Using our secure server.
15% discount for online enrolments.
This is an in-depth 12-module course providing a comprehensive introduction to the area of interior design. The course is ideal for the keen amateur designer and also a good foundation course for the professional.
(normal price: £495)
The course explores the whole design process from initial consultation with the client to producing working plans and a final sample board. It contains detailed practical advice on putting together and presenting a workable scheme. The course also contains lots of professional tips on client liaison, project management and budgeting, with practical guidance on presentation techniques, as well as practical advice on plans, elevations, perspective drawings and sample boards.
Other subjects covered include: room-by-room analysis, selecting colours and soft furnishings, and key styling ideas - from Scandinavian to American Colonial and Modern. The course is packaged in an attractive A4 binder and printed in full colour. It includes full tutorial support and two course books - A Handbook for Interior Designers and The Interior Design Course.
Students have up to three years to complete this course, allowing them to work through the modules at their own pace. On average, however, it takes students around 12 - 18 months to complete the course, based on 4 - 6 hours study time per week.
Certificate in
Interior Design Diploma
You may be able to apply for a career development loan to fund this course.
Our course is designed to prepare students to work professionally as Interior Designers. We recognise the importance of continuing professional development and recommend that our students join the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) as student members. BIDA is the only professional interior design association in the UK. Once Learning Curve students have completed their course they may apply to BIDA to become a Qualified Designer Member after one years' work experience. Achieving designer membership of BIDA involves attending for an interview and presenting a portfolio of work. For more information about BIDA and the requirements of membership please see their website:
Our tutorial support is second-to-none! You'll be assigned a personal tutor as soon as you enrol who will work with you all the way through. You can contact your tutor directly at any time if you have any questions or problems, or if you would just like a chat about how the course is going. Tutorial support is by e-mail and/or telephone.
Tutors can also offer advice on developing your portfolio, working as an Interior Designer, and your continuing professional development.
Each module averages around 30 - 40 pages in length, and there is an assignment at the end of each one. During the course you will also complete a project. Many of the assignments and modules include practical exercises - all of which can easily be completed by the home study student. Students have the opportunity to create a number of designs, including one full-length design project.
Includes course books: The Interior Design Course and Handbook for Interior Designers.
module 1: the world of interior design. An introduction. Understanding colour. Working with lighting. History of styles. Introducing graphics. Room by room analysis. Beginning your style and design notebooks.
module 2: key concepts and concept boards. Working with clients. The survey - understanding and using a survey sheet. Presentation techniques. Drawing plans, sections and elevations. Understanding scale, planning and ergonomics. An introduction to building construction. Working to a client brief.
module 3: foundation work. More on Colour theory. Model making and projections. Designing to include services - water, electricity, gas. Flooring. Introducing soft furnishings. Preparing a colour wheel. More on client work - briefings, questionnaires and discussion boards.
module 4: design principles 1. History of design. Key stages of the design process. Lighting as a design tool. Using natural light. Understanding perspective. Soft furnishings. Surface treatments. Finishing touches. Planning lighting for your project.
module 5: design principles 2. More on the history of styles. Design today. Incorporating technology. Engaging the senses. The psychology of design. Developing your designer instinct.
module 6: rules and regulations. Kitchen and bathroom planning. Regulations relating to building construction. Legal issues. An introduction to professional practice.
module 7: drawings and presentation tools. A survey of key presentation elements. Freehand sketching and other techniques. Presenting a design to clients successfully - guidelines. More on design drawing. From concept board to finished design.
module 8: furniture. Furniture and design. The history of furniture. Sourcing. Antiques. Designer pieces. Furniture and the client.
module 9: surface treatments. Flooring options - soft, natural, hard, resilient. Wallcoverings. Ceiling options. Sourcing surface treatments.
module 10: soft furnishings. Curtains. Upholstery, Measuring, cutting, hanging. Specifications. Sourcing fabrics. Detailing and accessorising. Window and bed treatments.
module 11: professional practice. Administration. Pricing. Drawing up a proposal. Running your own practice. Project management. Building a strong client relationship. Working with subcontractors. Drawing up specifications for subcontractors.
module 12: bringing it all together. Developing a thriving practice. Nurturing your designer instinct. Continuing professional development.
You can spread the cost of your course over four monthly payments by choosing our instalment option. There is a £20 administration fee if you choose this option.
Note: you can also pay for this course by our monthly instalment plan. Normal instalment price £265: Deposit - £55; four monthly instalments - £52.50 each.If booking on-line: £228.25; deposit - £55; four monthly instalments - £43.31. (This includes an administration fee of £20.) You will only be charged the deposit when you enrol.
If you wish to pay by instalments please contact us on: 01896 860661.
Learning Curve is one of the UK's leading distance learning providers. All of our home study courses include study material, which is sent out in an attractive, hardwearing folder, essential course books and full tutorial support. We are accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council, members of the Association of British Correspondence Colleges and the British Learning Association, and registered as providers with the Learning Skills Council. For more about Learning Curve click here.