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.
- 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 and Singapore on practice placements
- Undertake real-world projects based upon actual sites
- Showcase your work in exhibitions, locally and in London
Architecture - your questions answered
In the below video, Programme Leader, Graham Markwell, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Architecture at the University of Derby. You can also watch exclusive subject content by signing up to Derby on Demand.
If you have the potential and ambition to study with us, but feel you’re not quite ready to join the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design right now, why not consider taking this course with a non-accredited Foundation 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.
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 automatically eligible to become an Associate Member of the Chartered Society of Designers (Assoc.CSD)
Broaden your horizons on placement
You can gain valuable industry experience on an optional work placement between stages two and three of your studies. This placement could be taken abroad and may provide a salary. You will also achieve an additional qualification, the Diploma in Professional Practice, as part of this experience.
Good recent examples being Hallum Herbert, Jenny Ritz and Thayna Couto De Oliveira all heading out to California for placements working in Santa Monica and Pasadena.
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 Lathams Architects, Maber, Morrisons Design Ltd., CPMG and Akar Studios.
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.
Excellent Facilities
As a student studying this course, you'll have access to a wide range of resources and facilities including a Design Studio with a modelling area containing computers with design software, an A3 scanner, a 3D printer, light boxes, a hot wire cutter, guillotines, hot glue guns, large steel rules and cutting mats, binding machine, drawing boards and modelling tables. In our Workshop area, there are two laser cutters vacuum former, along with wood and metal working areas, and a spray booth. In addition to this, there is a further laser cutter as well as large format plotters available in the Digital Design Hub. The Media Hub also provides a loan facility for cameras, digital measuring devices, as well as other environmental recording equipment. You'll also have access to the Arts and Design library in Britannia Mill.
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 Lathams Architects, Maber, Morrisons Design Ltd., CPMG and Akar Studios.
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.
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.
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. Our annual Degree Show is a great way to showcase your work to prospective employers and the public. You can take a look at some of our student projects in our online exhibit.
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.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2021 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2021 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112 |
| A-levels | BBC |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
Additional entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
2022 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2022 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112-120 |
| A-levels | BBB-BBC |
| BTEC | DDM-DMM |
| GCSE | At least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)
| | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,250 per year | £1,155 per 20 credit module |
| International/EU | £14,045 per year | N/A |
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
Additional costs and optional extras
As a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design graduate, you are ideally prepared for the wide variety of employment opportunities available to you, covering everything from generic architecture, or interior design, to venue project management and technical consultancy, depending upon where you wish to focus your career.
Some of the more popular choices are:
- Hospitality: hotels, bars and restaurants
- Leisure: cinemas, theatre, museums, spas and health centres, sports arenas and tourist attractions
- Retail: shops, corporate branding and stores
- Corporate: offices and production facilities
In all of these areas, you could be involved in new build, refurbishment, change of use or conversions.
Graduates in the past have also secured employment in the areas of:
- Theatre and Stage Design
- Computer Game Environment Design
- Design of Executive Yacht Interiors
Your degree and professional qualification will also give you the opportunity to work overseas. Some past students have been employed in Santa Monica, USA and Japan, as well as many other countries.
Graduation from the course also gives you a sound basis for the opportunity of progression onto other professional qualifications, with some graduates having progressed on to RIBA courses and eventually qualifying as Chartered Architects, either whilst working (part-time) or (full-time) at other Educational Institutions.
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 4 years with a placement year
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, 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.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
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
- Year 1, 4 day field trip to Scotland £109 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, approx. £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 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)
- Printing costs approx. £30 -£40 per year
- 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.
--with-Foundation-Year-BA-(Hons).jpg)
.jpg)
