Course Description
The Diploma Course at KLC is an intensive, transformative experience, filled with all the knowledge needed to step into a career in interior design. The subjects covered within the course combine both theory and practice. Diploma students are required to attend KLC studios on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10am until 4pm. Wednesdays and Thursdays are designated to tutor-directed and supported study offsite.
From sketching to the latest CAD software, at KLC we utilise the full range of teaching methods. The course is underpinned by the KLC Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where lectures and learning material can be accessed 24/7. As with all of our full time courses, unrivalled levels of tutor interaction are available; we always ensure that the number of tutors working with their groups is adequate to provide full support on a daily basis.
The DipHE is designed to emulate what is like to work in a real interior design studio. The course includes live industry projects (residential, commercial and hospitality), working alongside fellow students, guided visits to showrooms, sourcing fabrics and materials and attending industry panel discussions.
Diploma students often have the opportunity to enter exclusive design competitions. For instance, we often receive a brief from mental health charity Place2Be at the start of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Course Content
Term One
Research Project 1* - Textiles, Research & Application
Research Project 2* - Evolution of Style
Foundation Forum - Core skills
Design Project 1 - Residential Design
You are introduced to life at KLC and your studio learning environment through a series of fun, interactive workshops and lectures on the design process, creativity and concepts and trends. There is detailed teaching of new visual communication skills, such as sketching, technical drawing and rendering, and your introduction to computer-aided design (CAD) software, including InDesign, EstiPC and AutoCAD. The groundwork is laid for the forthcoming year by familiarising you with core topics such as professional practice, critical thinking for design, the history of interior design and building construction and regulations. Industry guest lecturers are also interspersed throughout the term to inspire you and give you insight into specific fields of design, such as textiles, bathroom design and sustainability.
Term Two
Design Project 2 - Conceptual Design
Design Project 3 - Detailed Design
Contextual Essay* - Evolution of Style
This term moves on to focus on more specialist subjects, including lighting design, with industry experts introducing you to joinery, ceramics and upholstery, as well as an exploration of the use of technology within design. Visual communication skills are also improved upon with workshops on one and two-point perspective sketching, and new computer-aided design programmes, such as SketchUp and Photoshop, being introduced. An opportunity for integrated work experience is also available during the Easter break*.
Term Three
Design Project 4 - Group Project
Design Project 5 - Final Project (Residential / Commercial Hospitality)
You round off your course with two large projects – 1) A live, socially focused group project, in conjunction with the KLC Design Changes Lives Foundation, and 2) A final major project of their choice which will form the basis of your exhibition display. There is a strong focus on commercial and residential design, professional practice and industry regulations throughout these final projects, to ensure students are industry ready. This includes an introduction to a final CAD programme – Vectorworks. At the end of the Diploma course, the KLC Careers Service offers one-to-one sessions for portfolio and CV advice, internships and interviews. The year then culminates in a final Exhibition and Graduation ceremony, which is attended by designers and professionals from the interiors industry.
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
- Previous degree (in any subject)
- No previous art and design experience is required.
We can also accept applications from mature students who do not hold the above qualifications but have achieved sufficient prior learning experience. In this instance, the School will review any short courses, internships or work experience undertaken.
English Language Requirements
IELTS score of 6.5
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Diploma HE Interior Design
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Diploma HE Interior Design
KLC School of Design