The equipment and resources you require may differ dependent on the level and subject that you study
All NDA Diploma and Degree courses require access to a computer with an active internet connection in order to use the interactive learning resources on the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS).
This can be either a Windows or Mac OS X based machine.
N.B. In-Studio Diploma students will require access to a portable laptop computer for In-Studio sessions.
Windows 7 (minimum); Windows 10 and above (recommended), Mac OS X 10.10 (minimum); macOS 10.13 (recommended)
64-bit Intel CPU (Intel Core Duo CPU, 2 GHz or faster recommended)
4 GB (minimum); 8 GB (recommended)
12 GB free space (not including software installation)
1024 x 768 or greater
Latest versions of: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome (recommended for VLS use), Firefox, Safari (macOS).
An office package, such as MS Office or OpenOffice; which includes a word processor, a spreadsheet application and a presentation application (e.g., Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Please Note: Diploma courses teach manual drafting techniques, therefore CAD software such as AutoCAD is not required to complete your course. AutoCAD is however, still free to access for all NDA students*.
A graphical editing application, such as Adobe Photoshop. A computer aided design application, such as SketchUp (free web version available), AutoCAD (Free to all NDA students*) or VectorWorks.
Please visit the official software websites below for full minimum system requirements;
In addition to your online study and use of computer software, students may/will also be required to complete work by hand. Please see below a list of recommended design equipment, materials and resources for each NDA course subject.
The majority of recommended items are available to purchase online as a ‘kit’ from the NDA Art Shop, at student prices.
Please visit NDA’s online Art Shop which provides bespoke Interior Design, Garden Design and also Soft Furnishing & Curtain Making Kits. These include the essential equipment you will need to study each specific NDA course plus optional items that will allow you to complete your work to a professional finish.
From course information to application support, our support team are always here to help.
Driven by a shared vision: to empower the next generation of designers, innovators, and tastemakers.
The National Design Academy is part of the NDA Foundation.
© National Design Academy
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The National Design Academy is part of the NDA Foundation.
© National Design Academy