Interior Architecture and Design with Foundation Year

- Master traditional, new and technological skills in state-of-the-art studios.

- Work with practising designers who bring their experience and networks to the course.

- Experience employability-driven learning through applied real-world projects.

- Develop the confidence and skills required to utilise new technologies in the pursuit of innovative and creative solutions.

- Build a unique portfolio to prepare for a career in interior architecture and design.

- If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) courses, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.

This course focuses on transforming architectural spaces into exciting, sustainable environments through the creative application of critical thinking and innovative design.

**How you learn**
Through studio-based learning and live projects, you'll gain a deep understanding of design culture and practice. You'll learn how to create innovative and sustainable designs, engage with a variety of architectural spaces, critically reflect on projects and develop your own personal approach. In the first ‘induction’ module you’ll learn to work confidently and creatively with a wide range of different materials. In the second ‘project’ module you’ll be taught by tutors from the BA (Hons) course supported by foundation tutors.

You'll learn through

- studio-based design projects

- designing through making

- industry visits and field trips

- lectures and seminars

- specialist software sessions

- applied industry (live) projects and collaborations with industry professionals

- group work and collaboration

- workshops

- group and individual tutorials

- exhibitions and presentations

- study trips

- Blackboard online learning portal

- presentations and feedback sessions

- self-directed study

**Applied learning**
**Work placements**

You'll have opportunities to arrange single or multiple work placement/s in between your second and third years of the full course. Placements give you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. Students have secured placements with companies such as YourStudio, Mynt Design and Fosters + Partners and have completed placements abroad in Dubai, Melbourne, LA and New Zealand. You may also be able to work or study abroad – with the possibility of funding (subject to the UK’s continued participation in the Erasmus+ programme following the Brexit transition period).

**Live projects**

You'll engage in authentic work experiences each year, working with external partners and live briefs. You'll have the opportunity to work on socially-driven community and commercial briefs. Previously, students have designed and developed projects on homelessness, theatre, exhibitions, student accommodation and luxury spas, allowing them to make an active contribution to the industry and engage with current issues.

**Field trips**

We offer opportunities to go on study trips in the UK and abroad – with free travel and accommodation for all mandatory field trips on the course. These could include workshops, design exhibitions or visits to practitioners’ studios and museums. There may be opportunities to further enhance your studies with optional field trips, though these will incur additional costs. Recent international trips include Berlin, Barcelona and the Venice Architecture Bienne.

**Networking opportunities**

We benefit from excellent links with national practices and local design agencies who bring you industry insight. We'll offer talks delivered by external practitioners from design practices within the UK and abroad, providing you with industry contacts. There are a range of opportunities to work on applied live briefs, expanding your real-world professional experience and wider knowledge base.