Interior Design challenges us to rethink existing interiors as well as looking at the spaces created between structures. It focuses on the way people interact within these environments.
Course overview
On this course you’ll explore the regeneration and adaptation of real buildings and sites and learn how to turn old commercial premises into exciting new spaces for exhibition, retail, leisure, eating and socialising purposes. You’ll develop skills in drawing, 3D modelling, computing, video-modelscope and computer-aided design (CAD).
You’ll also learn about the importance of visual communication, design cultures and heritage, and culture and context. This solid foundation will enable you to develop your own personal style and design language and, as you grow in confidence, you’ll become increasingly autonomous as you pursue individual design projects.
Key features
- Learn to design for different spaces – leisure, retail, performance, living, spiritual and exhibition – and communicate your creative solutions with confidence.
- Benefit from the very latest facilities – CAD, modelscope, drawing studios, video visualisation equipment and prototype workshops.
- Gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU’s Internship Preparation programme
- DMU Leicester graduates have gone on to work in a variety of areas within interior design, including interior specialists for architects, exhibition and event designers, heritage design, set design consultants, point of sale design and 3D visualisers.
Entry criteria
Typical entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.
- Art and Design Foundation or
- 112 points from at least 2 A ‘levels
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points
Plus five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.
- Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above
We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course.
- We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above
English language requirements
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.
English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
Interview and portfolio
Applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to submit a portfolio of work. Please see our portfolio advice page for full details.
Non-standard applicants may be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams with a portfolio.
Course modules
First year
- Visual Communication
- Foundations of Design 1 (Term 1)
- Foundations of Design 2 (Term 2)
- Construction Technology
- Design Cultures 1
Second year
- Principles of Visual Communication
- Principles of Design 1
- Principles of Design 2
- Principles of Construction Technology and Practice
- Design Cultures 2
Optional modules between years two and three:
- Erasmus Year
- Industry Placement Year
Third year
- Advanced Visual Communication
- Advanced Design in Practice 1
- Advanced Design in Practice 2
- Advanced Construction Technology and Practice
- Heritage, Culture and Context
Teaching and assessments
The course is essentially studio-based, supported by lectures, seminars, tutorials and site visits. Assessment is continuous and project-orientated. You will be taught by experienced professional designers and subject experts.
DMU Leicester students won the Gensler award for Interior Design (New Designers), Aston Martin – rethinking luxury car interior materials and 3 have been shortlisted for the RSA awards for the past two years, with a winning design in 2016. A number of students have also been involved in ‘live projects’ resulting in the installation of their designs in the Heritage Centre and the Energy Lab at DMU, input on the Leicester Castle Business School refurbishment and design for the visitor’s area at HMP Leicester.
DMU staff have extensive commercial design backgrounds in display/exhibition and interior architecture. Some run their own interior design practices, working in the leisure industry, domestic and retail sectors of interior design.
- Internships, Careers and Placement
graduates to make informed career choices by providing a professional, high quality
careers guidance and information service for students and recent academic
schools to support students by developing the skills they need to maximize their
employability. This includes a number of sector specific careers fairs and insight
events, organized at DMU Dubai Campus throughout the academic year. The aim of
these events is to make students aware of the work experience, internship and
permanent positions available. We also encourage earlier years to attend such
events as a useful way to develop their understanding of industry.
- The Student Council
The Student Council at DMU Dubai includes an elected Student President,
Academic School Representatives, School Officers and individual Class
Representatives. Student Representatives for non-academic services such as
extra-curricular activities, sports, social clubs and events coordination are also
included.
