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The BA (Hons) Interior Design program at Manchester Metropolitan University focuses on developing innovative, practical, and conceptual design skills for transforming interior spaces. It places strong emphasis on user-centered and sustainable design practices.
Key focus areas:
Creativity & Concept Development: Encourages exploration of narrative, identity, and experiential design in diverse spatial contexts.
Sustainability: Focuses on ethical and sustainable approaches to materials and spatial transformation.
Human-Centered Design: Prioritizes well-being, functionality, and social impact in interior environments.
Technical Proficiency: Training in CAD, 3D modeling, visualization, technical drawing, and model-making.
Professional Practice: Real-world projects and engagement with live industry briefs help build industry-relevant skills.
Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules
Year 1: Foundations
Introduction to interior design methods, tools, and thinking
Fundamentals of spatial design, drawing, and model-making
Digital skills: CAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D modeling
Studio-based projects focused on small-scale interiors
Historical and cultural context studies
Year 2: Intermediate
More complex interior environments such as retail, hospitality, or exhibitions
Development of design narratives and spatial strategies
Integration of sustainability and material exploration
Advanced visualization and technical drawing
Design competitions and group-based studio projects
Theoretical and contextual design analysis
Year 3: Final Year
Independent major design project based on self-directed research
Professional practice and portfolio development
Final exhibition and presentation of work
Critical written reflection or contextual report
Strong emphasis on originality, research, and design resolution
Learning and Assessment Methods
Studio-Based Learning: Central to the program with dedicated personal workspace and design studio environment.
Lectures & Seminars: Support contextual understanding of design theories and histories.
Workshops: In areas like digital fabrication, woodworking, textiles, and print.
One-to-One Tutorials: Regular feedback and personal development.
Assessment Methods:
Project portfolios and design journals
Verbal and visual presentations
Group critiques
Written contextual reports and reflections
Rankings
According to official university information:
Manchester School of Art is one of the oldest and most respected art schools in the UK, with a strong reputation in design education.
Art and Design at Manchester Met is ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
Live Industry Briefs: Collaboration with companies and design studios on real-world design challenges.
External Exhibitions: Opportunities to showcase work to public and industry.
Field Trips: Visits to museums, design studios, and cultural institutions in the UK and abroad.
International Exchange: Opportunities to study abroad at partner universities.
Graduate Show: Participation in the Manchester School of Art Degree Show—well-attended by design professionals and employers.
Career Outcomes
Graduates often work in areas such as:
Interior Architecture
Exhibition and Retail Design
Set and Stage Design
Event and Experience Design
Hospitality and Workplace Design
Design Consultancy and Spatial Branding
Employability
The course has strong industry links with design studios, manufacturers, and cultural institutions.
Employers of graduates include:
BDP
Fitch
IKEA
Conran and Partners
Studio TILT
Postgraduate Progression
Graduates may continue on to related postgraduate study, such as:
MA Interior Design
MA Architecture and Urbanism
MA Design Innovation
Opportunities are available at Manchester Met and other leading design schools.
Please submit a portfolio in digital format, 15-20 pages in length. We’re looking for you to demonstrate four key values: questioning curiosity technical ability enthusiasmThe minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent.The portfolio can contain one or more of these components: Sketchbooks, Notebooks: showing ideas, research and development Photographs of Objects: 3D, models, sculptures, etc. Collage, Composite Images Writing - which reflects on your creative processes Drawings, including sketches of the built environment Photographs Videos/Films Group Work: where you have made work as part of a group, please tell us what your role was within that group.AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.This course offers a placement YearInterior DesignerInterior ArchitectSpatial DesignerExhibition DesignerRetail/Branded Environment DesignerLighting DesignerFF&E DesignerSet/Production DesignerDesign StrategistDesign Researcher
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Manchester Metropolitan University
