Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons) drafted

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design program at Nottingham Trent University empowers students with the skills to design beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning, collaboration, and industry partnerships prepares graduates for successful careers in interior architecture and design. Through studio projects, live briefs, and a research project, students develop their design identity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking abilities. Accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers, the program offers graduates a pathway to professional recognition.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course at Nottingham Trent University is a dynamic, creative, and hands-on program designed to equip students with the skills needed to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces. The program focuses on the design and development of internal environments, considering factors like architectural composition, structure, and light. Students will develop their design identity through hands-on modules that teach key transferable skills and prepare them for careers in architectural design, interior decoration, or interior design. The program is based in the Grade II listed Gothic Revival style Arkwright building, providing a studio culture that reflects modern practice and encourages collaboration, shared experiences, and experimentation. Students will also have the opportunity to work on live design projects with real clients.

Outline:

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design program is a four-year full-time program with a placement year or a three-year full-time program. The program is structured into four years, with each year focusing on specific modules:

Year One:

• Design Studio 1 (60 credits): Introduces design principles through a series of projects, exploring three-dimensional form, space, and order using scale models and orthographic drawing.
• Design Communication 1 (20 credits): Teaches visualization techniques using traditional and digital media, covering 2D and 3D methods, orthographic drawing, digital media, and model making.
• Technical Studies 1 (20 credits): Introduces structural principles behind buildings, exploring technical, practical, and environmental principles involved in building construction and their impact on user experience.
• Interior Architecture in Context 1 (20 credits): Examines how social issues like politics, economics, and technology influence interior architecture throughout history and in contemporary times.

Year Two:

• Design Studio 2 (60 credits): Extends studio work from Year One, engaging with various building types and sizes, considering structural, material, environmental, and experiential issues.
• Professional Studies & Design Communication 2 (20 credits): Develops orthographic drawing skills using CAD software, visualization techniques, and digital media, exploring communication techniques in 2D and 3D.
• Technical Studies 2 (20 credits): Explores building elements like foundations, walls, floors, roofs, and interior elements like lighting materials, focusing on types, functions, and characteristics of building materials.
• Interior Architecture in Context 2 (20 credits): Develops understanding of contemporary and emerging debates in architecture and urban design, exploring cultural diversity and its impact on the built environment.

Year Three:

• Placement or Study Abroad: Students can choose to take a year-long, full-time placement in industry or study abroad for a full academic year or a semester.

Final Year:

• Design Studio 3 (60 credits): Allows students to explore a subject of interest in depth through a self-led project, demonstrating their personal design ethos.
• Design Communication 3 (20 credits): Develops orthographic drawing skills to an advanced level using various media.
• Technical Studies 3 (20 credits): Integrates research and technological issues like acoustics, lighting, structure, and material studies into designs.
• Research Project (20 credits): Provides an opportunity to explore a subject of personal interest through research, presenting findings and constructing a developed argument.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through coursework, including individual projects, presentations, and a portfolio. The assessment breakdown is as follows:

• Year One: Coursework 100%
• Year Two: Coursework 100%
• Year Three: Optional placement year
• Year Four: Coursework 100%

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts.
• Studio Projects: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical design challenges.
• Live Briefs: Working on real-world projects with industry partners.
• Study Group Tutorials: Replicating team meetings found in design practices.
• Self-Directed Project Work: Encouraging independent learning and research.
The faculty consists of experienced professionals with industry experience, providing students with up-to-date knowledge and guidance. The program emphasizes a studio culture that encourages collaboration and experimentation.

Careers:

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design program prepares students for successful careers in the interior architecture and design industry. Graduates are equipped with the skills and experience to work in various roles, including:

• Interior Designers
• Junior Designers
• Consultants
Graduates have secured positions at leading national and international companies like:
• Benoy
• Foster + Partners
• BDP
• Tom Dixon Studio
• Dalziel & Pow
• FITCH
• Atelier New York
• Macaulay Sinclair
• Argent
• Leonard Design Architects
• HLW International

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD), offering graduates exemptions in the application process for "Chartered Designer" status.
• Students have access to dedicated studio space in the Grade II listed Arkwright building, as well as model-making studios, wood machine workshops, and other facilities.
• The program includes field trips and study visits to practices, museums, exhibitions, and events.
• Students have the opportunity to exhibit their work at NTU's Degree Shows and external graduate shows in London.

Visit our fees page for more information. Scholarships We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. International Scholarships Living costs Managing your money Paying fees Additional costs However you should be aware that students on this course may incur some additional costs as follows: Year 1: Drawing equipment £100 (estimate), printing £100 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year One to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities. Year 2: Printing £250 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year Two to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities. Year 3: Printing £300 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). Library books Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students. Placements Degree Show In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up. Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies What you’ll receive £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers.