BA (Honours) Interior Design
Attendance
Part-time
Part-time typically six years, maximum eight years
At a glance
Explore the fundamental characteristics of interior space through analysis and study of existing buildings. Then apply this knowledge creatively, tackling live briefs set by real industrial partners and develop an understanding of the building process alongside creative design thinking.
Key points
Engage with live projects mirroring the experience of design employment.
Work in facilities that include specialist workshops and an open studio environment.
Visit design consultancies and industrial facilities to learn about design professions.
What is interior design?
Interior design involves creating innovative and functional spaces for a range of internal environments including public buildings, retail outlets such as shops and restaurants, and community based projects such as schools, hospitals, museums, leisure venues and galleries.
Interior design can also be applied to temporary environments, whether thats pop-up shops that are in existence for just a few months at a time, or exhibition stands that last days. Anything that has an interior can be designed, redesigned or refurbished.
For more information on interior design go to www.biid.org.uk/ and http://www.csd.org.uk/ http://interioreducators.co.uk/aims
About this course
This is a creative and challenging course that introduces you to all aspects of interior design. You develop a range of practical and intellectual skills that will allow you to take risks and develop an inventive problem solving approach to your work.
Studio-based learning enables you to develop your creative and technical skills. You work both collaboratively and individually and take part in small group tutorials in the studio environment.
Lectures and seminars will focus on contemporary issues affecting design today to help you understand your work in a wider historical and social context. Areas covered include
environment and sustainability
international culture and context
renewal and regeneration
new technologies and communication
As a student, you benefit from state-of-the-art workshops, our Digital Design Centre with six computer suites and the Sheffield Institute of Arts gallery for displaying student work and touring exhibitions.
During the course you visit design consultancies, industrial facilities, museums and exhibitions. These visits contribute to the development of a deeper contextual and industrial understanding of interior design and often they have a direct link with studio-based projects or theoretical studies.
You continue building your understanding of the design industry by working with clients and industry professionals on 'live' projects. These projects mirror the experience of design employment where you have the opportunity to work with real industrial clients. These commercial projects help you to develop your understanding of the business context of design work, preparing you for your career.
You also have the opportunity to enter both national and international design competitions.
There are field trips to international cultural centres to help you extend your contextual knowledge and to provide an insight into the international role and position of the design professions. Previous destinations have included Milan, Barcelona, and the Venice Architectural Biennale.
Key areas of study
The staff team offer a broad range of expertise, and through further collaboration with external professionals you are encouraged to develop a specialism and focus for your studies.
Free Range exhibition
Our students exhibit at the Free Range art and design exhibition in Londons Brick Lane.
The exhibition, which this year features 438 students from 28 UK interior design degree courses, provides them with the opportunity to showcase their work on an international level to both the public and industry.
Associated careers
Graduates have the opportunity to enter professions in a variety of design related roles. Careers in interior design are diverse as the core skills apply a range of areas.
There are opportunities to work for design consultancies and architectural practices. After building a reputation, some interior designers choose to become self-employed or work freelance. Other opportunities exist collaborating with designers from other areas and working as part of a multi-disciplinary design team.
The degree can also be a starting point for careers in teaching, retailing, marketing, promotion and management. Or you may wish to continue on to postgraduate study.
Course content
Level one modules
history of design contextual studies computer-aided design (CAD) model making design skills creative design projects drawing and visual communication presentation skills building techniques materials technology
Level two modules
contextual studies creative design projects CAD digital image manipulation model making building techniques materials technology drawing and visual communication presentation skills interactive interiors
Level three modules
self-directed projects design-related dissertation
Assessment
projects written assignments
Entry requirements
A portfolio of creative design work available for consideration at interview and GCSE mathematics and English at grade C or above, plus one of the following
260 points with at least 160 points from two full A Levels or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. You must have an A level or BTEC National qualification in art and design. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.
Access an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, in an art and design-related programme, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate
Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design pass
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability. Download our application guidance to ensure you understand the selection process and how to produce a strong application and portfolio.
We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Part-time typically six years, maximum eight years
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk