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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 2023
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.

Subject to re-approval

This course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Course overview

The course will give you the opportunity to develop your own approach to the subject. Underpinned by theory and research, you will investigate and test spatial possibilities.

Projects will look at public and private spaces, narrative and designed environments and community engagement. You will work with staff and external communities. We will encourage collaborative and multidisciplinary ways of working. The course will prepare you for a variety of careers in the creative industries and beyond.

What to expect

  • To learn key interior and spatial design skills supported by leading professional practitioners.
  • To develop an understanding of the context of contemporary forms of spatial design practice through individual and collaborative, live and theoretical projects.
  • To develop personal design processes that consider context, material and research-based design methods.
  • To explore forms of spatial practice including consideration of people, spaces, objects and materials through written works, design portfolio, exhibition, short films and online formats.
  • Projects that explore innovative social, cultural and industry-focussed contexts and consider responsibilities around ethics, sustainability, social justice and human relations.
  • To work on live projects in the public sphere that help you develop subject-specific and transferable skills.
  • To take risks and engage with multiple audiences to define your scale of practice.
  • To engage inside and outside the studio with various design research practice themes. These will range from conception through to realisation and have a local to global outlook.
  • A lecture and seminar series based around key historical and theoretical ideas across the subject.
  • To be able to explore individual ambitions and collective practices.
  • To showcase design work and research via exhibition, presentation and portfolio.
  • To have access to Camberwell's shared workshops that include printmaking, photography, film, moving image, digital, plastic, ceramics, wood and metalwork. View the Camberwell facilities.

Work experience and opportunities

Strong links with the creative industries means students gain vital commercial experience through live projects. Recent course collaborations and projects:

  • South London Gallery - design and implementation of a Covid safe educational playscape.
  • Foundling Museum - design of doll houses for imaginary pupils of the Foundling Hospital
  • Sustainable Souvenirs for London, a multi-disciplinary collaboration with UAL’s Not Just a Shop
  • Walks of Life: reimagining our streets, a collaboration with ‘Living Streets’ exploring inclusive street design.
  • The fit-out of Lifeboat in a Box - a portable lifeboat station
  • The Millbank Atlas - a collaborative counter-mapping project with researchers, students, and residents. 
  • Mobile Community Garden, a pop-up exhibition in collaboration with Tate and community groups considering the role of local green spaces in bringing communities together.

Previously the course has collaborated with Camberwell Fair, Courtauld Deptford X, Design Museum, the Burnel Museum,  Habitat, Millbank Creative Works, Oasis, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, Tate Britain and Modern, Thorney Island Archive, William Morris Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum.

The course enjoys positive relationships with many art and design institutions around the world. ‘Internationalisation at Home’ is integral to the course curriculum and students experience different cultures and design practices through online international learning collaborations. Students are also encouraged to go on exchanges during their second year. 

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.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Year 1

Unit 1 - Introduction to Interior and Spatial Design

This unit is an introduction to your course, the college and the university.

Unit 2 - Design practice 1

This unit consists of a small-scale, body-related interior and spatial design project, through which key spatial design skills are introduced.

  • To explore how making, drawing, digital, film and animation skills are used to inform, develop and present design ideas and proposals.
  • To develop methods to survey, map and record both physical and experiential site conditions, as a basis to propose new interventions.
  • To focus on context, scale and site.
  • To work individually and as part of a design team.

Unit 3 - Design cultures 1

This unit introduces historical, cultural and theoretical contexts for interior and spatial design.

  • A project will involve the research and analysis of an influential interior and spatial design example. From this you will produce a scaled model for an exhibition.
  • To begin to gain a critical understanding of how public and private spaces are composed within the built environment.
  • To have an introduction to the narrative of space.
  • Analysis and evaluation of written texts through workshops, lectures and presentations.
  • Interactive workshops around research methods.
  • To give a short presentation.
  • Written work.

Unit 4 - Design media 1

This unit deals with the research, context, development and resolution of a spatial design project in response to a live project brief.

  • To engage with a complex existing local site and its’ condition.
  • There will be a focus on material and spatial organisation.
  • To look at how a planning strategy can be used to organise a sequence of spaces.
  • To carry out site analysis.
  • To work individually and as part of a design team.
  • To use digital media for design, presentation and communication.
  • To develop prototypes of a scaled model and use orthographic drawings to communicate spatial ideas.

Year 2

Unit 5 - Design practice 2

This unit deals with the design of a spatial interaction at a human scale.

  • To explore details in existing buildings.
  • To explore the principles of building structure and construction.
  • Interactive workshops on aspects of professional design practice and technology.
  • To look at strategies for assessing and responding to human needs.
  • To investigate material qualities, making processes and fabrication techniques.
  • To present your design proposal.

Unit 6 - Collaborative and collective practices

This unit aims to introduce you to different ways in which collaborative working can focus and enhance your own creative strengths. This unit has 3 core purposes: 

  • To engage with fellow students with different practices and interests in a collaborative project.
  • To engage with external audiences, participants or institutions to consider new contexts for your work.
  • To develop your creative attributes to enable you to take on future challenges in a variety of contexts.

Unit 7 - Design cultures 2

In this unit you will explore a complex social, cultural and environmental spatial condition and develop a visual and written response to it. This is to deepen your understanding of contemporary theory and debates relevant to interior and spatial design.

  • To explore various approaches to the analysis of space and interiors.
  • Lectures, site visits and interactive workshops.
  • Workshops on research and design methods.
  • To explore buildings and archives.
  • Tutorials to support your research and design process.

Unit 8 - Design media 2

This unit involves the design of an exhibition. It will involve the coordination of objects, materials and spaces, professional practice, the role of publicity and social media.

  • To document, survey and analyse an existing architectural site.
  • To communicate the design of a narrative environment for a diverse set of users.
  • To produce a set of construction drawings to demonstrate an ethical and sustainable position.
  • Workshops on aspects of professional design practice and technology.

Year 3

Unit 9 - Design cultures 3

In this unit you will produce an illustrated thesis, a visual essay and define a project brief demonstrating your personal position toward people, place and professional practice. These will inform your research and practice in unit 10.

  • Workshops on research and design methodologies.
  • Artists, designers and architects talks and lectures.
  • Written work.
  • Presentation of work in progress.

Unit 10 - Design practice 3

This unit will define your personal identity as a designer and pave the way to a professional career after graduation. This unit is designed to enable a highly-resolved body of work, demonstrating your full capabilities as a context-driven designer of spaces.

  • Your design project to build upon the research and creative practice developed in unit 9.
  • To work in a design studio group with other students who share common ground.
  • To define the site, scale, user and scope of project in negotiation with tutors.
  • To consider social, ethical and sustainable issues.
  • To give a visual and oral presentation about your project demonstrating relevance to your personal research interests, professional practice and the discipline of interior and spatial design.
  • To present work in the college degree show.

Optional Diploma between year 2 and 3

Between year 2 and 3 you can opt to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing. Whilst these Diplomas are an optional aspect of the course, they are designed as an integrated and assessed part of your journey through the course. 

Learning and teaching methods

  • Briefings, lectures and seminars
  • Group and individual critiques and tutorials
  • Practical inductions to workshops and technical demonstrations
  • Professional practice lectures and seminars
  • Site and gallery visits
  • Studio teaching by professional practitioners
  • Visiting specialists

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

Tate Exchange Project

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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 isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • A portfolio that shows a critical engagement with design ideas
  • An aptitude for thinking spatially
  • An ability to select and organise work
  • Work that demonstrates a personal agenda
  • Applicants that can communicate an enthusiasm for the subject

Apply now

Apply

You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W253

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Initial application check and selection

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Following the review of the digital portfolio, a small number of applicants will progress to the interview stage. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes. For support with your interview, visit our Interview tips page.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing evidence of an ability to develop and explore ideas, particularly of a spatial nature.
  • A concise portfolio indicating a critical engagement with design ideas.
  • A portfolio made up of drawings, photography, models and sketches and any other media you feel is appropriate to show how you’ve explored ideas.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts

Apply

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

Applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W253

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once a year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Initial application check and selection

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Once we have received your digital portfolio it will be reviewed by the academic team. A decision will be made on your application which may include - offer, offer alternative, recommend to alternative course, reject or invite to interview.

We aim for all on time application reviews to take place by the end of March 2023.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing evidence of an ability to develop and explore ideas, particularly of a spatial nature.
  • A concise portfolio indicating a critical engagement with design ideas.
  • A portfolio made up of drawings, photography, models and sketches and any other media you feel is appropriate to show how you’ve explored ideas.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts
  • An official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed

Study Abroad

Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.

For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.

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.