BA Hons Interior Design

Program Overview

The University of Gloucestershire offers a dynamic and practice-based BA (Hons) Interior Design program designed to cultivate your creative flair and equip you with the essential design and technological expertise for a successful career in the industry. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to interior design, moving beyond mere aesthetics to explore the critical role of the designer in creating functional, beautiful, and meaningful spaces. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique design voice while gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, traditional drawing, model-making, and the use of industry-standard software. The course is particularly focused on the imaginative manipulation of interior spaces, whether through the design of new environments or the sensitive adaptation and re-purposing of existing buildings. A key aspect of the program is the understanding of sustainability in design and the application of biophilic principles to promote the health and wellbeing of building occupants. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, you'll work on client-led briefs, simulating the challenges and opportunities of professional practice, preparing you to seamlessly transition into the design industry upon graduation.

Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Interior Design curriculum at the University of Gloucestershire is structured to provide a progressive and comprehensive learning experience over three years. In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in core design principles, visual communication, and the use of industry-standard CAD and visual communication software. Modules such as "Communication and Visual Culture," "Drawing for Design," and "Digital skills for Design" equip students with the fundamental tools and understanding necessary for design practice. You will also begin to explore the role of the 'interior' within the broader design and construction process, examining spatial design and the growing importance of sustainability. The second year delves deeper into professional practice with modules like "Professional Practice" and "Contemporary Issues in Design." You'll work on more complex, client-led briefs, simulating real-world scenarios across various sectors such as retail, leisure, and the workplace. A significant focus is placed on refining your aesthetic skills, including the use of color, materials, lighting, and atmosphere, often employing intelligent CAD Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to explore concepts like biophilic design. The final year is dedicated to individual specialization and the development of a professional portfolio. Modules such as "Business and Enterprise for Design" and "Professional Promotion" prepare you for the business side of the design world. A major component is the "Interior Design Dissertation" or "Final Major Project," culminating in the "Interior Design Portfolio," providing a platform to showcase your skills and creativity to potential employers, including the opportunity to exhibit at renowned graduate exhibitions like Free Range in London (additional costs may apply).

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Interior Design program has a strong practical and industry-focused approach, the University of Gloucestershire as a whole has a robust research culture that informs the teaching and learning experience. The university's research is organized into several Research Priority Areas, including "Creative Practice and Theory." This area directly aligns with the Interior Design program, fostering a learning environment where students benefit from and contribute to vibrant subject communities engaged in both fundamental and applied research. Academic staff in the School of Creatives are actively involved in research, ensuring that the curriculum is up-to-date with the latest industry insights and advancements. The emphasis on research extends to postgraduate studies, with the university supporting the supervision and training of postgraduate research students. This research-informed approach ensures that the Interior Design program is not only teaching current industry practices but also exploring the future of the discipline and encouraging students to engage with critical thinking and innovation in their own design work.

Industry Engagement: A defining feature of the University of Gloucestershire's BA (Hons) Interior Design program is its significant emphasis on industry engagement. The university actively collaborates with businesses and organizations across the creative industries to provide mutually beneficial experiences for students. This includes working on live industry projects, giving students the opportunity to respond to real client briefs and gain practical experience in a professional context. The program also encourages and facilitates essential work placements at design companies, providing invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Past students have gained experience with well-regarded firms such as Brinkworth, Turner Bates, and AECOM. The university frequently invites design professionals to give guest lectures, offering students direct insights into the industry and the latest trends. This strong connection with industry ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world. 1 The university's School of Creatives actively seeks to establish and nurture industry partnerships, ensuring that students have access to the most current technological innovations and are well-positioned for graduate employment.  

Global Perspective: The University of Gloucestershire aims to provide its students with a global perspective, recognizing the increasingly interconnected nature of the design industry. While the core of the BA (Hons) Interior Design program is based in the UK, there are opportunities to broaden your understanding of global design trends and architectural history. The program may offer optional field trips to European cities such as Berlin, Barcelona, or Prague, allowing students to examine iconic historical and contemporary buildings and interiors in a global context (additional costs may apply). Furthermore, the diverse student body within the School of Creatives provides a rich environment for cross-cultural exchange and a broader understanding of different design aesthetics and approaches. The university's commitment to sustainability, a global concern, is also embedded within the curriculum, encouraging students to consider the wider environmental and social impact of their design decisions in an international context. This global perspective is designed to equip graduates with a competitive edge in the international job market and a broader understanding of the world of design.