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The BA (Hons) Interior Design at UAL's Chelsea College of Arts offers a concept-driven and research-informed approach to spatial design. The course focuses on how people experience interior space, encouraging experimental thinking and challenging conventional design boundaries.
Key focus areas include:
Creative Exploration: Conceptual development and critical design thinking are core to the curriculum.
Human-Centered Design: Emphasis on spatial interaction, user experience, and social relevance.
Sustainability & Ethics: Projects often involve environmental, political, and social themes, encouraging responsible design.
Material & Technical Exploration: Students work hands-on with materials and technologies to explore sensory and functional possibilities.
Research-Led Practice: Students are encouraged to critically investigate spatial, cultural, and social contexts through design.
Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules
Year 1: Foundations
Introduction to design principles, critical thinking, and research methods.
Development of core spatial and technical skills (drawing, model-making, digital tools).
Projects explore personal narratives and conceptual responses to space.
Year 2: Intermediate
Focus on design in real-world and social contexts, including live projects.
Exploration of spatial programming, community, and ethical design.
Collaboration with external partners or across UAL disciplines.
Projects include social, civic, or public interior interventions.
Year 3: Advanced
Independent major project defined and developed through self-directed research.
Final portfolio development, critical report writing, and exhibition curation.
Students establish a personal design identity through theoretical and practical outputs.
Learning and Assessment Methods
Studio-Based Learning: Central to course structure; promotes experimentation and iterative design.
Seminars & Tutorials: Theoretical grounding and peer critique.
Workshops: Practical sessions in model-making, digital fabrication, and materials.
Field Research: Students often carry out site visits, interviews, and context mapping.
Assessments: 100% coursework – including design portfolios, written reports, presentations, and reflective journals.
Rankings
University of the Arts London (UAL):
#2 in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Consistently ranked in the Top 3 globally for creative education.
Project-Based Learning
Create concept boards, floor plans, lighting schemes, and 3D visualisations
Individualized feedback from professional tutors
Studio Practice (In-Person Courses)
Held at Central Saint Martins or Chelsea College of Arts
Work in actual design studios, with materials and peer feedback
Online Courses
Live Zoom-based classes and downloadable content
Opportunities for virtual feedback, group critiques, and project walkthroughs
Who Should Take These Courses?
Career/Academic Progression
Can serve as a stepping stone to degree-level study at UAL (e.g., BA Interior Design)
Useful for freelancers, junior designers, or entrepreneurs entering interior styling or home staging
Formal Qualifications
These are non-credit-bearing short courses (not equivalent to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree)
A separate Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is offered by UAL for students needing preparation before entering undergraduate study.No formal sandwich year, but internships and live projects are encouraged.64 UCAS tariff points (2 A Levels at grade C or above, BTECs, or equivalent).Portfolio: Required – showing creative exploration, spatial awareness, and critical thinking.Portfolio: Required – showing creative exploration, spatial awareness, and critical thinking.Interview: May be part of the application process.IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent for international students.Foundation Diploma (preferred): Many applicants complete UAL's Foundation Diploma in Art & Design before applying. 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C) Interior DesignerInterior ArchitectSpatial DesignerExhibition DesignerRetail/Branded Environment DesignerLighting DesignerFF&E DesignerSet/Production DesignerDesign StrategistDesign Researcher
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University of the Arts London
