Diploma in Interior Design

	QUALIFICATION KLC Diploma validated by the University of Brighton (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 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 (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 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. Full details of the expected level of ability will be provided upon enrolment. CAD software can sometimes cause conflicts with other software on your computer. Current students using PCs seem to have had fewer complications than those using Apple Mac computers, however this will not necessarily be the case with future releases of the software and the choice of which computer to use is entirely yours.

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.

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 seminars (approximately every 2-3 months) to present recent work to a small group of peers and to discuss their progress. In addition, Blended Learning Students have the option of attending fortnightly tutorials at the college or online, which allow detailed feedback on project work and invaluable preparation for future assignments.

Gain Employment
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 design projects (plus 3 research papers), which will form the basis of their portfolio to show prospective clients and employers. Included in these will be a history of style submission, a product design project, a high end residential project and a commercial project. Students will also have to complete the following:-

• Research paper on textiles and their applications
• History of style reference book and essay on social, cultural, and economic influences
• Research on contemporary designers
• Guided exercises and coursework for discussion in seminars
• Personal journals and sketchbooks

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

The validation process required a rigorous quality assurance assessment of all aspects of the school and has resulted in some exciting and innovative updates to the training we provide. We are looking forward to developing our partnership with the University of Brighton further and are very excited to be able to offer 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 award will be clearly benchmarked against the QAA HE Level Framework giving it international recognition, thereby increasing employment opportunities worldwide
• It will allow opportunities for exploring further flexibility in methods of study at KLC, by opening up different progression routes to the award
• 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 Diploma in Interior Design
• KLC students will be able to visit the University libraries and attend open research seminars at the University
• Students will gain credit points that can be transferred to other courses nationally and internationally
• Graduates of the Diploma who also have a prior degree qualification can opt to study further and apply for a MA programme through the University of Brighton or elsewhere

Explanation of the Diploma Qualification

A Diploma of the University of Brighton is a qualification that is specifically designated for vocational training courses and therefore fits appropriately with our career focused courses. The course comprises 120 credits at Level 5 on the QAA HE Level Framework. 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 Diploma, they will be in a strong position to find employment in the industry anywhere in the world or to progress to further study.

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.

65% of research in art and design was classified as either “world leading” or “internationally excellent”. This places the University of Brighton amongst the leading research centres in the country for art and design and Research Fortnight ranked the submission second in terms of the volume and quality of research.

From 2005-2010 the University of Brighton has been 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.

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

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 Workshop

• Concepts (6 November 2010)

2-day Workshops (Friday/Saturday)

• Technical Drawing including Axonometric Projection (21 – 22 January 2011)
• Lighting (13 – 14 May 2011)

YEAR TWO

One Week Intermediary Course (5 – 9 September 2011)

• Computer Aided Design (VectorWorks)
• Detail Working Drawings

Saturday Workshops

• One Point Perspectives (15 October 2011)
• Project Workshop – focusing on commercial design (12 May 2012)

Weekday Workshops (1 Day)

• Visual Presentation (27 January 2012)
• Two Point Perspectives (15 June 2012)

YEAR THREE (One Term Only)

One Week Group Project (3 – 7 September 2012)

• Working with other students from your course to produce a design proposal to a given brief

Three Day Final Course (19 – 21 November 2012)

• Careers advice and portfolio surgery
• Professional practice

 

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