Interior Design MDes

A one-year taught programme, over the course of which students develop a reflective portfolio of work to a professional standard. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of fundamental issues facing the subject, the value of appropriate levels of technological intervention, and an understanding of the importance of disciplinary autonomy as well as inter-disciplinary dialogue.

Interior Design historically occurred in a hinterland loosely occupied by architects, shopfitters and decorators. It has only relatively recently begun to assert itself as a discreet profession, with trained practitioners and informed clients. As the practice has matured, the UK has become firmly established as one of its international centres.

The MDes in Interior Design is a logical extension of this context. It operates a subject-centred approach and aims to create advanced practitioners by acting as a bridge between the delineated and the uncharted. As such, it provides the opportunity to explore territory more deeply than at undergraduate level and free of the confines of practice. It encourages investigation into emerging aspects of the discipline, such as sustainability, material innovation, digital presentation, information gathering, augmented realities, accessible design, the effects of globalization and online commerce. Carefully directed research within these areas could lead to opportunities for further investigation at PhD level, with staff identifying and encouraging prospective candidates from within the cohort.