Interested in a career where you can translate your design ideas into reality? This accredited degree equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to design exciting venues ranging from bars, restaurants and entertainment complexes to hotels, shops and museums. And, by choosing to take a foundation year first, you can make a smooth transition to honours degree level.
- Start your journey with a foundation year to gain a strong platform for future success in your studies
- Boost your professional credibility on a course accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers
- Look forward to excellent career prospects: 100% of students from this degree were in work or further study six months after graduating (DLHE 2015/16)
- Build all the skills you need to excel in rewarding roles with architectural and interior design practices, major construction companies and local authorities
- Gain valuable workplace experience – our students have been as far afield as Los Angeles on industry placements
- Undertake real-world projects based upon actual sites
- Showcase your work in exhibitions, locally and in London
You can also take the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design without a foundation year. Find out more.
This degree covers a wide range of venue designs that offer enormous potential, from the interior architecture of bars, restaurants and multi-purpose venue spaces to the design of hotels, resorts and residential developments. You will look at the planning and design of live performance spaces, social and community places, exhibition spaces, galleries, brand retail outlets and museums, to name just a few examples.
A firm foundation for progression
Taking a foundation year is an excellent choice if you lack the entry requirements to join the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design straight away. It is also a smart move if you have changed your mind about your career since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.
The foundation year gives you a solid introduction to subjects such as design and construction science, plus the scholarship skills for technologists that will serve you well at honours degree level. From day one, you will enjoy all the benefits of being a University of Derby student, plus extra support to build your knowledge and confidence.
A thorough understanding
During your studies, you will be constantly challenged to conceptualise, investigate and develop the design of three dimensional spaces. You will gain a thorough understanding of the ways in which architectural and interior design histories and theories, as well as existing physical and cultural contexts, inform design processes, programmes and proposals.
We foster an ethos where you will produce socially, culturally and environmentally responsive design proposals, drawing upon best practice and the wide-ranging expertise of our teaching teams.
Professional credibility
This degree is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers so you will develop all the knowledge and skills you need to become professionally qualified. Once you have successfully completed your studies, you are entitled to become a member of the society.
Raising your professional profile further still, you will also become eligible to join the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) as an Associate Member on the Professional Pathway working at Level 3. If you complete a placement year and the associated Diploma in Professional Practice, you would join BIID working at Level 4.
Broaden your horizons on placement
You can gain valuable industry experience on an optional work placement between stages two and three of your honours degree studies. You will also achieve an additional qualification, the Diploma in Professional Practice, as part of this experience.
In just one example, Sara Butkiewicz and Toni O'Donnell headed to Los Angeles for their placements, working in Beverly Hills and Bel Air.
Strong employer links
Our courses are designed with the help of employers, so they are focused on preparing you to hit the ground running from day one in your career. Our links span companies such as Scott Wilson, Vinci PLC, Taylor Woodrow, Bowmer & Kirkland and Baggaley Construction.
Our industry partnerships mean that you will have the chance to see real-world projects at first hand and go on study trips in the UK and Europe. You will also be inspired by guest lectures delivered by experts from industry.
Real world learning
During the course, you will have the opportunity to take an optional placement year as well as UK and European study trips. You will also be encouraged to display your work in exhibitions, both locally and in London.
The majority of your studio projects are based upon actual local sites so you could get involved in current projects with real-life clients.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you develop your presentation and communication skills, which are essential for professional practice.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 72 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study. |
| IELTS | 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area) |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - MPP
- Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
As a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design graduate, you are ideally prepared for employment opportunities covering everything from generic architectural or interior design to venue project management and technical consultancy. Some graduates have even secured jobs abroad, such as with the Akarstudios in Los Angeles.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us 5 years with a placement year
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
- Studio facilities - glue guns, hotwire cutters, laser cutters in workshops, 3d printers
- Safety Shoes
- Starter pack including A3 wallet, sketchbook, measuring tape, scale ruler, eraser, 3 x technical pencils
- Free membership of accredited bodies - license paid by college. Autodesk certification exam subject to annual fee licence
- Year 1, 4 day Field trip to Scotland plus coach hire and bed and breakfast
- Day trips to free entry venues or construction sites
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Year 1 Scotland trip main meals £5 - 20 per day
- Day trips to paid entry sites approx. £10
- Printing costs, approx. £30 - £40 per year
- Final Year Project from £150 depending on student choice
- Printing and binding costs in year 3 approx. £50
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Course books - approx. £15 per book depending on source
- Year 2 - Optional trip to Barcelona - contribution of £100 + coach travel from college. Student contribution approx. £190 which covers flights, 4 day travel pass, B&B in Eurohostel, Entry to Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mia, Mis Van De Rohen Barcellona Pavillion, Olympic Park with guided tour and Museum. (Students expected to cover cost of meals other than breakfast)
- Any travel for paid placements
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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