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Architecture & Interior Design Pathway

Architecture & Interior Design Pathway

Step into the world of Architecture & Interior Design and start shaping the spaces people live, work and dream in. This course is your chance to explore how ideas turn into real environments, whether that’s designing a room, a building or an entire experience.

You’ll learn how to do architectural drawings, basic surveys, make architectural graphics and collages, and get hands-on with model-making and timber construction details. From sketching your first concepts to creating impressive visual presentations, you’ll build a creative portfolio that can open doors to future study in design and architecture.

Expect to work both physically and digitally. You’ll explore colour, materials and layout while developing your own unique style. Along the way, you’ll learn how to research ideas, think critically and present your work with confidence.

This course is for curious, creative thinkers who are ready to push themselves, experiment freely and try new things. If you’re excited by design and prepared to dedicate yourself, you’ll come away with skills and a portfolio that really stand out.

This course prepares students for Undergraduate study in: Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Construction, Architectural Technology, Product Design, Architectural Studies, Spatial Design, Design for Branded Spaces, Landscape Architecture.

WE PROVIDE

Students will be actively supported through a hands-on approach, including extensive contact time with their tutors and access to the materials and equipment they need to reach their full potential.  All learning takes place in dedicated and equipped specialist studios with a digital library of key practical and digital demonstrations and lectures available for students to reference.

To help our young artists we provide an artist pack on arrival, with the essential tools to start project work. All students will also receive:

  • Access to all the Adobe software (Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Pro, Audition, After Effects)
  • Free colour printing
  • Dedicated workstation and iMac 
  • Access to our 3D workshop with a laser cutter, 3D printer and vacuum former
  • Use of professional-standard photography facilities (cameras, lighting, backdrops) 
  • Access to in-studio library resources

THE AWARD

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Diploma, students will be awarded the UAL Level 3 or 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.

Upon successful completion of the Extended Diploma, students will be awarded the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication.

The UAL Level 3 & 4 Diplomas are quality assured by the UAL Awarding Body through a rigorous external moderation process and grades are monitored against agreed national standards. They are also regulated by Ofqual.

The teachers at ԰ are so professional. For example, my tutor in Architecture & Interior Design used to work in the architecture industry, so she always gives us a lot of useful ideas and technical knowledge, which makes my portfolio really professional and focused.

Leni

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Architecture & Interior Design pathway

COURSE OVERVIEW & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

OVERVIEW

Course Location
䲹岵 

Course Length 
3 Terms 

Course Start 
ٱ𳾲 

Tutor Support 
Specialist staff support available 5 days a week. 

Studio Access 
Students have access to our Bridge House studios 5 days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday. Our Sturton Street studios are open to students 7 days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday and from 11:00am to 5.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

How your work is assessed  
Visual and written assignments and projects. With specifications set by UALAwardingBody.  

Awarding Body 
University of the Arts London Awarding Body 

English Language 
Up to 5 hours per week ifrequired 

ʰDzDz 
Guaranteed progression to any of our BA courses on successful completion of the Foundation Diploma. Students have progressed totop institutions such as:UAL: Central Saint Martins,UAL: Camberwell College of Arts,UAL: Chelsea College of Arts,UAL: London College of Communication,University for the Creative Arts,Architecture Association,Loughborough University,Newcastle University,Glasgow School of Art,Istituto Marangoni,Kingston University,University of Brighton,University of Manchester,University of Nottingham,University of Westminster.

Achievements

100% of our students passed the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design in 2024-25

ENTRY


17 years + 

Educational Level 
Completion of High School is needed or a minimum of 1 x Level 3 qualification, preferably in a relevant creative subject (i.e. A level) and 3 x GCSEs at grade 4 or grade C, including Maths and English and at least one of which should be in a creative arts subject.

Students who do not meetthese entryrequirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed subject to a portfolio review and interview.

English Level for International Students 
IELTS 4.5+ (no element under 4.0) 

ʴǰٴڴDZ 
A portfolio of work showing personal work, schoolwork, finished and prepared isrequiredfor this course. Your portfolio is the chance to show us your skills and your passion. Download our guide to see what we look for in a portfolio. 

OVERVIEW

Course Location
䲹岵 

Course Length 
2 years (6Terms)

Course Start 
ٱ𳾲 

Tutor Support 
Specialist staff are timetabled 3 days a week, with staff across the department available Mondays to Fridays. 

Studio Access 

Students have access to our Bridge House studios 5 days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday. Our Sturton Street studios are open to students 7 days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday and from 11:00am to 5.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Awarding Body 
University of the Arts London Awarding Body 

How your work is assessed  
Visual and written assignments and projects. With specifications set by UALAwardingBody.  

English Language 
Up to 5 hours per week ifrequired 

ʰDzDz 
Guaranteed progression to any of our BA courses on successful completion of the Foundation Diploma. Students have progressed to top institutions such as:UAL: Central Saint Martins,UAL: Camberwell College of Arts,UAL: Chelsea College of Arts,UAL: London College of Communication,University for the Creative Arts,Architecture Association,Loughborough University,Newcastle University,Glasgow School of Art,Istituto Marangoni,Kingston University,University of Brighton,University of Manchester,University of Nottingham,University of Westminster.

Achievements

100% of our students passed the UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communicationin 2024-25

ENTRY


16years + 

Educational Level 
Successful completion of Secondary Education (Year 10 orYear 11 depending on the native country) is needed or 3 GCSEs atGrade 4 or C or equivalent, preferably in a relevant creative subject. 

Students who do not meetthese entryrequirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed, and invited to an interview and portfolio review 

English Level for International Students 
IELTS 4.5+ (no element under 4.0) 

ʴǰٴڴDZ 
A portfolio of work showing personal work, schoolwork, finished and prepared isrequiredfor this course. Your portfolio is the chance to show us your skills and your passion. Download our guide to see what we look for in a portfolio. 

STRUCTURE

The following curriculum structure applies to both the one-year Foundation Diploma and the second year of the Extended Diploma.

FIRST TERM

At the start of the first term, you will take part in an induction week to meet tutors and students across different pathways. Throughout the term, you will work on collaborative projects that help you build connections, expand your skills and develop versatility.

԰ lecturers and pathway leaders will guide you in making informed university choices and developing your portfolio. You will also gain confidence in presenting and discussing your work, while documenting your creative process in a digital learning journal. This journal is submitted weekly via Canvas, allowing tutors to review your progress and provide regular feedback.

SECOND TERM

In the second term, you will apply the skills gained in your first term to a number of projects and live briefs. You will also explore a variety of themes relevant to environmental, social and political issues as you develop your critical and contextual skills and prepare for university interviews. 

THIRD TERM

In your final term at ԰, you will consolidate your practice through your Final Major Project, an agreed proposal and self-directed project.

UNITS OF STUDY

In thisfirstunit,youwill undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation allowsyouto become familiar with and experiment within a range of creative disciplines related toArchitecture & Interior Design. 

Projects*

Project 1: The Shape of the City

Using the city as a source of inspiration we explore making, testing, exploring 3D structures and dynamic movement of an individual in a social space. This is a collaborative project,working together with another discipline, enabling students to cross boundaries and understand how one artform informs another. 

Project 2: Animating Spaces

In small groups, you will devise a short story taking place in the room of a hotel. You will design and build a miniature scale model of the set with props, light it and make a short animation or film based on a storyboard. This project enables students to understand how spaces andenvironmentscan dictate and influence behaviour. Workshops on set design, modelmaking, cinematography, 3-point lighting andDragonframestop-motion software will support you in creating your project. 

Project 3: From Dada to Reality

Using photocollage as a starting point, you will develop spatial investigation drawings, introducing principles of orthographic drawing. Following this, ideas and narrativedevelopinto a scale model. 

 *Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emergingnew trends 

SkillsDeveloped InUnit 1

Introduction toArchitecturalDrawing,Collage,Making,ScaledConstruction,2D&3DRepresentationalTechniques, Photography, Animation, Adobe Suite

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed in Unit 1and to defineyourcreative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and positionyourcreative endeavourswithinArchitecture & Interior Design.

Projects*

Project 1: Openings  

A research-based investigation into architectural openings. You will develop an architectural design of a technologicalcomponentin an architectural context, developing narrative, character,spaceand setting, considering the audience and user of the space.  

Project 2: Occupational Narrative 

In this project youwillresearch the social,historicaland cultural context of making, architectural examples past and present, and spatial sequences of spaces developing a 2D concept for a film or stage set.  

Project 3: The Mobile Vendor 

Explore howasmall space within a vehicle has been adapted. We survey, draw plans and sections,observeand photograph, interview street vendors and develop a proposal for a refurbishment. 

Project4: UniversityResearch& Application

This unit is designed to support you at every stage of researching,shortlistingand applying to university.You’llreceive regular guidance through weekly personal tutor sessions and one-to-one tutorials during the Autumn term. In September, a dedicated UCAS week includes a visit to the London UCAS Fair, where you can explore courses, meet university representatives and ask questions directly.

Students are expected to gather a body of research evidence, develop a personalstatementandsubmita portfolio of work from across the course,applying the skills learned inyour PortfolioSkills classes. 

*Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emergingnew trends.

SkillsDevelopedInUnit 2

Architectural& TechnicalDrawing,Photomontage,ModelMaking,ScaledConstruction,2D&3DRepresentationalTechniques, Research,Introduction toHistorical& CriticalPerspectives inArchitecture,BasicSurveys, Photography.

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed in Unit 1and to defineyourcreative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and positionyourcreative endeavourswithinArchitecture & Interior Design.

Projects*

Project 1: Openings  

A research-based investigation into architectural openings. You will develop an architectural design of a technologicalcomponentin an architectural context, developing narrative, character,spaceand setting, considering the audience and user of the space.  

Project 2: Occupational Narrative 

In this project youwillresearch the social,historicaland cultural context of making, architectural examples past and present, and spatial sequences of spaces developing a 2D concept for a film or stage set.  

Project 3: The Mobile Vendor 

Explore howasmall space within a vehicle has been adapted. We survey, draw plans and sections,observeand photograph, interview street vendors and develop a proposal for a refurbishment. 

Project4: UniversityResearch& Application

This unit is designed to support you at every stage of researching,shortlistingand applying to university.You’llreceive regular guidance through weekly personal tutor sessions and one-to-one tutorials during the Autumn term. In September, a dedicated UCAS week includes a visit to the London UCAS Fair, where you can explore courses, meet university representatives and ask questions directly.

Students are expected to gather a body of research evidence, develop a personalstatementandsubmita portfolio of work from across the course,applying the skills learned inyour PortfolioSkills classes. 

*Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emergingnew trends.

SkillsDevelopedInUnit 3

Architectural& TechnicalDrawing,Photomontage,ModelMaking,ScaledConstruction,2D&3DRepresentationalTechniques, Research,Introduction toHistorical& CriticalPerspectives inArchitecture,BasicSurveys, Photography.

This unit aims to provideyouwith an opportunity to take control ofyourown learning anddemonstrateyourcreative talentby independentlyinitiating, researching,completingand evaluating a project proposal and itsfinal outcome.

SkillsDevelopedInUnit 4

By this stage in the course, it is expected thatyouwill haveacquiredthe necessary skills knowledge and understanding to undertakeyourdevised projectwith confidence, however investigation into new skills is encouraged andsupportedwhere possible.Youmay take advantage of the 3D workshop or join one of the varied specialist workshops offered across the department. 

SUBJECTS

Students enjoy weekly sessions in the following subjects:

This class is designed to spark ideas and get you inspired. Sessions might start with a dynamic talk, visual presentation, or group discussion, followed by hands-on creative tasks, written work or short activities.

Here you are introduced to a diverse range of artists, designers, brands, concepts and ideas linked to different cultures, genres, and time periods. These sessions are intended to broaden your knowledge, skills and understanding of wider contexts within Art and Design and provide you with research opportunities and reference materials to support the development of your own practical skills and creative ideas. 

Art and Design workshops at ԰ are energetic, hands-on and designed to push your creativity in new directions. You’ll experiment with a wide range of materials and processes, building strong practical and technical skills that feed directly into an exciting, original portfolio. There’s a real focus on taking creative risks, testing ideas, embracing mistakes and making unexpected discoveries along the way.

You’ll develop a broad and adaptable skill set that reflects the versatility needed in today’s creative industries. Alongside specialist workshops, you’ll also have dedicated studio time to focus on your own projects, giving you the freedom to explore your ideas and shape your individual creative voice.

These weekly sessions give you the chance to consolidate your learning, track your progress, and reflect on your creative journey. With guidance from your tutors, you will build valuable skills in managing your projects, from self-evaluation and critical thinking to improving your written communication, presentation and organisation.

You’ll develop a strong, well-documented learning journal that captures your ideas and growth. The sessions also include one-to-one tutorials, individual presentations, peer feedback and group critiques to help you grow in confidence and learn how to talk about your work like a creative professional.

All students take part in two hours of Experimental Studies each week, dynamic sessions designed to push your creativity beyond your comfort zone. You’ll experiment with a wide range of media and processes, embracing risk-taking, play and discovery as part of your creative development. The work you produce contributes directly to your unit assessments, making these sessions both exploratory and impactful.

Experimental Studies also open the door to incredible real-world opportunities. Students have exhibited their work publicly at the Cambridge Festival, collaborating with researchers, students and faculty at the University of Cambridge. Work has been showcased in inspiring venues such as St Catharine’s College, The Whipple Museum and The Museum of Zoology, giving you the chance to share your ideas with a wider audience and experience what it’s like to be part of the professional creative world.

You’ll have a dedicated session each week with your personal tutor, giving you consistent support and guidance throughout your course. In the first term, the focus is on exploring your progression options and preparing for university applications, with plenty of time for research and one-to-one support.

As you move towards your final unit, the emphasis shifts to strengthening your study skills and preparing for your Project Proposal and final major project, helping you stay focused, organised and ready to produce your best work.

This weekly class in the first term is designed to help you build a strong, professional portfolio for your university applications. You’ll learn how to use Adobe Creative Suite to present your work effectively, while developing a clear understanding of what makes a portfolio stand out. The course explores different portfolio formats and expectations, helping you tailor your work to suit specific universities and 3D Design related courses.

With guidance from specialist tutors who are experienced in their fields, you’ll receive expert advice on how to select, refine and present your work to its full potential. You’ll be supported in shaping a portfolio that reflects your individual creative voice while meeting the requirements of your chosen institutions. Your 3D Design tutor will oversee your final submission, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared without the need for additional portfolio classes outside of ԰.

For international students who have an IELTS with any element 5.5 or lower, English classes are timetabled to aid progression to university. Through a variety of teaching styles, we focus on four key skills you need to pass your IELTS exam; listening, reading, writing and spoken English. This subject is linked with Art and Design, so you are better equipped with the vocabulary to analyse and reflect upon your own and others’ work.

Units 1, and 2 or 3 can onlyattaina Pass or Fail. All units need to be passed to gain the Foundation Diploma at the end of the year. 

Only Unit 4 will be graded Pass, Merit, DistinctionorFail. This grade willdeterminethe grade given for the Foundation Diploma overall. To help you understand the level you are working at, submissions for Units 1 and 2 or 3 will be given a referral, satisfactory pass, goodpassor excellent pass with written comments toidentifyspecific areas of strength and weakness relating to the assessment criteria. This will help you understand the level you are working at and make progress towards the higher grades in Unit 4.  

Ongoing and Informal Assessment:

Every week,yourlearning journal will be checked by your tutor and feedback given to guide learning, improvements andidentifygaps to support progress. Throughout workshops and practical sessions, tutors will circulate and provide verbal feedback on work in progress. Questioning individuals and groupsisan important part of assessing students’understanding and helps tutors tomodifyactivities to better suit the needs of individuals and the whole group. 

Self-Assessment:

Students should use checklists issued for each project to help organisation and manage coursework for submission, ensuring that all assessment criteria are covered. Weekly written reflections will help toidentifyunderstanding and personal areas of strength and weakness and will be key to the dialogue between student and tutor. Peer reviews and group discussions will also aid self-review and provide the group with peer support and exemplars to better understand the standards. Prior to formal assessments, you will need to complete your own self-assessment against the assessment criteria. 

Formal Assessments:

There will be a formative assessment usually halfway through each Unit. Work to date will besubmittedelectronically through Canvas, our online learning platform. Here the progress you have made so far will be formally assessed against the assessmentobjectives. Work will be given a referral if it does not yet meet the standards for pass.All assessment criteria must receive at least a pass toattaina pass overall. Similarly, toattaina Merit or Distinction in Unit 4, all assessment criteria much reach that level. You will receive comments toidentifyspecific areas of strength and weakness relating to the assessment criteria. Following formative assessments, improvements can be made to projects prior to the summative assessment. 

Summative Assessment:

The summative assessment at the end of a unit follows the same format as the formative assessment. Any student who receives a referral in the summative assessment will be given a week to complete the necessary workrequiredto achieve a pass level. An individual action plan will be provided with listed evidence tosubmit/resubmit.

FACULTY

Dr. Reenie Elliot
Pathway Leader - Architecture and Interior Design - Extended Diploma & Foundation

STUDENT SUCCESS

Our approach to teaching focuses on helping our students to become the creative they want to be. In 2024-25, ԰ students saw incredible success:

100%

of our students passed the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Architecture & Interior Design pathway

100%

of our students passed the UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication – Architecture & Interior Design pathway

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