QUALIFICATION KLC Graduate Diploma validated by the University of Brighton (subject to validation in March 2010) (can also be attained by full-time study at the college) OBJECTIVE Career-focused training in interior design and decoration DURATION 2 years (plus 1 term) through a combination of courses at the college and distance learning (15 hours study at home per week on average)

Interviews now taking place for the September 2010 start date.

Best of Both Worlds
The blended learning course is a combination of distance learning study, on-line training and workshops and tutorials held at KLC’s Studios in Chelsea Harbour. The schedule of workshops is given here.

This affords students the flexibility of studying from home, but with the support and structured programme of an on-site course. This method of study also enables students to achieve the prestigious KLC Professional Diploma Qualification in just over two years without necessarily having to give up work or family commitments.

Existing KLC distance learning students can also elect to upgrade their study package to benefit from the additional support mechanisms of blended learning and fast-track their training (although this requires students to start the blended learning course from the beginning).

Entry Requirements
No previous art or design experience is necessary. Normally the entry standard is a degree, but mature students with sufficient prior learning experience are particularly encouraged. Any non-degree holding students that are accepted on this course will be required to attend the Graduate Diploma Access Course. Entry is by interview and numbers are strictly limited. The purpose of the interview is to assess applicants' academic ability, motivation, performance under pressure and the reasons for undertaking the training. English language ability must also be competent and we look for a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (www.ielts.org) or its equivalent. Students are also required to have a laptop computer, access to a colour printer and a broadband internet connection for this course and have basic everyday computer skills (e.g. using a mouse and keyboard, opening and saving files etc.).

Students on KLC’s Diploma level courses are expected to use computers during their studies. These will be used for producing presentational material and for CAD and presentation software training. Important information relating to the course is sometimes communicated via email. For this reason, students should ensure that they are familiar with the general operation and use of computers (for example, they should be able to confidently create, amend, save and distribute documents, and use email) before starting their course. Prior experience in using either PCs or Macs will be equally helpful, although we recommend that students use a PC Computer whilst studying on the course rather than a MAC.  We have found in previous years that students with MACs experience more connectivity and networking issues when using Adobe Connect (for our online support services), VectorWorks and the KLC Wireless Network. Full details of the expected level of ability will be provided upon enrolment.

NOTE: The interview is the first step in the formal application process for KLC’s full time and blended learning course.  At interview, among other topics of conversation, we will ask you to outline how you plan to incorporate 15 hours of study per week or over into your life alongside any existing commitments; this will be of particular concern if you are in full-time employment.  Before applying for an interview please ensure that you have the funding available, are of sufficient age and have the required language ability. To arrange an interview for this course, please contact us on 020 7376 3377 or e-mail info@klc.co.uk.

	Excellent course structure and tuition, challenging projects and standards expected, stretches you and inspires you.
	Juliet Cater BL Nash Group 2008

Online Training
Through KLC’s website, blended learning students will access a range of on-line support services. Students download study modules and worksheets from the site, which then keeps track of progress through the course. This allows students access to their study material from anywhere in the world.

Regular online tutorials (about one per term) will be held with a KLC tutor in a virtual classroom. These online tutorials will be given on specific subjects with a live video link to the tutor, course notes and powerpoint presentations. KLC uses Adobe Connect, which is a secure flexible web communication system that allows on-line training, web conferencing and online collaboration, and allows students to have an interactive experience with both the tutor and other students in the classroom.

The website is also being developed as the Learning Resource Centre, so that students can access examples of other students’ work, take part in lively discussions on the bulletin board and chat room, view and amend their personal details and access other relevant course information such as their student study guide, course timetable, latest news and the useful links page.

Extensive Support Throughout Studies
Students taking this blended learning course benefit from all the unique support services that we offer our traditional learning students. However, in addition to this, blended learning students are overseen by their course tutor, who will be your mentor and monitor your progress from day one of your studies through to your graduation.

You will also be given a schedule for your distance learning studies setting down fixed deadlines for projects to be submitted that will ensure that you complete your studies within the specified timeframe. The course culminates in a one week course that includes three days of examinations.

KLC Staff are also available (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) to rapidly respond to any course queries by phone, fax or e-mail. Our maximum response time is usually within one working day, but we will endeavour to respond to blended learning students’ queries within 2 hours during office hours.

Blended Learning Students also have to attend regular one-to-one tutorials (approximately every four months) so that you can receive personal feedback on your progress.

In addition, Blended Learning Students have the option to attend fortnightly tutorials at the college, which allow detailed feedback on project work and invaluable preparation for future assignments. These tutorials also provide a forum for debate and shared ideas amongst students, often leading to independent study networks.
 

Gain Employment
Students successfully completing this course to the required standard and passing the final exams will be awarded a KLC Professional Diploma, which is the same qualification received by the students studying the intensive full-time one year course.

KLC is very proactive about helping graduates find employment at the end of the course. Marcy Brown, Director of Careers, is available to offer advice on CV’s, portfolio presentation and career direction and, with many approaches from some of the leading design companies, is often able to put graduates directly in touch with potential employers. It may also be possible to find Blended Learning Students some work experience whilst they are studying on the course, but we cannot guarantee a placement.
 

Projects
Blended Learning Students will have to complete 5 projects (and 2 notebooks), which will form the basis of their portfolio to show prospective clients and employers. Included in these will be a history of style notebook, a product design project, a high end residential project and a commercial project. Students will also have to complete the following:-

• Textiles, trimmings and window treatments notebook
• History of style notebook
• Research on contemporary designers
• Guided exercises and coursework for discussion at tutorials
• Rendering notebook and Sketchbook

Subject to validation in March 2010, with effect from the 2010/2011 academic year, KLC students graduating from both the Full-Time Graduate Diploma in Interior Design and the Blended Learning Graduate Diploma in Interior Design will receive a KLC Graduate Diploma Qualification validated by the University of Brighton.

The validation process requires a rigorous assessment of all aspects of the school and has already resulted in some exciting and innovative updates to the training we provide.  We are looking forward to developing the partnership with the University of Brighton further and are very excited about the possibility of offering our students this prestigious external recognition of our qualification.

What Is The Benefit Of This Validation?

There are many benefits to our students for having this validation in place:-

• The KLC Graduate Diploma Qualification will be clearly benchmarked on the QAA HE Level Framework giving it international recognition, thereby making it easier for graduates to join regional professional associations and increases employment opportunities worldwide
• It will allow opportunities for exploring further flexibility in methods of study, by opening up different progression routes to the Graduate Diploma Qualification
• This external validation will enable KLC to continue to operate as a Tier 4 Licence Sponsor (we have been awarded an “A” rating) and issue study visas to overseas students for successful applicants on the Full-Time Graduate Diploma in Interior Design
• It will provide an opportunity for KLC Students to access a variety of research facilities and activities at the University of Brighton 
• Graduates will gain credit points that can be transferred to other courses nationally and internationally 
• Graduates of the Graduate Diploma will have an opportunity to continue their study or research further by applying to progress to one of the MA Level Qualifications through the University of Brighton

Explanation of KLC Graduate Diploma Qualification

A Graduate Diploma is a qualification that is specifically designated for vocational training courses and therefore fits appropriately with our career focused courses. It is awarded by the University of Brighton and is attainable in 9 months full-time study (or 28 months by blended learning study). Once a student gains the Graduate Diploma, they will be in a strong position to find employment in the industry anywhere in the world. Alternatively, students can opt to study further and apply for an MA programme either through the University of Brighton, which offers a range of challenging and inspirational MA Courses, or elsewhere.

We Are Proud To Be Partnered With The University of Brighton

The University of Brighton has long been established as a centre of excellence for art and design studies – the School of Arts was established in 1859.  The Faculty of Arts now fosters and develops research within and across its wide range of disciplines.  It is home to a number of significant collections and archives, including the Design Archives which comprise eighteen collections that amount to almost 1000 linear metres of visual and textual documentation.

Brighton University is the lead partner in The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning through Design (CETLD), which is a HEFCE-funded partnership between the Royal College of Art, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Victoria & Albert Museum and themselves.  The aim of the Centre is to enhance learning and teaching in design through research that brings together resources and expertise from Higher Education and collections-based partners.

The University of Brighton does not simply look to validate courses, but looks to forge partnerships and there is great potential to further expand opportunities within the subject area of Design for both students and the respective institutions.  We are very proud to be associated with the University of Brighton and greatly look forward to successfully developing this relationship in the future.

Timetable for Courses at the College

Dates to be confirmed.
Workshops are subject to change.

YEAR ONE

One Week Foundation Course (13 - 17 September 2010)

• Introduction to your studies
• Introductory Technical Drawing Course – including instruction on drafting plans, elevations and sections
• Inspirational session including design today and trends
• Introduction to rendering
• Design process – explaining the role of the designer, putting your new skills into context

Saturday Workshops

• Concepts
• Sampleboards
• Sourcing, Developing A Scheme & Sketching

Weekday Workshops (1 Day)

• Axonometric Projection Drawing
• Lighting

YEAR TWO

One Week Intermediary Course (September 2011)

• Computer Aided Design (VectorWorks)
• Perspectives
• Colour Rendering

Saturday Workshops

• Project Workshop – focusing on Detailed Working Drawings
• 2 Point Perspectives
• Project Worksop – focusing on verbal presentation

Weekday Workshops (1 Day)

• Project Workshop – focusing on Accessories
• Presentation Skills

YEAR THREE (One Term Only)

One Week Final Course

• Revision Sessions
• 3 Days of Exams
• Presentation of final project
• Careers advice and portfolio surgery

KLC has developed a unique support system for our blended learning students to ensure students achieve their goals:-