Section 2

Programme Specification: BA (Hons) Interior Design

Environment Architectures
1. Awarding Institution University of Sussex
2. Teaching Institution Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
3. Programme Accredited by N/A
4. Name of Final Award BA(Hons) Interior Design Environment
Architectures
5. UCAS Code W250/E250
6. Total Number of Credits 360 (120 at Level 1, 120 at Level 2 and 120 at
Level 3)
7. Subject Benchmark Art and Design
Statement Architecture
8. Points of Reference External
QAA - The framework for higher education
qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland
QAA Subject Benchmarks (as above)
QAA Code of Practice
University of Sussex Code of Practice for
Validation
ARB guidelines

Internal
College Learning and Teaching Strategy
College Academic Plan
College Procedure for Course Development
Approval and Validation
Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and
BSc
9. Date of Production June 2005
10. Overview

This programme is concerned with the development of the creative professional

practice, technological knowledge and theoretical understanding necessary to enter a
variety of careers in the area of interior design and architecture. The broad aims of
the course are to provide a creative education for architectural environment
designers, which fits with the vocational needs of industry and also provide a rigorous
intellectual examination of the issues surrounding built form.

The course is unique in that it combines virtual design and interior design with design
in architecture and develops an understanding of the polycultural nature of
environment design and the contemporary socio-political flux which determines the
need for permanent, temporary, and virtual habitation. It integrates the study of
history, theory, construction and technology, the acquisition of multidisciplinary two
and three dimensional spatial skills, and interaction as it relates to the design and
notion of habitations in the form of physical and virtual environments and related
artefacts.

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 Section 2

Students will have opportunities to develop and understand design propositions as

they relate to existing and proposed inhabited form, interactive spaces, urban design,
sustainable communities and micro environments. These creative and professional
skills will be reinforced by a comprehensive contextual, technical, and theoretical
understanding of the forces driving the experience and development of built and
inhabited form.

The three principal areas of study over the three levels will concern: the design of
and intervention in existing spaces, their rehabilitation and extension; the creation of
new built environments; and the design of virtual spaces for representation and
interaction.

In Level 1, the course deals with the design process and the underpinning skills and
theory. Curriculum areas introduced in this level may include; design skills and
methodologies, structures and materials, computer technologies and CAD,
computation in the design process, two and three dimensional communication and
representation, the history of architecture and interior design, context as a vehicle for
spatial development, precedent and theoretical studies and cultural studies.

In Level 2 of the course, the experience shifts towards interpretation and the
application of the skills acquired in Level 1 in the creative process. Students
experience a variety of increasingly challenging projects that introduce the
commercial aspects and the complex compound of polycultural factors which
influence the nature of environment design in a contemporary context. This is
integrated into the design process at this level. Curriculum areas may include; urban
environment design and its impact, the regulatory framework, production of detail in
the design process, advanced computation and market factors. In the first and
second level, some of projects will be conducted in collaboration with students from
other courses.

In Level 3, students develop individual, independent lines of enquiry which build on

the practical and theoretical elements in the first and second level through the
medium of an agreed self-initiated project. In addition, students will independently
research and prepare a dissertation. Students will also have the opportunity to enter
national and international design competitions and create a professional portfolio
which will take them from the academy into the world of work.

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 Section 2

11. Educational Aims of the Programme

The course aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills appropriate to a
range of career outcomes in interior design. Students are encouraged to develop
their individual creative ability and support this with the development of a high level of
technical skills. In particular, the programme aims to enable students to develop:

• a range of creative, technical and professional skills relevant to employment in

interior design and related areas;

• an understanding of the key critical, social, cultural, historical and business

concepts, issues and debates relevant to the area of interior design;

• a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary professional practice and the

creative process in the professional field in which they will specialise and an
awareness of current areas of development and innovation;

• the ability to make creative use of and experiment with new and existing
technologies;

• a clear vision of where their creative strengths lie and how this can be utilised
in product development and potential career opportunities;

• skills in research, analysis, problem solving and critical reflection and the
visual, written and verbal communication skills required of a graduate entrant
to the interior design industry;

• initiative and personal responsibility, experience of collaborative working

methods and the ability to be responsive and adaptable to changing needs,
and the transferable skills and competencies which enable life-long learning.

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12. Intended Learning Outcomes - This programme provides opportunities for
students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities
and other attributes in the following areas:
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the design process in general and
specifically in interior design and
architecture
2. three-dimensional form and the
processes that determine and govern the
development and creation of form
3. the nature of representation within the
sphere of two and three-dimensional form
4. contemporary inbuilt form practice and
theory
5. the depth and breadth of the
technologies upon which the discipline of
architecture, interior and environment
design is based
6. the nature of human form and thought
processes and the consequences for
architectural form and designed artefacts
7. computation in design and its application
8. the analysis of function and its role in
constructed environments
9. the creative potential of digital
technologies
10. how creative professional practice in
general and interior and architectural design
in particular is located within historical,
social and cultural contexts
11. the nature of technological change and
the development of knowledge
12. key professional skills necessary to
underpin graduate employment in the
creative industries
13. the integrative relationship of structure,
materials and construction
14. the production of sustainable design
Faculty of Design
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning and teaching in relation to these
learning outcomes tends to be primarily
project based (see Practical and
Professional Skills below). This is
supported by varied learning and teaching
methods which may include as
appropriate: project briefings, studio
based lectures, (staff and student led)
group seminars, technical or practical
workshops, demonstrations, critiques,
individual or group tutorials and self
directed study by the student.
Learning is facilitated by well qualified
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. Traditional modes of delivery may
be supported where appropriate by e-
learning and/or resource based learning.
Contextual and theoretical learning are
delivered both as an integral part of the
practice based units and separately in a
progressive series of mandatory cross-
College units. This prevents a
theory/practice dichotomy while ensuring
that this aspect of learning is sufficiently
weighted in the curriculum.
Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding is primarily
assessed through essays, reports and
individual and group presentations, and
through its application in practical projects
in a manner appropriate to each unit of
delivery. Some units additionally require
the submission of rationales, background
research, development materials and/or
evidence of reflection on the project
process.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able
To:
1. demonstrate an understanding of the
skills used by the various branches of
architecture, interior and environment
design
2. create architectural designs that integrate
social aesthetic and technical requirements
3. use digital technology creatively as part
of the design process and as a tool for
presentation and communication
4. generate individual solutions in response
to a brief or an identified need
5. articulate design thoughts and concepts
clearly, concisely and with accuracy by a
variety of media
6. respond to a broad constituency of
interests and to the social and ethical
concerns of the subject
7. work collaboratively within a
multidisciplinary environment
8. be flexible and adaptable in the approach
to and the development of a solution to a
problem or in responding to an opportunity
9. plan architectural design project
development exercising personal
responsibility within the physical and time
constraints of the brief
10. practically engage with the world of
work, and analyse an existing work related
construct
11. apply the conventions of architectural
representation
Faculty of Design
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Professional and practical skills are gained
primarily through self-directed project
based learning.
Supported by staff, students work on
project briefs designed to foster creative,
technical and academic skills while
progressively introducing professional
contexts and constraints. This approach is
student-centred, encourages deep
learning, builds problem solving ability and
integrates academic with professional
learning. Students learn to take
responsibility for their own learning
progressively. Some projects are
intentionally collaborative encouraging
team working and peer learning. This may
involve students from other courses.
Projects are supported by briefings,
studio lectures, workshops, critiques,
group seminars and student self
directed study. Learning is facilitated by
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. These methods may be supported
where appropriate by e-learning and/or
resource based learning. The project
based approach culminates in
independently negotiated project work in
the final level of the course.
Assessment Methods
Practical and professional skills are
assessed primarily through their
application in project work submitted for
summative assessment. Some units
additionally require the submission of
rationales, background research,
development materials and/or evidence of
reflection on the process of development.
An individual or group presentation may
form part of the assessment requirements
of some projects.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. be intellectually curious, analytical and
reflective, capable of carrying out sustained
independent enquiry and develop the skills
that underpin professional development and
life-long learning
2. analyse problems and respond
reflectively, using innovation and lateral
thinking in their solution
3. understand that the acquisition of
knowledge is continuous and ongoing
professional and personal development is
essential
4. work within a design process and to
contribute to this
5. be entrepreneurial, imaginative, have
divergent thinking skills and think creatively
whilst still satisfying the needs of the
project/client
6. delineate the similarities and differences
between the interrelated disciplines of
design, and form an understanding of their
interaction
7. creatively solve problems and issues that
are revealed during the generation of their
work
8. place their own work critically in relation
to existing and emerging professional
and/or academic debates and to form a
personal creative critique
9. interrogate critically a brief and its cultural
and contextual assumptions and identify the
key opportunities, factors and issues
associated with it
10. analyse and interpret the nature of
forms and space and their depiction and
construction in two and three-dimensional
media and digital form
Faculty of Design
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are gained primarily
through lectures, seminars, workshops,
individual tutorials and self-directed
study but also through project based
learning.
Students are introduced to a variety of
research and analytical methods through
the contextual elements of the course and
apply them in an independent major study
and the preparation of a dissertation in
the third level of the course. Project
based learning stimulates analysis,
contextual and visual research, problem
solving, creative thinking and personal
reflection.
Assessment Methods
Students are primarily assessed through a
variety of means including essays,
presentations and a dissertation. Some
elements are assessed through their
application in submitted project materials.
This may include rationales, background
research, development materials and/or
evidence of reflection on the process of
development in addition to practical
material.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, setting own aims,
objectives and deadlines to manage
learning, workload and projects, including
time, personnel and resources
2. work effectively and collaboratively with
others in a team from a variety of
backgrounds and disciplines
3. manage information in a range of media,
selecting and using a variety of sources and
technologies to evaluate and record/present
information
4. articulate ideas and information in visual,
oral and written forms, and communicate
ideas and work clearly and appropriately to
a variety of audiences, including technical
and non-technical audiences
5. produce work that is literate, numerate
and coherent, deploying established
techniques of analysis and enquiry
6. identify, define and creatively solve
problems, using appropriate knowledge,
tools and methods, often in complex and
unpredictable situations
7. demonstrate critical awareness and
reflection through evaluating own strengths
and weaknesses, and adapting proposals
and plans accordingly
Faculty of Design
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students develop transferable skills
primarily through self-directed project
activity, which progressively introduces
professional contexts.
Though most learning takes place during
the projects and through students’ critical
and reflective responses to these, this
aspect of learning is supported by a
Personal and Professional Development
unit in each of the course levels. The first
level concentrates on ensuring that
students ‘learn how to learn’. The second
and third levels focus on career planning
and the development of professional
transferable skills to enable the student to
make the transition to employment and/or
further study.
Assessment Methods
Transferable skills are assessed within
appropriate units throughout the course,
and in particular through the submission of
Personal and Professional Development
Files. These files (containing a learning
plan, reflective commentary and evidence-
base) are developed within the Personal
and Professional Development unit and
provide evidence of work and learning
carried out across the course. For
instance, evidence of personal
development achieved through research,
design development and realisation;
responses to briefs; and evidence of
project management. Students are also
assessed through peer, group and self-
assessment.
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13. Admission Criteria

Students will normally be expected to possess five GCSEs (grade C or above) or

equivalent and also to hold at least one of the following or equivalent:

• Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design;

• National Diploma (in an appropriate subject area);
• Access to Higher Education (in an appropriate subject area);
• 2 A Levels;
• Double AVCE;
• 4 AS Levels;
• GNVQ Advanced.

Applications are positively welcomed from those who may not possess formal entry
qualifications, mature students, those with work experience or with qualifications
other than those listed above.

Students will be expected to attend for interview and submit a portfolio of examples of
work.

Students will be selected according to the criteria set out in the College Procedure
for the Admission of Students and Guidance Notes for Selecting Candidates for
interview.

When appropriate the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure
will be used to assess applicants at interview. The key criterion for entry is evidence
of commitment and motivation to study in the subject area.

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14. Assessment Regulations and Principles

In common with all Ravensbourne honours degree courses, this course is subject to
the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA and BSc.

In summary, in order to complete a unit, a student must successfully complete all the
assessment specified for that unit. In order to progress from level one of the course
to level two or from level two to level three, a student must successfully complete all
the units in that level of the course. In order to achieve the award, a student (having
completed level one and two of the course) must successfully complete all the units
in level three. In certain circumstances, the Examination Board may at its discretion
choose to permit performance in one area to compensate for underachievement in
another subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations for the Awards of BA
and BSc. However, there is no automatic right to such compensation.

The final degree is classified on the basis of the level three units only. Classification is
determined by the average of the final results achieved in each of the final year units
weighted by their credit size, according to the banding below:

Classification Grade Percentage Banding

First Class Honours A 100 – 70
Upper Second Honours B 60 – 69
Lower Second Class Honours C 50 – 59
Third Class Honours D 40 – 49
Pass E 35 – 39

15. Support for Student Learning

Learning and teaching on the course is supported by a specialist permanent teaching

staff and the inputs of sessional lecturers who are primarily practitioners and bring
with them the freshest perspectives from industry.

Students will be exposed to a wide range of different interactive environments,

technologies and techniques. Students on the course will have access to an
extensive range of College resources. These are set out in the current Ravensbourne
College Resources statement. Facilities pertinent to this course currently include:

• ILab Cave (7 workstations dedicated to interaction);

• Green Cave (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• Blue Cave (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• Purple Cave (15 workstation for 2D & 3D design and animation);
• College Wide General Computer Resource (Word Processing, Spreadsheets,
Graphics etc.);
• Learning Resource Centre (32,000 books, 10,000 hours off-air video recordings,
over 100 separate periodicals, plus an impressive range of electronic resources).

Support for students with learning difficulties and study support needs are in place
through the College Student Support Services.

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16. E Learning

In addition to the aspects of the curriculum delivered in the traditional manner through
lectures, workshops and other face to face delivery methods, learning will also be
supported by the developing ‘Moodle’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Course
Handbooks, project briefs and other course materials will be stored for retrieval and
access on or off campus. Similarly students are able to apply themselves to on-line
group forums and critiques and tasks at the time and place most suitable to their
personal schedules and commitments.

17. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The course operates within a College quality assurance framework which ensures
that the standards set at validation are maintained and enhanced and the quality of
the student learning experience is good. As part of this framework the course is
subject to the following processes:

• Course Review;
• Mapping against FHEQ and Subject Benchmark Statement during development;
• College Internal Validation;
• External Validation by the University of Sussex;
• External Examiner Reports;
• Annual Course Monitoring;
• Student Feedback;
• Student Representation;
• Peer Observation of Staff;
• Staff Training Programme;
• Industry collaboration (for specific projects);
• An advisory committee which ensures that the programme is up to date and in
line with the thinking and direction of the industry and professional world;
• Student competition/show entry.

18. Multidisciplinary Environment

Like all courses, working on projects with students from other disciplines is central to
the aims of this programme. Many of the projects in the BA (Hons) Interior Design
Environment Architectures programme will involve students working as team
members with students on other courses at Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication. These may include BA (Hons) Broadcasting, BA (Hons) Content
Creation and Broadcast, BA (Hons) Design for Moving Image, FdA Broadcast Post
Production, BA (Hons) Design for Interaction, BA (Hons) Fashion and BA (Hons)
Product Design.

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19. External Contexts

In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of our
academic provision, the course actively collaborates with industry. Past ‘live’ project
partners have included Vitram, Olsen, Inspired Broadcast, Nokia and Audi
Foundation.

Recent student industry visits/trips have included Vitra hq-Basle, Barcelona, Design
Museum, Goldfinger House and Rotterdam.

Recent talks by visiting industry specialists have included Paul Brennan, Colin Titlow,
Vince Wade and David Fern.

Placement is not a compulsory part of the course and is not assessed. However,
students are strongly encouraged to undertake placement and are supported in this
by the College Employability Unit. Students have in the past achieved voluntary
placements at Fitch, Proof Design, FOA, Sledge, Household, David Chipperfield and
Brinkworth.

Students have in the recent past exhibited and participated in the London
Architecture Biennale, Zollverein- Design element of HM the Queen‘s State visit to
Germany and Tokyo Design Week.

Graduates of this course have entered a variety of careers including Architecture,

Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Virtual Games Design, Furniture and Product
Design and Exhibition Design. Graduates currently work with companies such as
HMKM, Gensler, HOK, Fitch, Branson Coates, Damond Lock Grabowski, S L Design,
Imagination, United Designers, David Pocknell Studio and DIN Associates.

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 Section 2

20. Unit List

Level 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit
Value
IDEA101 Communication and Representation 1 10
IDEA102 Specialist Study 1 10
IDEA103 Communication and Representation 2: with 10
Computer Technologies
IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 15
IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric Systems 10
C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies Elective 1 10
IDEA107 Specialist Study 3: Dual Use Environment 15
PPD1/IDEA108 Personal and Professional Development 1 10
C101/IDEA109 Design and Communication Media, Theory and 20
Context
D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective 10
TOTAL 120

Level 2
IDEA201 Urban Environment Theory and Practice 20
IDEA202 Computation 2 10
IDEA203 Market Factors 20
IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse 20
IDEA205 Artefact and Element in Environment Design 10
C201/IDEA206 Know Your Audience: Society, Culture and Politics 10
C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies Elective 2 10
PPD2/IDEA208 Personal and Professional Development 2 10
C202/IDEA209 Dissertation Preparation 10
TOTAL 120

Level 3
CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief 20
IDEA302 Portfolio Development 20
IDEA303 Major Project 40
IDEA304 Major Project Report 10
PPD3/IDEA305 Personal and Professional Development 3 10
C301/IDEA306 Dissertation 20
TOTAL 120

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 Section 2

21. BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures - Unit Map

Term one Term two Term three

IDEA101 Communication and IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric

Representation 1 Systems
10 Credits IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 10 Credits
15 Credits

IDEA102 Specialist Study 1

10 Credits IDEA107 Specialist Study 3: Dual
Use Environment
15 Credits

IDEA103 Communication and C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies

Representation 2: with Computer Elective 1
Technologies 10 Credits 10 Credits

C101/IDEA109 Design and Communication Media, Theory and Context D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective
20 Credits 10 Credits

PPD1/IDEA108 Personal and Professional Development 1

10 Credits

BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures Level 1

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Term one Term two Term three

IDEA202 Computation 2
10 Credits

IDEA203 Market Factors IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse

20 Credits 20 Credits

IDEA201 Urban Environment Theory

and Practice
20 Credits
IDEA205 Artefact and Element in
Environment Design
10 Credits

C201/IDEA206 Know Your Audience: C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies C202/IDEA209 Dissertation

Society, Culture and Politics Elective 2 Preparation
10 Credits 10 Credits 10 Credits

PPD2/IDEA208 Personal and Professional Development 2

10 Credits

BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures Level 2

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 Section 2

Term one Term two Term three

C301/IDEA306 Dissertation IDEA303 Major Project

20 Credits 40 Credits

IDEA302 Portfolio Development

20 Credits

CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief

20 Credits

IDEA304 Major Project Report

10 Credits

PPD3/IDEA305 Personal and Professional Development 3

10 Credits

BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures Level 3

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 Section 2

22. Outcome Map A = Knowledge and Understanding D = Transferable Skills

B = Practical/Professional Skills X = Assessed and Delivered
C = Intellectual Skills
A A A A A B
A A A A A A A A A B B B B B B B B B B
Unit Code Unit 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11
0 1 2 3 4 0
CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief X X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA302 Portfolio Development X X X X X
IDEA303 Major Project X X X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA304 Major Project Report X X X X X X X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD3/IDEA305
Development 3 X X X X
C301/IDEA306 Dissertation X X
Urban Environment Theory and
IDEA201
Practice X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA202 Computation 2 X X X X X
IDEA203 Market Factors X X X X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse X X X X X X X X X X X
Artefact and Element in Environment
IDEA205
Design X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Know Your Audience: Society, Culture
C201/IDEA206
and Politics X X X X
C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies Elective 2
Personal and Professional
PPD2/IDEA208
Development 2 X X X X
C202/IDEA209 Dissertation Preparation X X
IDEA101 Communication and Representation 1 X X X X
IDEA102 Specialist Study 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Communication and Representation 2:
IDEA103
with Computer Technologies X X X X X X X X
IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 X X X X
IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric Systems X X X X X X
C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies Elective 1 X X
Specialist Study 3: Dual Use
IDEA107
Environment X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD1/IDEA108
Development 1 X
Design and Communication Media,
C101/IDEA109
Theory and Context X X
D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective X X X X

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C C C C C C C C C C D D D D D D
Unit Code Unit D7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6
CAVE301/IDEA301 Negotiated Brief X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA302 Portfolio Development X X X X X X
IDEA303 Major Project X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA304 Major Project Report X X X X X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD3/IDEA305
Development 3 X X X X
C301/IDEA306 Dissertation
Urban Environment Theory and
IDEA201
Practice X X
IDEA202 Computation 2 X X X X X X X X X X
IDEA203 Market Factors X X X X
IDEA204 Rehabilitation and Reuse X X X X X
Artefact and Element in Environment
IDEA205
Design X X X X
Know Your Audience: Society, Culture
C201/IDEA206
and Politics X X X X X X X
C203/IDEA207 Contextual Studies Elective 2 X X X
Personal and Professional
PPD2/IDEA208
Development 2 X X
C202/IDEA209 Dissertation Preparation X X X X
IDEA101 Communication and Representation 1 X X
IDEA102 Specialist Study 1 X X X X
Communication and Representation 2:
IDEA103
with Computer Technologies X X
IDEA104 Specialist Study 2 X X X X
IDEA105 Computation 1: Parametric Systems
C102/IDEA106 Contextual Studies Elective 1 X
Specialist Study 3: Dual Use
IDEA107
Environment X
Personal and Professional
PPD1/IDEA108
Development 1 X
Design and Communication Media,
C101/IDEA109
Theory and Context X X
D101/IDEA110 The Design Elective X X X

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 Section 2

A - Knowledge and Understanding of: B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To

1. the design process in general and specifically in interior design and 1. demonstrate an understanding of the skills used by the various branches
architecture of architecture, interior and environment design
2. three-dimensional form and the processes that determine and govern the 2. create architectural designs that integrate social aesthetic and technical
development and creation of form requirements
3. the nature of representation within the sphere of two and three- 3. use digital technology creatively as part of the design process and as a
dimensional form tool for presentation and communication
4. contemporary inbuilt form practice and theory 4. generate individual solutions in response to a brief or an identified need
5. the depth and breadth of the technologies upon which the discipline of 5. articulate design thoughts and concepts clearly, concisely and with
architecture, interior and environment design is based accuracy by a variety of media
6. the nature of human form and thought processes and the consequences 6. respond to a broad constituency of interests and to the social and ethical
for architectural form and designed artefacts concerns of the subject
7. computation in design and its application 7. work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment
8. the analysis of function and its role in constructed environments 8. be flexible and adaptable in the approach to and the development of a
9. the creative potential of digital technologies solution to a problem or in responding to an opportunity
10. how creative professional practice in general and interior and 9. plan architectural design project development exercising personal
architectural design in particular is located within historical, social and responsibility within the physical and time constraints of the brief
cultural contexts 10. practically engage with the world of work, and analyse an existing work
11. the nature of technological change and the development of knowledge related construct
12. key professional skills necessary to underpin graduate employment in the 11. apply the conventions of architectural representation
creative industries
13. the integrative relationship of structure, materials and construction
14. the production of sustainable design

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C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. be intellectually curious, analytical and reflective, capable of carrying out
sustained independent enquiry and develop the skills that underpin
professional development and life-long learning
2. analyse problems and respond reflectively, using innovation and lateral
thinking in their solution
3. understand that the acquisition of knowledge is continuous and ongoing
professional and personal development is essential
4. work within a design process and to contribute to this
5. be entrepreneurial, imaginative, have divergent thinking skills and think
creatively whilst still satisfying the needs of the project/client
6. delineate the similarities and differences between the interrelated
disciplines of design, and form an understanding of their interaction
7. creatively solve problems and issues that are revealed during the
generation of their work
8. place their own work critically in relation to existing and emerging
professional and/or academic debates and to form a personal creative
critique
9. interrogate critically a brief and its cultural and contextual assumptions
and identify the key opportunities, factors and issues associated with it
10. analyse and interpret the nature of forms and space and their depiction
and construction in two and three-dimensional media and digital form
Faculty of Design
Section 2
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. work independently, setting own aims, objectives and deadlines to
manage learning, workload and projects, including time, personnel and
resources
2. work effectively and collaboratively with others in a team from a variety of
backgrounds and disciplines
3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
sources and technologies to evaluate and record/present information
4. articulate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms, and
communicate ideas and work clearly and appropriately to a variety of
audiences, including technical and non-technical audiences
5. produce work that is literate, numerate and coherent, deploying
established techniques of analysis and enquiry
6. identify, define and creatively solve problems, using appropriate
knowledge, tools and methods, often in complex and unpredictable
situations
7. demonstrate critical awareness and reflection through evaluating own
strengths and weaknesses, and adapting proposals and plans accordingly
19 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006
 Section 2

Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and
the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate
if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be
found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information
contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.

Faculty of Design 20 Definitive Document: 21 July 2006