Interior Architecture and Design (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Exploring Design (20 credit points)

• Study renowned designs and designers while developing research abilities related to Making and Materials and Drawing and Seeing modules.
• You will create a Professional Development Plan (PDP) for self-assessment and mid-year course review. Assessment includes workbook exercises, a poster presentation, and a visual essay, with opportunities for formative feedback to guide your development.

Drawing and Seeing (20 credits points)

• On this module, you will immerse yourself in the creation and use of sketchbooks, a vital tool for designers and architects. Through dedicated drawing sessions and creative exercises, you will enhance your freehand drawing skills and use your sketchbook as a means of creative thinking.
• You will engage in a series of prescribed drawing activities, receiving formative feedback through 1:1 sketchbook reviews and weekly "show and tell" sessions. By the end of the module, you will confidently understand the value of sketchbooks and be ready to use this skill moving forward in your studies.

Materials and Making (20 credit points)

• On this module you will explore the properties, textures, cost, durability, and sustainability of various materials. Engage in hands-on activities to understand basic fabrication techniques and make informed material choices for your design projects.

Future Living (20 credit points)

• Gain practical experience through hands-on drawing and making exercises, working collaboratively on initial design proposals, and completing a portfolio to showcase your creative solutions and teamwork skills.
• You will learn to identify and adapt to design constraints by creating a small living space within a re-purposed shipping container. Explore celebrated micro-home examples and utilize constraints to drive your innovative solutions.

Client, Object, Space (40 credit points)

• Work with industry clients on real-world or simulated design briefs, using your foundational skills to address challenges and create drawings, models, and a final poster and presentation. Weekly tasks guide you with clear, short-term goals and help you develop your ideas step-by-step.
• Build confidence in visual presentations and critiques, preparing you for undergraduate studies. Gain valuable insights into industry practices by exploring materials, fabrication methods, and collaboration, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how the industry operates.

Design and Professional Skills 1 (20 credit points)

• In this module, you will learn to conceptualise and communicate design ideas effectively using a variety of techniques.
• You’ll develop and apply concepts and proposals both independently and through collaborative group work, building skills in creative ideation and teamwork.
• You will have the opportunity to join as a student to the Chartered Society of Designers, you will start your CPD plan, invited to attend NTU Trent talks program and gain insights into employability, fairs and events.

Design and Technology 1 (20 credit points)

• You’ll learn to appraise, select, and implement appropriate technologies, materials, and structural elements while upholding ethical standards, professional responsibilities, and legal requirements in design.

Interior Architecture and Design in Context 1 (20 credit points)

• You’ll develop a critical understanding of the factors that shape design practice and learn to articulate research and analysis effectively in both written and design processes.

IAD Design Studio 1 (60 credit points)

• On this module you’ll generate and apply ideas, concepts, and proposals both independently and collaboratively, conveying your intentions effectively across visual, physical, recorded, written and verbal methods including ‘pin-up’ presentations.
• Through employer-led and simulated projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals, alongside building your portfolio to enrich your academic journey should you go directly into your Final Year or foster employment prospects should you choose to undertake a placement.

Design and Professional Skills 2 (20 credit points)

• Building on your Year One CPD (continuing Professional Development), you will combine learning in relation to employability from individual and team-based activities, the NTU talks program, experiences including mock interviews, job fairs, exchange and design events.
• You’ll refine 2D and 3D visual techniques, including CAD-based orthographic drawing, digital visualisation, and sustainable model-making materials, meeting professional conventions from design inception through to construction.

Design and Technology 2 (20 credit points)

• This module builds your understanding of construction principles, environmental impact, and material applications while meeting industry expectations for sustainable design.
• You’ll explore the impact of design choices at cultural, financial, and political levels and apply regulatory standards. Through collaborative learning and integrated studio sessions, you’ll communicate technical recommendations to peers and industry professionals.

Interior Architecture and Design in Context 2 (20 credit points)

• This module develops your critical response to theories related to 20th-century architecture, interiors, and urban design, examining the impact of diverse cultures and communities on design ideas and architectural legacies.

IAD Design Studio 2 (60 credit points)

• On this module, you’ll conceptualise and convey your ideas using various communication methods, and generate innovative solutions independently and collaboratively.
• Through employer-led and simulated projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals, aimed to replicate practice/work environment.  You will enhance your portfolio from Year One to prepare you for placement or your Final Year of study.
• You will review, select, and implement appropriate technologies, structural and interior elements, and materials while adhering to ethical working practices and professional responsibilities within the field.

Research Project (20 credit points)

• This module offers you the opportunity to explore a subject of personal interest, allowing you to conduct in-depth research on topical and relevant debates. You will negotiate your chosen topics with tutors and engage in collaborative research, enabling you to present your findings in a traditional narrative format or a mixed visual and narrative form using various technologies.

Design and Technology 3 (20 credit points)

• This module will help you develop effective strategies for thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, structure, and materials, all aimed at enhancing your understanding and responding to design briefs that complement your studio work.
• You will apply technical, environmental and sustainable practice-based and legislative knowledge that is relevant to your design process and apply it to the resolution of design challenges.

Design and Professional Skills 3 (20 credit points)

• This module helps to improve your skills in using 2D and 3D visual tools to share your design ideas. You’ll gain practical experience with software, visualisation techniques, and presentation methods to effectively show your creativity.
• Building on from your year 2 CPD (continuing Professional Development), you will include element of reflection with respect to future employability and career aspirations.

IAD Design Studio 3 (60 credit points)

• This module encourages you to think independently and reflect on your work. Through continuous iteration in the studio, you'll integrate research, synthesis, and evaluation of specific design issues, allowing you to develop and define your projects comprehensively. You’ll explore the connections between context, site, and function, as well as the social and political factors that influence your design.
• Through the projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals.  You will participate in the NTU showcase to enable you to participate in networking and graduate opportunities.

Exhibiting as part of our Student Showcase

In your final year, you'll be invited to display your work as part of ADBE's Student Showcase. The events are an opportunity for all final year students studying across NTU's Art and Design-based courses to showcase their work to our network of industry professionals and prospective employers, invited specifically for this purpose.

Students on this course also have the opportunity to be selected to exhibit their work at external graduate shows in London. Along with other Interior Architecture and Design graduates from across the UK, you will present your work to industry and be in with a chance of winning industry-sponsored prizes, or securing a graduate role.