units and 2 option units:

• Sustainability and Interior Design
• Professional Practice and Procedures
• Refurbishment and Building Surveying.

Options:

• Professional Branding
• Professional Branding WBL
• Research Project
• Final Year Project

Why choose Solent?

An inspiring, challenging and professional course which instils flair in creative spatial design, eye for detailing, proficiency in visual communication and presentation techniques. You will develop practical skills in physical and digital modelling through a diverse curriculum that not only considers colour schemes and furnishing, but goes deeper into the design and planning of domestic and commercial interior spaces and environments.

It includes an exciting range of projects including domestic, commercial, leisure and educational interiors. The programme is fully mapped against the standards recognised by the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID).

• Excellent links with employers from a broad section of the industry
• Graduates can apply for membership of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
• Dedicated studio fully equipped with drawing boards, CAD stations, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Google SketchUp, plotters, large-format scanners and digital cameras.

Assessment

Studio-based design projects, portfolios and presentations, essays, mood boards, research projects.

Projects/work experience

Through our network of employers, it is possible for you to undertake an industrial placement.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, 2D and 3D presentation skills, physical and digital model-making skills, project management, visual communication and detailing, evaluation and problem solving.

Graduate quote

Steve Chapple

“I applied to Southampton Solent along with several other universities that offered interior design. However, on visiting Southampton to view the University, I was immediately impressed with the course, its content and the Faculty. The course offered not only a diverse range of subjects that were both creative and technical, it also provided a very realistic insight into the working practices of interior design.

“I applied for a position as a designer at my current employer (an interior design company based in central London, specialising in hospitality interiors). As one of many candidates for the role, I felt that I was able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the job and its responsibilities. To coincide, my portfolio highlighted the standard of work that I could deliver, along with my personal motivations to work in the industry. Most importantly, the combination of architectural detailing along with interior design, and being competent using AutoCAD, were particular benefits.

“The degree programme has also allowed me to gain extensive knowledge of the interior design field, professional practices and time management. Before my recent employment I took part in the National Design Awards 2011 and was highly commended, ranking in the top 20 from over 200 entries. Achievements like this show potential employers how motivated you are to work in the industry.”

Key info from UNISTATS