Interior Design

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design, and builds the awareness of a design vocabulary through a series of exciting short projects to develop skills. Application of established design communication techniques will provide a basis for exploration, and the subsequent development of your own 2D and 3D design outcomes. You will gain an understanding of materials and associated processes within the context of specific design problems, and you will appreciate the choice of materials available to you alongside understanding how your decisions will affect your design proposals. The module culminates with a bespoke design project such as a student social hub.

Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working which will help you generate, develop, communicate and realise design solutions. This module focuses on exhibition design.

This module introduces you to the variety of individuals or customers who as a designer you need to please. Whilst full consideration is given to the end user, an understanding of the client, supplier and those involved with construction/manufacturing is critical. The module focuses on hospitality where you will be undertaking an innovative project such as the design of a hotel suite.

In this module, you are encouraged to consider a range of perspectives on creative practice - including critical, ethical, cultural, political and commercial viewpoints. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of professional practice as a core theme which runs throughout the course. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills. This module consists of a series of small tasks which address the wider context of design.

During this module students are introduced to appropriate forms of technology, construction, materials and regulatory issues and study how these are utilised in the production of interior design project work. You will acquire the skills required to develop ideas and explore detail design. The fundamental principles related to architecture are taught to a basic level to raise awareness of how structures are constructed and how designers respond to sustainability issues. The way that these influences contribute to creative and imaginative design outcomes and production realities is explored through associated design project work. The module also aims to encourage the investigation of 2D and 3D communication methods to creatively and effectively analyse the nature of existing buildings and design interventions. The module culminates with a bespoke design project within an existing commercial building which is developed to include technical design such as a bar, welcome desk, or staircase.

Interior design practice covers many different commercial sectors such as offices, retail, education, health or cultural facilities as well as interiors for hospitality, entertainment and the television industry. This module will explore an area of specialism within interior design. Recent projects have included the design of a co-working space in an interesting existing building with a canal facing frontage in central Manchester.

Building on the critical and professional practice skills introduced in year 1, this module allows you to investigate and test your position in relation to creative and cultural communities and to make connections to wider cultural contexts in order to develop your approach to inter-disciplinary collaborations. You will also explore business, employability and enterprise issues and reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.

This module allows you to undertake a period of work placement; positioned at the end of Trimester 2 this module enables many students to take the opportunity of an extended placement period over the summer. This module allows you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design.

This module aims to further develop student’s ability to apply knowledge, appropriate skills, conceptual and creative thinking, to produce practical and aesthetically appropriate building interiors. Whilst working on a design brief you will explore the creation of an appropriate atmosphere including the effects of natural and artificial lighting. Specific technical and regulatory constraints and an awareness of practicality and ergonomic considerations form part of this complex project when remodelling an existing building. The module focuses on culture and leisure where you will be undertaking an innovative project such as the design of an art gallery.

This module further develops research methodologies established within year two. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Self-Directed Project.

The final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course and as such it enables you to continue in the development of a more personalised programme of study, supporting personal careers aspirations and directions. The module provides an opportunity for you to initiate a complex design project of your choice over an extended period, providing valuable experience of a potential career direction.

This module is a chance for you to investigate a subject of your own choosing around contemporary issues relating to your discipline and produce an extended body of work. This module also supports you to define personal objectives when investigating your career options. You are required to produce a portfolio of work, demonstrating skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional techniques which will directly support your career aspirations.