Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design

Purpose

The goal of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study and entry into an interior design career and associated built environment. The qualification enables learners to conduct and report on research under supervision, produce creative solutions to complex design problems and develop and communicate the technical resolution of design problems according to industry requirements. The body of knowledge and core fields that interior designers have to master are:

Human Environment Needs, Interior Construction, Codes and Regulations, Design, Products and Materials, Professional Practice and Communication.

This qualification builds on the broad knowledge base that learners acquired at the undergraduate level, extending their knowledge of the core knowledge area and professional practice. This qualification includes a formal academic research component and areas of critical studies that concern local challenges in the built environment.

The qualification will enable learners to produce creative solutions to complex problems within a specialist area of design, with appropriate related technical and construction resolutions.

Rationale

Interior Design is an integral component in the built environment, a challenging and expanding field that includes corporate, retail, hospitality, exhibition and residential design.

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design will prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study or a Professional Master's qualification in the Interior Design and related built environment industries.

Through the development of crucial Interior Design-related skills and competencies, learners will take up a variety of positions in the built environment related explicitly to Interior Design. This qualification will also develop learners to continue their Interior Design studies because of the strong emphasis placed on the development of research skills. It demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It combines the application of theory and essential research practice to guide learners in the development of design solutions. These solutions are ecologically sound, suitable for the purpose and human needs and solidly grounded in research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. All learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits, as aligned to the qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the institution's RPL Policy directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, to recognise prior learning. The policy also guides the learners' access into qualifications, to grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for faculty-specific RPL practices:

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
• RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements.
• The basis of RPL is on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
• Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.
• Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
• Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture and
• The decision of awarding of RPL is by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Interior Design 4, 50 Credits.
• Interior Design Construction and Detailing 4, 30 Credits.
• Professional Practice 4, 10 Credits.
• Interior Design Theory and Research Methodology 4, 30 Credits.

1. Develop creative and innovative solutions to complex interior design problems.
2. Create a comprehensive set of interior design construction drawings, details and specifications according to sound technological, construction and structural principles.
3. Act ethically and professionally with an understanding of professional standards and ethical codes of conduct.
4. Conduct and report research under supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, analyse and address complex issues by drawing on knowledge and methods of industrial design.
• Generate multiple creative solutions to complex problems by using design thinking skills.
• Design solutions demonstrate knowledge of industrial design theory.
• Produce creative solutions both independently and as members of interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop and present various design iterations are developed and presented.
• Communicate the iterations of the design stages and design thinking processes that were incorporated to resolve the design problem.
• Identify relevant design criteria through a thorough investigative process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and implement construction methods appropriately in the design resolution.
• Draw details indicate a thorough understanding of the technicalities involved in the construction of interior design schemes.
• Use construction methods in the resolution of the design reflect sound structural principles.
• Designs reflect ergonomic-sensibility creating environmental comfort and ease of use for the human inhabitants.
• Use of environmental and human-made services in the technical resolution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify a topic that is relevant to the profession and suitable for a design investigation and exploration for the execution of the study.
• Ensure the development and exploration of the design problem and research investigation include a reflection into standards and practices relevant and applicable to the interior design profession.
• Make decisions and act ethically and professionally in the development and execution of the design problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Implement a research design to investigate a relevant research problem inclusive of project-based and applied research, appropriate to Interior Design.
• Inform research by interior design theory.
• Conduct research competently using methodologies appropriate to interior design research.
• Present research findings and reported according to prescribed academic conventions.
• Ensure research findings offer creative insights and rigorous interpretations of industrial design problems.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will follow the institutional policy.

The assessment strategy for all modules in this qualification is a continuous assessment that combines formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment in each of the modules will comprise the completion of individual project tasks, developed and monitored by the project supervisor.

The summative assessment will be an integrated assessment where the learner demonstrates an integrated understanding of the concepts covered in respective modules. For the Research Methodology, the use of continuous assessment will culminate in the research proposal during the first semester. The outcome of the honours qualification will constitute a design portfolio, which combines theoretical, design and execution of the identified design project. This portfolio of work will assess the learning outcomes in an integrated manner.