BA Hons Interior Design

The BA (Hons) Interior Design program at Northumbria University explores the creation of dynamic interior spaces that enhance human experiences. The course encourages a balance between creative innovation and practical design, underpinned by social, cultural, and environmental responsibility.

Key focus areas include:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encourages conceptual development, spatial experimentation, and expressive design thinking.

• Sustainability: Emphasizes environmentally responsible solutions and materials in design practices.

• Human-Centered Design: Prioritizes user experience, accessibility, and well-being in public and private interior environments.

• Technical Skills: Develops strong visual communication (manual and digital), CAD software proficiency, model-making, and professional presentation techniques.

• Interdisciplinary Practice: Opportunities to collaborate with architecture, product design, and fashion design students.

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

• Introduction to interior design principles

• Exploration of space, form, and materials

• Fundamentals of drawing, visual communication, and digital media

• Contextual studies in design history and theory

• Basic model-making and workshop skills

• Emphasis on studio-based project work and reflective practice

Year 2: Intermediate

• Complex spatial design projects (retail, hospitality, public interiors)

• Integration of technical and environmental considerations

• Advanced digital visualization (e.g., CAD, 3D rendering, BIM)

• User research and ethnographic design methods

• Greater engagement with industry practices

• Continuation of design theory and cultural context modules

Year 3: Advanced

• Optional Year in Industry (Placement Year)
  Students may take a one-year paid placement in a professional design practice, which is encouraged but not mandatory.

Year 4 (Final Year if Placement Year is Taken)

Or Year 3 (If No Placement Year)

• Final Major Project (self-initiated, research-led interior design brief)

• Professional portfolio development

• Critical studies dissertation or written design report

• Emphasis on independence, originality, and readiness for industry or postgraduate study

• Graduate showcase preparation

Learning and Assessment Methods

• Studio-Based Learning: Core to the program, enabling hands-on development through real-world briefs.

• Seminars & Lectures: Provide theoretical and contextual grounding in design.

• Workshops & Tutorials: Cover technical skills such as 3D modeling, material applications, and digital rendering.

• Field Trips: Local and international visits to design studios, exhibitions, and architecture sites.

• Assessment Methods:

  • Project-based coursework

  • Visual and verbal presentations

  • Reflective journals and design portfolios

  • Written assignments (e.g., essays and reports)

Rankings

According to official university sources:

• Northumbria University is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Interior Design (Guardian University Guide 2024).

• The university is also ranked in the Top 25 UK universities for Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2024).