Course Overview
This new Interior Design course interprets the discipline widely to include all sectors of the commercial, leisure and entertainment industries. Our focus is the creation of spaces in which people live and work and where they are informed and entertained. We will explore the theory and techniques of the design of interior spaces, with a particular emphasis on architectural form and the re-use of redundant buildings.
Within this framework, your project work can follow many different approaches, from the sculptural and conceptual to the specific and technical, but above all it is about solving problems for human need. It is the intention of the course to ensure that each student develops a strong philosophical and theoretical stance, so that their solutions maintain an integrity of reason and application. You will develop skills in research and how to organise and categorise information. Ultimately you will be shaping your own future by your own interests and abilities.
You will develop an understanding of the cultural context of architecture and design, and how the design industry relies upon the input of consultants such as engineers, surveyors, building trades and craftspeople. You will develop a working knowledge of construction, building services and materials technology, with regular visits both home and abroad to buildings, exhibitions and places of interest.
Year 1 core modules
• Introduction to Interior Design
• Twentieth Century Design History
• 3D Design History and Theory
• Observational and Perspective Drawing
• Digital Media in Interior Design (CAD)
• Contextual Studies
Year 2 core modules
• Development of Interior Design
• Debates and Practices
Year 3 core modules
• Specialised Practice in Interior Design
• Research Project
• Major Project
Year 1 optional modules
• Observational and Perspective Drawing
• Digital Media in Interior Design
• Anglia Language Programme Module
Year 2 optional modules
• Building Technology in Interior Design
• Themed Environments
• Anglia Language Programme Module
• Identities
• Issues Across Contemporary Design
• Writing for Images
• Contemporary Film and Video
Additional course information
Level 1 (Year 1)
The first-year introduces core aspects of interior design through a range of key skills: drawing
as a creative process, the development of three dimensional investigative/conceptual designs
and the technical and aesthetic principles that are fundamental to the space, form and order
of the built environment. These include colour, texture and spatial planning (initially for the
domestic or small-scale environment).
Level 2 (Year 2)
The second-year is designed to develop the skills initiated in level 1 and broaden your
application, by developing opportunities for specialisation and the exploration of more complex
design problems. Through a series of projects designed to investigate the challenges of public
space: retail, leisure and working environments, you will develop a deeper understanding of
the role and responsibility of the interior designer.
The course explores the environmental impact of different approaches to design and
specification, investigating ecotecture, sustainable technologies and the sourcing of
green materials.
Level 3 (Year 3)
The third-year provides the opportunity for you to focus on your specialist direction within
interior design, with a view to producing a body of relevant work suitable for interview
situations in your preferred career direction. You are encouraged to solve challenging design
problems, utilising an enhanced awareness of contemporary interior design practice within a
modern informational culture.
Key Facts
Final award
Faculty
Location
Duration
Assessment
Continuous assessment by written and practical work
Facilities
• Drawing board studio/lecture room
• Technical Reference library
• Computer lab for CAD work
• Workshops for models and prototypes
• Shared lecture rooms
• Ruskin Gallery
Special features
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for Art and Design, 70% of our research work was ‘internationally recognised’, ‘internationally excellent’ and, in some cases, ‘world-leading’.
As a result, our income from the RAE to support our research is double our 2002 allocation.
Associated careers
Graduates can work for architects or design groups in private practice, or for commercial organisations that contain in-house design departments.
It is also possible for graduates to work in the visual arts such as film, television, events and theatre design, as well as exhibition and museum design.
There are also possibilities of further study in order to obtain a masters degree or a PhD. In addition, when graduates have worked in the industry for a few years, they can enter the teaching profession after obtaining a PGCE by working in secondary and further education.
To teach in Higher Education a Masters degree is required.
Enquire Now
Studying at Cambridge School of Art is the first step in landing your dream job, so go ahead and drop us a line today - your career starts here...
