Who should do this course?
Studying the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Heritage Interior Design (validated and awarded by Staffordshire University), you will develop knowledge and understanding of the specific skills needed to work within the heritage sector at a residential level or on a major heritage project. This is the only UK FdA in Heritage Interior Design. Successful completion of this Foundation Degree provides entry on to our BA (Hons) Heritage Interior Design top-up course - both are studied online, via part time distance learning.
For many students, family commitments, employment or lack of relevant qualifications makes attending university impossible. Whilst some universities offer qualifications as full time or part time on campus, you may prefer to fit your studies around family and work rather than the other way around. This also means that you can avoid the huge debt levels faced by todays graduates as you are able to continue to work. 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.
If you don't have the required entry qualifications or experience you may enrol on our access course 'Diploma in Professional Interior Design' which is a Level 3 qualification and gives you all the skills and neccessary entry qualifications required to begin your route to BA (Hons) with the NDA.
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
The following qualifications enable you to take the course:
- NOCN Diploma in Interior Design or similar (all NDA Level 3 Diploma students are guaranteed a place on the course)
- NOCN Diploma in Professional Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings (you may be required to complete one or two relevant modules to ensure the correct skill level for this course)
- Successful completion of an Art Foundation Year
- A Level in Art, Art & Design or similar
- NVQ 3 in Art & Design
- City & Guilds Level 3 Interior Design or equivalent
- An equivalent qualification
- Suitable experience in the design profession
If unsure, please ring.
Where can I study & how long will it take?
You can enrol at any time! The FdA 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 interior design information, mail your tutor direct, meet new friends and keep in touch through the Student Forum.
Everyone is different; most students take between 2-3 years to complete the FdA. However, some students finish the course earlier and some take the maximum study time of 5 years.
What will I achieve?
- Foundation Degree (FdA) in Heritage Interior Design awarded by Staffordshire University
This is a validated Foundation Degree, and on successful completion you will be able to use the initials FdA after your name, and will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire, on a date in July. All NDA Tutors attend the graduation and encourage all students to attend if they are able, as it's your day to be proud of your achievements!
Successful completion of this Foundation Degree will entitle you to a place on our BA (Hons) courses, also validated and awarded by Staffordshire University - where you will be able to graduate again... with Honours!
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
The FdA is equivalent to years 1 & 2 of a BA Honours Degree (similar to a HND). However, the FdA is a separate degree qualification with a full cap and gown graduation ceremony. It is particularly relevant to Heritage Interior Design as Foundation Degrees have a practical element and are designed to qualify you to work in the vocational area. Completing this course will really open up the world of interior design.
- Study route - All students successfully completing the (FdA) are guaranteed a place on the BA Honours Degree. (This will take approximately 12-18 months part-time).
- Career route - You can become a freelance designer, start your own domestic or commercial practice for period properties, or work within a range of industries or as a qualified interior designer within a specialist practice or heritage organisation.
As the BA Honours Degree is studied part-time, you can combine both study and career routes.
Course details
For the Foundation Degree, you will study 8 Modules. Each Module is worth 30 credits, making up the 240 credits required to earn the Foundation Degree (FdA) in Heritage Interior Design.
Each Module should take approximately three months to complete, although there is some flexibility.
Level 4 - Equivalent to Year 1 of a full time university degree
Module 1 - Research Skills & Contextualisation
This Module includes an introduction to interior design, beginning with a guide to the history of interior design from the ancient world to the present day. This will also introduce you to the research skills you will need for the remainder of your degree course to help you to locate and obtain more information for each subject.
Module 2 - Space Planning
This Module investigates the way that interior space may be organised according to a particular set of requirements. These requirements vary according to the designated function of an interior. Whether a space is intended for residential or commercial use, appropriate space planning ensures that a space is used efficiently, comfortably and safely
Module 3 - Design in Historical Context
Interior design is been continually changing and has been moving forward for centuries. This progression was usually led by a combination of factors rooted in social change such as manners, politics and display or technological advancements. This Module examines those forces, for example the Italian Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution and the Bauhaus, which continue to shape the culture in which we live. Responding to these cultural changes has defined our interior environments throughout the ages.
Module 4 - Traditional Design Techniques
Within this Module you will investigate those traditional design techniques and specialist paint finishes used when restoring or decorating traditional, historic or important houses primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Module explains the principles and origins of these finishes as well as providing recipes and instructions for their production.
Level 5 - Equivalent to Year 2 of a full time university degree
Module 5 - Design for Listed Buildings
This Module will enable you to understand the constraints, procedures and processes involved in the restoration and interior design of listed buildings. You will explore the relationship between regulatory and other controlling organisations, planning offices and client intentions as well as examine the work of leading practitioners working within this stimulating area of interior design.
Module 6 - Wall, Floor & Window Treatments for Heritage Buildings
Walls, floors and windows are fundamental elements of interior design and the way that they are treated or decorated can completely transform the way that an interior looks and feels. This Module looks in detail at these elements and their possible decoration, preservation, style and practical options available to an interior designer working within a heritage context.
Module 7 - Professional Practice
This Module focuses on starting your own business in interior design and explains the structure of a professional design practice. You will cover the business side of Professional Practice. This will include everything from day to day operations to how to accurately produce a financial forecast and prepare a thorough three-year business plan with cash flow projections and designated budgets.
Module 8 - Final Project
Within this Module you are encouraged to evidence your creativity through the research, development and completion of a specific major interior design project.
Interim Exit Awards
1 Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (CCPD)
2 University Certificate in Heritage Interior Design (UCHID)
3 Certificate in Higher Education (CHE)
4 University Diploma in Heritage Interior Design (UDHID)
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.
