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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design

BA Interior and Spatial Design show installation made with scaffolding and posters.
BA Interior and Spatial Design show installation.
BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
College
Camberwell College of Arts
UCAS code
W253
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA Interior and Spatial Design at Camberwell College of Arts covers a range of disciplines including architecture, art, furniture, interior and spatial practices.

Course overview

The course explores the practice and ethics of interior and spatial design. Taking a critical approach, you’ll consider how interior and spatial design can resolve real world issues and drive positive social change. 

You’ll undertake ambitious live projects in real spaces with local and global partners. This practical experience will help you realise sustainable interior futures in real life contexts. You’ll learn how to work with others, take calculated risks and create spaces that meet the needs of its users.  

Throughout the course, you’ll explore climate, social and racial justice in relation to the discipline. This will help you develop your own ethical and socially engaged practice. You’ll also be encouraged to rethink the profession and identify new emerging career options for interior and spatial designers.  

What to expect

  • Innovative project briefs: Engage in projects that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries giving you the opportunity to develop your own approach to the subject. 
  • Practical workshops: Explore a wide range of design, digital and technical skills during studio workshops.
  • Collaborative skills: Participate in collaborative projects and learn the importance of teamwork.
  • Exhibitions and events: Showcase your work at public exhibitions and events.
  • Weekly careers advice: Attend weekly careers and employability sessions.
  • Lecture series and writing cafes: Expand your theoretical, technical and material knowledge of interior and spatial design.
  • Access to shared bookable workshops: These include printmaking, photography, film, moving image, digital, ceramics, wood and metalwork. View the Camberwell facilities.

Industry experience and opportunities

We have strong links with community organisations and creative industries and offer opportunities to work on collaborative live projects. Past students have worked with Counterpoints Arts, the Design Museum, the South London Gallery, Tate and Victoria & Albert Museum.

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to go on international exchanges with our partnering art and design institutions. Throughout the course, you’ll also take part in online learning collaborations with other students from across the world. This experience will help expand your understanding of different cultures and design practices.

Mode of study

BA Interior and Spatial Design is offered in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage consists of 30 teaching weeks. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Course units

Year 1

Unit 1 - Introduction to Interior and Spatial Design

Unit 1 is an introduction to the course, the College, the University and to the local neighbourhood of Camberwell. 

Unit 2 - Collaborative spatial interventions (Design studio 1) 

In Unit 2, you’ll  undertake a live build collaborative project with local community partners. This will introduce you to socially and environmentally engaged spatial design practice and key interior and spatial design skills.

Unit 3 - Spatial narratives (Theory and practice 1)  

Unit 3 introduces historical, cultural and theoretical contexts of interior and spatial design. You’ll craft a scale model in response to a spatial text and compose an illustrated research journal that narrates the research and process of your theoretical and practical studies. 

Unit 4 - Socially engaged design (Design studio 2)

Unit 4 deals with the research, development, and material resolution of a speculative interior and spatial design project. You’ll address global social, racial and environmental concerns at a local scale, articulating your own responses and suggested resolutions. 

Year 2

Unit 5 - Inclusive spatial practices (Design studio 3)

Unit 5 develops an understanding of the theory and practice of inclusive design. The brief will offer you the opportunity to explore and develop approaches to create inclusive spaces within an existing interior context. 

Unit 6 - Collaborative and collective practices

You will be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.

Unit 7 - Narratives for spatial agency (Theory and practice 2) 

In unit 7 you’ll explore the potential of interior and spatial design to accelerate advocacy and imagine and realise fairer worlds for nature and humanity. You’ll apply your thinking to the research of complex urban site condition and compose a journal that narrates the research process in visuals and text.  

Unit 8 - Spatial design agency (Design studio 4)

In unit 8 you’ll apply unit 7 site and theoretical research findings to develop a detailed interior and spatial design proposal. This will communicate your position on the role of design as a tool for social, racial and environmental change.

Year 3

Unit 9 - Critical spatial narratives (Theory and practice 3) 

In unit 9 you’ll compose a multimodal research journal centred around ideas of climate justice. This will demonstrate your personal position towards interior and spatial design as a critical practice. 

Unit 10 - Design for climate justice (Design studio 5)

Unit 10 asks you to develop a self-led design project which concludes with a design proposition centred around ideas of climate justice.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course you will have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you will undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you will gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you will graduate with an enhanced degree: BA Interior and Spatial Design (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Briefings, lectures and seminars
  • Collaborations
  • Group and individual tutorials
  • Independent learning
  • Integration of theory and practice
  • Live projects
  • Practical inductions, technical demonstrations, and workshops
  • Presentations and exhibitions
  • Professional practice lectures and seminars
  • Site and gallery visits
  • Studio teaching by professional practitioners and visiting specialists
  • Thinking through making

BA Interior and Spatial Design

Open day recording

Course Leader Shibboleth Shechter gives an overview of BA Interior and Spatial Design at Camberwell College of Arts.

Student work

  • Kiwi-Chan-2022-Junkscape-Cinema-and-App-BA-Interior-and-Spatial-Design-2000.jpg
    Kiwi Chan
    BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
  • Wenqing-Cao-2021-The-Rebirth-of-Ruihong-Urban-Village-BA-Interior-and-Spatial-Design-2000.jpg
    Wenqing Cao
    BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
  • Natsuno-Katashima-2020-Be-More-Dog-BA-Interior-and-Spatial-Design-web.jpg
    Natsuno Katashima
    BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
  • Xinyi-Song-Points-Lines-Surfaces-BA-Interior-and-Spatial-Design-2000.jpg
    Xinyi Song
    BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
  • Laura-Lemoine-Wright-2022-A-journey-of-discovery-through-making-A-Map-of-Bilbao-through-the-lens-of-designing-for-disability-BA-Interior-and-Spatial-Design-2000.jpg
    Laura Lemoine Wright
    BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL

Film

Interior Futures: BA Interior and Spatial Design

BA Interior and Spatial Design Sustainable Exchange Project

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are one or a combination of the following qualifications:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • 2 A Levels at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum
  • And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English is not your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • Work that shows social and environmental awareness
  • Work that demonstrates a personal agenda
  • A portfolio that shows a range of art and design skills and an aptitude for thinking spatially
  • An ability to select and organise work
  • Applicants that can communicate curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject of interior and spatial design

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W253

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W253

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 30 pages
  • include a wide range of work such as drawings, photography, models, sketches and any other media
  • demonstrate your critical engagement with design ideas and ability to experiment with a range of techniques and materials
  • feature work in progress as well as final outcomes to show your development processes, particularly of a spatial nature

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Recent BA Interior and Spatial Design graduates have found jobs in interior design, architecture, exhibition design, product design, set design for film, theatre and TV as well as interaction design, building conservation, journalism and urban planning.

Some of our alumni go on to postgraduate study, usually within architecture, project management or spatial design. Many apply to the MA Interior and Spatial Design course at Camberwell College of Arts.

Alumni

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.