School of Art, Design and Architecture

BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code W244
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

The foundation pathway provides students with non-standard entry points to progress onto the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme. The foundation year allows you to develop the required practical, technical, academic and creative skills needed in preparation for the first year of the undergraduate programme. Upon successful completion, you will join the undergraduate BA (Hons) Interior Design programme equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete an undergraduate degree.

Careers with this subject

Graduates from our course are adaptable and flexible and are working at major design consultancies, running their own businesses, working as freelance designers, or have moved into education or postgraduate research.
Our student projects and programme of employability and creative industry skills create graduates who are skilled, knowledgeable and professionally aligned to today's job opportunities.
This course produces students who have gone on to successful careers within interior design and architectural practices, such as:
  • Fosters and Partners
  • Soho House Group
  • the BBC
  • Yoo Interiors (Starck & Hitchcox)
  • Kelly Hoppen Interiors
  • HLM Architects
  • and workplace specialists Interaction.

Key features

The course is designed to encourage visual exploration and creative discovery within an engaging and vibrant studio setting. Upon successful completion of the foundation course, you will join the undergraduate BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design programme equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete an undergraduate degree.
Key features of BA (Hons) Interior Design
  • User-centred. Our approach puts people – and sometimes cats – at the centre of the design process. You will develop an inclusive and diverse approach and build awareness of the psychological impact of space on the health, wellbeing, productivity, and happiness of individuals and communities
  • Sensory and immersive. We craft interiors that explore the sensory and immersive impact of space, materials and systems and how they contribute to the user experience.
  • Future-focused. We encourage you to take today’s issues and develop new ways of living. We utilise technology in content, delivery, presentation and documentation and explore the digital frontier of space with virtual and augmented reality.
  • Expert-led. Our lecturers run their own businesses or have professional experience working for clients like Lego, British Airways, LG, Sony, major museums and architects.
  • Making at the core. From model making to 1:1 prototyping, you’ll explore materials to understand their application and performance and how to utilise their sensory characteristics with access to a range of traditional and high-tech digital fabrication workshops.
  • Innovation in delivery. You’ll work in an interdisciplinary design studio learning with and from other three-dimensional design specialisms and benefit from a blended learning environment, which includes team teaching and podcast delivery of content.
  • Diverse. You’ll work on a broad range of interior design projects across a range of scales from strategic planning down to fine detailing and across sectors including residential, workplace, hospitality, branded and thematic spaces, as well as exhibitions and the public realm.
Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design or one of the following visual communication-related degree programmes after a successful interview:

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • You'll become part a vibrant creative community through an engaging learning environment with a focus on active exploration and discovery across a wide range of methods and media. Working in our open-plan studio, you'll learn by doing, putting teaching into practical outcomes. Upon successful completion of this year, you'll enter the first year of the BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design.

    Core modules

    ADA001
    Materials, Methods and Media 30 credits

    This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

    100% Coursework

    ADA002
    Image, Type and Narrative 30 credits

    Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

    100% Coursework

    ADA003
    Risk and Resolution 30 credits

    Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

    100% Coursework

    ADA004
    Critical Themes in Art & Design 20 credits

    This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 1

  • In your first year, you create innovative, practical, and future-focused spaces. You gain a hands-on understanding of processes, materials and construction using traditional and digital fabrication methods at a range of scales from model making to 1:2:1 prototyping. We introduce a range of software packages and interact with other design disciplines.

    Core modules

    FAPY100
    Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

    If you’re undertaking a company placement in your third year, this module helps you find a suitable placement, and prepares you for the placement itself.

    IND400
    Interior Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture 80 credits

    Through the development of a portfolio of project work, Interior Design is introduced relative to the varied nature of three-dimensional design. Studio practice is linked with historical, cultural and critical contexts. Processes of discovery, exploration and enquiry introduce specialist design knowledge, core skills and stimulate reflection. The module informs and broadens the student’s awareness of the subject of Interior Design within an interdisciplinary studio context.

    100% Coursework

    TDD400
    Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice 20 credits

    Students will be introduced to the wide range of materials and processes available to them as designers, and will have the opportunity to develop workshop skills in the selection and processing of materials. Students will also be introduced to CAD and digital presentation software and gather a wide range of presentation skills to develop their confidence and ability to communicate confidently, effectively, clearly and efficiently.

    100% Coursework

    TDD450
    Design Carousel 1 20 credits

    This Level 4 module runs in parallel with a Level 5 module, enabling collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios. Working with senior peers enables the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and establishes cross year interdisciplinary peer learning opportunities within the design studio.

    100% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • In your second year, you begin to shape your career path by working on design projects to establish your skills as a designer. We explore methods, ideas and themes, and gain a deeper understanding of the design industry with live projects. You set up your own exhibitions and build a portfolio, becoming proficient in design processes, computer-aided design, digital and traditional fabrication and communication methods.

    Core modules

    IND500
    Interior Specialist Exploration and Culture 40 credits

    This module develops specialist knowledge and professional practice skills in Interior Design relating to design for the public realm. Project work explores branding, public space, urban landscape and regeneration. The module includes Design Culture exploration of major issues and concepts affecting design with the development of research, critical evaluation and contextualisation skills as a primer for Level 6 dissertation modules.

    100% Coursework

    IND501
    Interior Specialist Skills and Progression 40 credits

    This module develops specific skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the practice ofInterior Designers. Project work develops fundamental perceptions of the body in space, the notion of scales and inhabitation, and associated contextual and cultural issues relating to contemporary design practice. Project work is structured to introduce and develop discipline specific technical skills in 2D and 3D.

    100% Coursework

    TDD550
    Design Carousel 2 20 credits

    This Level 5 module runs in parallel with a Level 4 module to enable collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios.Working with junior peers develops interpersonal and organisational skills valued by professional practice, and sustains peer learning opportunities within the design studio.

    100% Coursework

    TDD560
    Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design 20 credits

    This module celebrates the interdisciplinary nature of professional design practice and acknowledges the role designers can play in addressing the big challenges posed by complex sustainability themes and issues relating to global society, culture and ecology. Interdisciplinary teams contribute to a series of Design Sprints inspired by a proposed theme or issue to produce individual and group work.

    100% Coursework

    TDD500
    Stage 2 Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Stage 1 Placement Preparation module and to assist students in their search and application for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  • Final year

  • In your final year, you work on your major project and dissertation to take your specialism deeper and develop an individual philosophy. You develop your network to deepen your understanding of the industry and visit design practices like Mystery, Pearson Lloyd, and Foster Associates. You also exhibit your projects at our Degree Show and national events such as New Designers.

    Core modules

    TDD651
    Design Industry Placement / Exchange

    A period of professional training of 24 weeks or more spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company, or 2 semesters of study with an overseas partner institution. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant external experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

  • Year 5

  • Core modules

    ADA600
    Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

    The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

    100% Coursework

    TDD606
    External Factors and Feasibility 40 credits

    This module encourages students to challenge and develop their professional practice skills, and their emergingdesign identity, by conducting distinct projects concurrently. A significant external project brief and a self-initiatedproject brief develop a platform of knowledge and experiences on which the character of their graduating portfoliowill be based.

    100% Coursework

    TDD607
    Major Project 40 credits

    Students identify, plan, evolve and review a summative design project in the programme and awardspecialism. It allows a substantive body of work celebrating all the learning outcomes and specific skills setsattained. The project culminates with a 1 to 1 viva with an external examiner and a degree showexhibition.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    IND600
    Interior Consolidation 20 credits

    This compact module offers students the option to develop their professional practice skills to a higherlevel. Professional and creative attributes are developed to prepare students for the evolving future ofdesign practice. Sustainability principals are blended with increased knowledge and understanding ofbusiness and project management issues that have relevance to Interior Design practice.

    100% Coursework

    TDD600
    Extended Dissertation 20 credits

    This module offers students the option to develop an Extended Dissertation that builds on a proposal,structure and literature review generated within the Critical Practices module. It provides the opportunityfor extended in-depth research and to write an illustrated dissertation. Students use their creative andanalytical skills on a concentrated topic area, with a word count of 8/10k

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

This programme offers access to study at university for those students who may not have the standard entry profile for BA study. Equally, it is designed for those returning to study who have relevant work/professional experience but not the required academic profile for Level 4 entry. It is also suitable for Level 3 learners whose subject choice does not include the necessary background but who are otherwise academically capable.
T levels: Pass in any subject.
We will accept other pre-entry qualifications or combinations of different qualifications. Applications may also be considered from candidates who do not meet these minimum entry requirements. We welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and previous educational or professional experiences, including those with non-standard qualifications.

Fees, costs and funding

New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

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Learn from industry-leading experts in our state-of-the-art facilities. Get hands-on practical experience from the leading minds in the business and immerse yourself in a vibrant creative community.
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Learn from experts in their field

  • Associate Head of School - International
    Motivated by using design and art as a creative force for positive change
  • Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)
    Runs a consultancy specialising in commercial and residential interior design
  • Associate Head of School
    Visual cartographer and maker with wide-ranging research expertise
  • Lecturer in 3D Design
    Vast international industry experience working in consultancy and product design
  • Lecturer in Industrial Design
    Currently working at the design studio and workshop he founded in London
  • Lecturer in 3D Design - Design Maker
    Experienced researcher and designer developing his own independent practice

Shannon Garvey, Junior Interior Designer, iDesign

“Studying at Plymouth helped me to refine my creativity and gave me a good base knowledge of CAD software, which I use every single day in my industry.”
Shannon talks about her time studying at the University of Plymouth and how it helped her land a job as a Junior Interior Designer based in Exeter.

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