Who should do this course?
Anyone who is serious about becoming a retail interior designer who has an existing Foundation Degree or HND (or equivalent) in a relevant retail design subject may top-up to BA (Hons) Retail Design.
Mature students with extensive experience in the Interior Design profession can also receive recognition through this qualification.
This Degree is validated and awarded by Staffordshire University.
If you have to juggle family commitments, full-time or part-time work and want the flexibility offered by studying part-time by distance learning, then this is the course for you.
The National Design Academy is listed within the 'listed bodies' of Recognised UK Degrees, ensuring your qualification is Nationally and Internationally recognised, please CLICK HERE for further information
Entry requirements
You will need to have achieved:
- A Foundation Degree in Retail Design (All NDA FdA Retail Design graduates are guaranteed a place on this BA (Hons) course)
- HND/HNC in Retail Design or a design-related area (HNC students may require access additional FdA Modules)
- An equivalent qualification
Students who have completed qualifications other than the NDA's Retail Design Foundation Degree (for example an Interior Design Foundation Degree/HND) will need to study three specialist Retail Design additional FdA Modules before accessing the BA (Hons).
Where can I study & how long will it take?
You can enrol at any time! The BA (Hons) Retail Design is studied part-time, by distance learning through our specially created Virtual Learning Studios (VLS) via the internet using your computer. Here you can access thousands of links to design information, mail your tutor direct, meet new friends and keep in touch through the Student Forum.
Everyone is different; most students take between 12-18 months to complete the BA (Hons) Retail Design. However, some students finish the course earlier and some take the maximum study time of 3 years.
What will I achieve?
BA (Hons) Retail Design awarded by Staffordshire University
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time and set your own start date.
Assessment
You will not have to take an exam! Your tutor will assess your assignments as you submit them throughout the course and your portfolio is moderated by a Staffordshire University External Examiner. The course assignments are mainly practical and will not involve extensive essay or thesis writing.
Each Module is self-contained, and has its own assessment, it has distinctive educational objectives and clearly defined content.
After my course
Following successful completion at Level 6, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) Retail Design and will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony.
You may choose to progress to a Masters Degree or PhD or access a host of graduate programmes.
You can become a freelance designer; start your own commercial practice within a range of industries or work as a qualified interior designer within an interior design or architectural practice.
There are also opportunities to work in house within a retail company.
Course details
If you want to gain the BA (Hons) Retail Design, you will need to complete three Modules. Modules 1 and 2 are worth 30 credits, with the Independent Study Module worth 60 credits.
It is estimated that the first 2 Modules should each take approximately 5 months with a further 6 months for the Independent Study Project.
These are:
Module 1 (a) - Retail Space in a Wider Context: Option 1
Within this Module you will look at specific factors which influence the design of those retail environments which are, in turn, located within other environments. Such locations may include;
Hotel lobbies, Museums and art galleries, Exhibition venues and visitor centres, Railway station concourses, Airport lounges and concourses
or
Module 1 (b) - Exhibition Design: Option 2
You will examine a broad variety of exhibition types; trade event stalls, gallery exhibitions and museum displays. The requirement of different types of clients will also be investigated. The Module builds on your knowledge and understanding and introduces you to the development of interpretation and management within the built environment including local and overall atmospheric conditions, sound and light levels.
Module 2 - Research Project
You will be considering your previous retail design experience and skills acquisition in order to plan a major project or dissertation that progresses your aspirations for your career development. You will research associated areas and evaluate the opportunities for generating original and innovative ideas within an area of Retail Design. It is envisaged that this project or dissertation will inform your Retail Design Independent Special Study Project.
Module 3 - Independent Study
This Module is a double-length Module (60 credits) which will be based upon clear proposals with specific criteria. The subject area for assessment will be established in discussion with your tutor in addition to fulfilling criteria set down by Staffordshire University and the National Design Academy. Within the course of the Independent Special Study Project you will be expected to develop innovative ideas in response to a clearly defined brief appropriate to retail design.
Essential Equipment
- Laptop, PC or Mac to access the course online via the VLS
- Broadband internet connection
- Internet browser: Internet Explorer 7 (or above) or Firefox
-
Digital camera
- Drawing pen and pencil
- Scale rule with 1:10, 1:20 and 1:50 scales (approx £8)
- Adjustable set-square (approx £16)
- Pastels, crayons, watercolours, etc.
- A3 paper
- A2 drawing board
- Recommended reading book list
All books, non-electronic equipment & other recommended equipment is available in our online Art Shop at special student prices.
