Study at NDA

Who should do this course?

• Have you already designed successful schemes for your home and for your family and friends?
• Do they often encourage you to start your own business?
• Would you like a career change but don't have the confidence, experience and qualifications?
• Do you have creative talent but need professional training?
• Do you enjoy interior design as a hobby and read interior design magazines?
• Are you interested in becoming an interior designer?

...then this is the course for you!

This Level 3 Diploma course is a great introduction into interior design which provides you with a validated and accredited course equivalent to A-Level. The course is flexible and can be studied at your own pace via part-time distance learning, allowing you to continue with existing work and family commitments, or you may attend our In Studio courses for a ‘fast-track' to the qualification - ideal if you are looking for a career change or entry into Higher Education.

The Diploma in Professional Interior Design will give you the skills you need to design your own project or help family and friends with theirs, giving you the confidence to move on to bigger projects or higher education.

As our 'access to Higher Education' qualification, successful Diploma students are guaranteed a place on our Foundation Degree in Interior Design. For a career in interior design you can then progress through the Foundation Degree to BA (Hons) Interior Design. Both Degree level courses are validated and awarded by Staffordshire University, and both are studied via online distance learning.

No qualifications are required to enrol on this diploma course, and if you already hold a Level 3 or equivalent qualification in an Art and Design based subject, you can enrol straight onto the Foundation Degree.

Have a browse through the links on the right to see further information about the course and the study options. For fees and enrolment, please click here.

If you still have questions feel free to call us for further information on 01159 1234 12, or alternatively, why not book a place on one of our Open Days to come along and talk to the Tutors, view students' work and take a tour of the Academy and the fantastic show apartments?

Entry requirements

No qualifications required, just an interest and enthusiasm for Interior Design.

Where can I study & how long will it take?

One Course - two ways to study; choose from distance learning Home Study or In Studio at the Academy

• Home Study - everyone is different. The average home study time is 20 hours per month to complete the course in 6 months. However, some students finish the course earlier and some take the maximum study time of 15 months. You can enrol at any time and set your own start date.

• In Studio -

      Week 1 In Studio (see dates below)

      Weeks 2, 3, 4 & 5 at home - complete a Design Project (approx 30hrs)

      Week 6 In Studio to complete the course (see dates below)

Please note that the course commencing 27th September 2010 is currently full and therefore we are not currently taking bookings for this date.

What will I achieve?

• NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design (Interior Design), equivalent to ‘A' Level
• National Design Academy Diploma in Professional Interior Design

When can I start?

Home Study 

You can enrol at any time and set your own start date.

In Studio

Week 1 In Studio (see dates below)

Weeks 2, 3, 4 & 5 at home - complete a Design Project (approx 30hrs)

Week 6 In Studio to complete the course (see dates below)

Please note that the course commencing 27th September 2010 is currently full and therefore we are not currently taking bookings for this date.

Assessment

There is no exam! Your tutor will assess your assignments and your portfolio is moderated by the Open College Network (OCN).

After my course

Once you have completed our NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Professional Interior Design & Soft Furnishings, you are guaranteed a place on our Foundation Degree (FdA) in Interior Design (after a two day conversion course*); validated and awarded by our partner, Staffordshire University.
This is delivered online by our Virtual Learning Studio (VLS) where you can access the course which contains thousands of links to interior design information, meet new friends and keep in touch through the Student Forum. You'll also receive regular updates on the latest trends and exhibitions.

Alternatively, you can become a freelance Interior Design Consultant or work in a related industry such as kitchen design, soft furnishings or design retailer.

* This is a 2 day (each of the days can be taken individually) course providing the extra drawing skills you will require for the Foundation Degree (FdA). The course is run specifically for each students individual requirements. Please contact us for more details.

Course details

You will cover:

Drawing

We introduce you to the right materials and equipment and provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to survey a room, draw the survey and elevation to scale, apply colour to the drawings and create professional presentations.

Design

How to plan the space using basic dimensions for furniture. How to choose furniture understanding space requirements. How to create professional sample and mood boards.

Lighting

Understand the types of different lighting; natural, ambient, task and accent lighting. How to choose lamps and fittings to create amazing lighting schemes.

Finishes

Bring your room to life with fabulous finishes. Investigate floor and wall coverings, fabrics, textures, art work and accessories.

Soft Furnishings

Discover the many different styles of windows. Learn the 5 stages of designing a window treatment and how to choose the type of fabric to suit the treatment. How to visualise your design through a coloured drawing.

Colour Theory

Learn the theory of colour, what works and what doesn't and the psychological effects of colour. Bring your drawings to life using light and shade and reproduce fabrics using pastels, water colours or paint effects. We will provide you with a glossary of decorative paint specifications.

Briefing

It's not all about design. We will give you the skills you need to obtain and interpret a client brief by asking the right questions. Understand who does what and when.

Implementing a Design

How to project manage the design from concept to completion. Stages of work, using tradesmen, who does what and when.

Business Advice

How to open trade accounts with names and addresses of relevant suppliers. We provide you with templates for contracts, letters, invoices and quotations. How to keep accurate records and how to keep up-to-date with the latest ideas and trends. An introduction to advertising and marketing.

Essential Equipment

• 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

This and other recommended equipment, including a DVD of the course, is available in our online Art Shop at special student prices.