MDes Interior Design

UCAS code

W251

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time

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. You then continue developing your professional experience with a 15 week placement in industry.

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.
• Gain industry experience with a 15 week placement or exchange.

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 that’s 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.

Placement or exchange
You continue to develop your professional skills and experience by completing a 15 week placement. This opportunity enables you to develop invaluable contacts in specialist areas of the industry and offers you a valuable boost to your CV ready for your career. Or you can take part in a European or international student exchange programme at one of our many partnering institutions.

About the MDes
This course runs parallel to the BA (Honours) Interior Design. The main difference begins in year three. The pace of work increases as you complete your undergraduate studies and begin your postgraduate studies.

In year four, self-directed study forms the main part of your learning. This is supported by taught modules, which are common to the masters programme. You also increase the professional activity in your specialist area. This improves your skills and develops career opportunities by building on links with external partners.

Key areas of study
Key areas include • history of design • contextual studies • computer-aided design (CAD) • model making • design skills • creative design projects • drawing and visual communication • building techniques • materials technology • digital image manipulation • interactive interiors.

Free Range exhibition
Our students exhibit at the Free Range art and design exhibition in London’s 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 to 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

Year 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

Year 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

Year three modules

• research for practice 1 • research for practice 2 • project • professional enhancement (industrial placement or exchange)

Year four modules

• creativity, innovation and professionalism • competitive design (project) • final project

Assessment

• projects • written assignments

Entry requirements

2014 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

• 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications including art and design and at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in an art and design-related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, 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.

2013 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

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically Ł10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically Ł11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

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