Interested in a career where you can translate your design ideas into reality? This 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.
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.
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
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 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
On successful completion of the Foundation Year you will enter onto BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design so you will develop all the knowledge and skills required to become professionally qualified.
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.
This module explains the basics and principles of construction science by covering the three main areas of Structure, Materials and Environmental to provide a broad foundation of knowledge required by you in building designing and therefore preparing you for further studies in specific fields such as Architectural Technology and Interior Architecture & Venue Design. It also aims to introduce to you much of the construction based terminology and phraseology needed to be understood in the further studies.
Humans have been designing since someone noticed that you could produce a cutting edge by banging two rocks together. However, design as it is practised today has become a complicated process, especially where huge investments of capital and time are involved in the development of buildings and products. While the development of new buildings is dependent on sound engineering principles there is also a need for creativity in both the conceptualisation and realisation of their outcome, without the creative component there would be little differentiation between solutions that address similar criteria resulting in stagnation.
This module has been developed to engender a creative approach to the development of new solutions to design problems through the exploration of form and space while recognising both historical and contemporary influences the culture and the environment within which design is practised.
This module is an introduction to Mathematics in an engineering/technical context. It will concentrate on the principal mathematical tools of Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry and Calculus and will introduce you to the fundamental use of Maths in understanding and predicting the behaviour of engineering and technical processes and systems work.
A crucial stage in the development of the student is in the assumption of responsibility for learning. The student must be self-motivated, organised and independent. The development of critical thinking and meticulousness is fundamental to university study. This module provides the student with a variety of scholarly and communication competencies necessary for a successful career in the engineering and technology fields. The module aims to develop the ability of the student to investigate, analyse and communicate technologic concepts effectively.
The module will develop your ability to work independently and safely, to carry out effective investigation within this technical field, and to apply relevant practical techniques.
Traditional design environments engage conventional drafting techniques to relay thoughts and ideas into reality, requiring competent personnel with considerable drafting experience. Any revisions have to be manually amended which impose constraints on resources (specifically time). The emergence of Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages has revolutionised the way designs are transformed into reality, significantly improving efficiency in term of editing and revising drawings.
This module invites you to prepare, modify and enhance designs using CAD software as the principal platform. You will be able to explore various features and functions of CAD software and apply them in the design process. It provides you with an introduction to the knowledge and skills required to use appropriate computer software as an aid to design in the built environment industry.
The aim of this module is to equip you with a wide range of basic skills and competencies that are essential throughout the programme and in the work place. This module introduces you to the principles of drawing techniques and production of two dimensional plan and section drawings and includes the ability to carry out simple internal and external survey work, leading to the production of two dimensional plan and section drawings.
You will be introduced to the free hand drawing and physical modelling techniques and to the principles of axonometric and perspective drawing. Simple concepts of spatial layout and organisation and three dimensional designs will be investigated. You will be developing your professional skills throughout the module with the support of embedded Personal Development Planning.
This module will introduce you to the key historical styles and periods in architecture from Antiquity to the end of seventeenth century, and their influence on design in general. It will enable you to compare and contrast different historical periods in architecture and design, and understand architectural evolution through time and collective interaction.
The module will also develop your skills in visual analysis that will be required in later programme modules. The prime aim of this module is to introduce and develop the skills required for conceptual and critical thinking within art, design and architecture.
The module will enable you to develop and use skills to communicate your progressing understanding of cultural, historical, social, political and technological contexts from antiquity to recent times in art, design and architecture.
The module aims to introduce/confirm theory of basic design and explore visual language, which is related to historical and/or contextual analysis of a site as a continuously developing part of a city.
Therefore your design will consider past and present circumstances under the scrutiny of historical and contextual research aiming at finding out innovative and inspiring design concepts.
The effect of legislation on building design and layout will be explored alongside basic concepts of design and design methodologies as well. You will be introduced to design theory through practical experimentation in 3D form and space. You will be developing your professional skills throughout the module with the support of embedded Personal Development Planning.
The long term decline in the supply of fossil fuels and their contribution to climate change is resulting in the design of buildings undergoing significant re-analysis.
This module aims to develop a broad understanding of the environmental criteria that contribute to the creation of a healthy environment within a building without imposing more than necessary on natural resources and the local environment.
The module aims to establish and develop a base of knowledge of the technology and structures associated with low-rise buildings and their infrastructure, comprising both predominantly masonry techniques and framed structures.
The learner will study health and safety requirements within a design and construction context. Designers’ concerns in choice and specification of components are considered along with assembly methods, against a background of regulatory controls and safety issues in the approaches and equipment deployed in construction operations. Sustainability and environmental concerns are considered throughout the module wherever appropriate, by looking at the different methods, materials and/or better practices. An illustrative approach is used to support learning, supplemented by site visits.
This module will introduce you to the key historical styles and periods in architecture from early 18th to the twentieth century, and their influence on design in general. It will enable you to compare and contrast different historical periods in architecture and design, and understand the complexities of architectural development in various circumstances.
You will learn to analyse through methodical investigation how architecture reflects the philosophical and technological advances of the societies in which it is produced. You will learn about significant trends in design and architecture during Industrial, Modern, Postmodern eras and beyond, with consideration of the social, political and ecological impact arising from design. You will be also introduced to recent innovation in design and architecture, particularly where interdisciplinary initiatives have taken place.
This module will help you to explore ideas and topics for further studies and projects by acquiring an appropriate philosophical approach in the process of understanding theory in a cultural context.
The aim of this module is to build on the theories and concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies gained by you in the first year modules Studio Design and Personal Development and Design Analysis and Personal Development, within the context of real life client brief. An integrated approach is adopted allowing you to consolidate the knowledge gained on all other modules. This module is intended to extend the abilities in conceptual ideas, process development, site survey, brief analysis, spatial layout planning, and technical and legislative considerations.
The student will be encouraged to creatively explore, analyse, synthesise and technically evaluate elemental aspects of building design. The effect of legislation and specification of materials will be explored alongside concepts of design and design methodologies. The student will be guided and supported to practice personal development planning activities, including reflection and targets set; these activities are embedded inside the learning, teaching and assessment of this module.
The aim of this module is to build on the theories and concepts, knowledge, skills and competencies gained by you in the module Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part A. The integrated approach is adopted, allowing you to consolidate the knowledge gained on the other modules. The module is intended to extend abilities in concept development, spatial layout planning, site survey, brief analysis and technical and legislative considerations.
You will be encouraged to creatively explore, analyse, synthesise and technically evaluate elemental aspects of building design. The effect of legislation and specification of materials will be explored alongside concepts of design and design methodologies. You will be guided and supported to practice personal development planning activities, including reflection and targets set; these activities are embedded inside the learning, teaching and assessment of this module.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to basic venue design principles and enable you to assess the impact of regulatory framework on the spatial, functional, aesthetic, technical and social characteristics of venue space.
Through a combination of live projects, examples of existing designs, mini-case studies, guest lectures and visits to venues, it further aims to enable you to form considered judgements about designs whilst reflecting upon and learning from the work of others. It also highlights some project specific planning and design regulations and guidelines, drawing upon the general knowledge already obtained in other design and technology modules.
This module enhances the capability of students to develop detailed analysis and synthesis skills to the understanding of framed structures and the materials used in their construction.
This is achieved by a clear demarcation between substructure and superstructure elements which is an essential element of the assessment strategy. In addition, you will develop recognition that the construction industry is moving towards greater use of prefabricated components and processes at the expense of traditional craft categorisation to meet the demands for buildings in the future.
This module aims to further develop your skills in researching, planning, synthesising and communicating project proposals.
It enables exploration of a broad and innovative range of presentation techniques, both traditional and digital, to communicate with a range of clients and users. Its intention is to build on, apply and contextualise the communication skills introduced in Level 4 and introduce you to how these skills can be appropriately deployed in practice. In addition, the module will challenge you to effectively communicate (working either in a team or individually) to a range of stakeholders within the built environment.
Interior Design is a multifaceted field that encompasses conceptual planning, aesthetic and technical solutions aimed to create interiors that serve the needs, function and requirements of its occupiers. Through adapting natural and human-made environments it aims to satisfy cultural, socioeconomic, psychological, historical and the behavioural activities of the users. It also strives to provide a “sense” of place that is adequate for both group and individual activity whilst being appropriate and sustainable in terms of use, maintenance and conservation of applied resources and materials.
The aim of this module is to equip you with skills and competencies that are essential in designing functional, aesthetic and conducive interiors with regard to their intended purpose. It will enable you to acquire an aesthetic, practical and technical appreciation of the spatial layout and design elements ranging from visual (colour, lighting, form) to the tactile (surface, shape, texture) to the auditory (sound, noise, echo). It further aims to establish an understanding of how these elements interact with each other and with people that use and respond to them.
This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting.
The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives you the opportunity to relate your academic knowledge to the work environment.
Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline.
During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.
This module forms the culmination of the design elements that you have undertaken within the three/four years duration of the Programme. You are expected to independently apply knowledge, skills and understanding, with a focus on active and reflective practice and clear evidence of synthesis and integration of the various skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course. The module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop a project that will explore all the main design issues raised by other modules.
The project will be rigorous and challenging, and will fully develop and test your ability to critically analyse the issues arising from a specified brief. You will be expected to critically appraise a given brief and produce an appropriate response, demonstrating the awareness of aesthetic, functional and regulatory requirements. This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop a strategic approach to your design work.
During the design review sessions and on completion of the project you will be expected to give a visual presentation of your proposals using appropriate materials and media.
This module is designed to give you the skills and confidence to work as part of a built environment interdisciplinary team to assess, plan and develop a simulated or real built environment development project brief.
It will enable you to assess the skills, knowledge and experiences gained from your programme and bring these to an interdisciplinary team environment in order to collaborate successfully with other professions to produce a complete design and build solution for a set brief. It further aims to allow you to reflect on the experience of working in an interdisciplinary team and evaluate your professional performance in this scenario.
This module is related to the final comprehensive proposal of integrated project. The module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to research and develop ideas for integrated project, appreciating importance of a deep contextual, theoretical, urban and technical research to your design development.
You will be expected to develop chosen concepts from “master-plan to a working detail”, formulate design proposals and produce an exhibition of appropriate information that clearly communicates your ideas development according to the two related modules.
You will be also expected to critically appraise given brief and undertake thorough site analysis related to the integrated project. Therefore you will produce an appropriate response (design intent), demonstrating the awareness of all relevant contextual issues and developments in uses of advanced technology and materials.
Special consideration should be given to theoretical and contextual underpinning of the final response to the brief.
This module provides a theoretical and practical study of sustainable building analysis in relation to a design proposal, inextricably linked with its climate and location. Thus the use of sustainable analysis and energy assessment software is becoming increasingly common, primarily because of Government commitments and consequent continual tightening of legislation governing building performance. This legislation, such as Building Regulations Part L approved document and codes of practice, namely Code for Sustainable Homes, BRE Environmental Assessment Method and PassivHaus PHPP have, within them, incorporated requirements of EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings that specifically called for the development and implementation of methodologies for calculating and modelling the energy performance of buildings.
During study on this module you will become proficient in analysis of sustainable designs using building simulation software, in areas as diverse as whole building energy analysis to thermal, solar, acoustic, visual impact and lighting studies aspects. You will also be expected to reflect on the analysis findings, interpret the results within their context and demonstrate this in a design exercise.
Independent Study and Personal Development (architecture)
The independent study is a rigorous and distinguishing feature of honours degree programmes. It is a vehicle to both fully develop and test your abilities to work independently on a study, critically analyse data, argue rationally, and to draw independent conclusions that are clearly presented.
The study encourages in-depth, detailed study of a topic derived from the student’s own area of special interest in order to expand understanding of cultural, managerial, technological, scientific, or design aspects of the built environment. Topics are selected from subjects included on the programmes and are therefore an extension of the learning experienced on the mainstream curriculum.
The method of working aims to develop a range of related skills: the discovery, acquisition and searching of relevant information, persistence, determination and organisational ability in the use of study time; the administrative control and production of a substantial document; your powers of perception; and communication.
You will be provided with a Preparation Pack which lays down guidelines for the production and presentation of the study. At the outset, you are encouraged to propose subject areas which are of especially personal interest. Where you are unable to propose a subject area of personal interest, a list of suitable study topics will be suggested. You will develop a theme at individual tutorial sessions until the aim, objectives, and methodology have been clarified in outline. Initial tutorials begin during the latter part of the second semester of Stage 2 of the programme so that you can commence background reading in advance. Professional skills, such as communication skills and advanced professional standards are monitored and developed by following embedded Personal Development Planning procedures.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
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.
Who will teach you
Graham Markwell Programme leader
Graham is the Programme Leader BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design and the Programme Leader for FdSc Architectural Studies. Graham is also the Subject Leader JHS Architecural Design and a Senior Lecturer.
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.
September 2020 typical entry requirements
Requirement
What we're looking for
UCAS points
72 (up to 16 from AS-levels)
Specific requirements at A-level
N/A
Specific requirements at GCSE
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification
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.
* The fees stated above are for the 2019/20 academic year; fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. We will update this information as soon as it is available.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
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.
Contact us
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.
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, excellent 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 from stage 1 - license paid by college.
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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