Interior Design Distance Learning Course

COULD THIS BE THE FIRST STEP IN RUNNING YOUR OWN INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS?

Interior Design – the course

Interior Design has probably never been so popular. It’s everywhere you look – on television with programmes such as Grand Designs, in glossy magazines, and on the internet. Now thanks to this exciting distance learning course from UK Open Learning, it could be the beginning of an new career for you.
A great new lucrative career could lie ahead

Do you appreciate good design and feel you have a creative streak? If you do, Interior Design is just right for you. Our new course will give you a clear understanding of the principles of Interior Design. In short, this course could set you along the road to becoming an in-demand professional Interior Designer - perfect if you are bored with your job or thinking about a change of career. Even if you simply want to improve your knowledge and skills in this area without any thought of making you money, this is the course for you.
What will I learn on the course?

By taking our distance learning Interior Design course, you will learn the basic skills of an Interior Designer. You will learn about the history of interior design and study classic design styles. The course also deals with the features which contribute to good design such as concept, colour, shape, texture and balance. It also explores the various ‘elements’ of a room which influence design. There are practical areas of the course too – you will undertake an interior design project and learn what equipment and other skills you will need to set up a small business as an Interior Designer.
Qualification
Level 3 Award in Interior Design. Plus a UK Open Learning Diploma.
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Level 3 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland”

Awarding Body Information

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
Further information
www.ncfe.org.uk

Who can take the Interior Design course?

The Interior Design course is from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. No prior knowledge of Interior Design is necessary; the course is open to anyone but quite obviously a good background in, and enthusiasm for, design in general is an advantage as is a reasonable level of literacy.

How does the Interior Design course work?

The great thing about distance learning is that you can study from home or work, at your own pace and in your own time. You will also have your very own professional personal tutor offering support via email and post.  He or she will be happy to answer any questions you may have and give you advice as to how to complete the course successfully. You will have tutor support for a full 12 months from the date you received it. To complete this course will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over the 12 month period.
Will I be able to become a professional Interior Designer after taking the course?
At the end of the course you should have the confidence and the necessary skills and knowledge to explore the subject further. You can then decide whether to look for a job as an interior designer, or run your own interior design business. We can offer you advice on finding work within the industry or in starting up your own business.
What are the advantages of being self-employed?

Being your own boss, not having to answer to anyone but yourself, choosing your hours, working from home…the list is endless! Starting up your own business is less daunting than you think and once you’ve started, you’ll never look back.


Assessment
Each unit is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted to and marked by your tutor. You can send in your assignments and enquiries by e-mail and post.  There is no external examination required. With one exception, there is no word count for the assignments. However, you must prove to your tutor that you have fully understood the questions. This course is at Level Three so the assessment criteria will require you to work at a demanding but rewarding level.

How long do I have to complete the course?
12 months. If we update the course, the information will either be posted on our supporting website or sent to you free of charge.

What happens if I’ve paid for the course but find it unsuitable?
Not a problem. If you return it within seven days, we’ll give you a complete refund, as long as you return the course in re-saleable condition and all the security seals intact.
Objectives
The objectives of the course are to:

• 
  describe the history of interior design, classic design styles and the work of leading designers


• 
  investigate the various elements which contribute to a design


• 
  explore the room elements which influence a design effect


• 
  create a story board


• 
  undertake an interior design project


• 
  identify the tools of the trade

• 
  The origins of Interior Design


• 
  Influences through the ages


• 
  Great designers of the recent past


• 
  Defining a style

• 
  Space


• 
  Colour


• 
  Balance


• 
  Texture and Pattern


• 
  Scale


• 
  Line


• 
  Form

• 
  Furniture


• 
  Flooring


• 
  Lighting


• 
  Walls


• 
  Windows


• 
  Door


• 
  Fabrics


• 
  Accessories

• 
  Space planning


• 
  Choosing a colour scheme


• 
  Choosing flooring


• 
  Choosing wall treatments


• 
  Choosing lighting


• 
  Choosing furniture


• 
  Choosing window dressings


• 
  Arranging the furniture


• 
  Choosing accessories


• 
  Creating a Story Board


• 
  The results