Interior Design With Foundation Year
Full-time
Four year
September 2025
In a nutshell
The world of arts and media is changing at a phenomenal rate, and there has never been a better time to explore your creativity and the ways in which you can apply it to the world around you.
The Foundation Year of this four-year programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the subject to allow you to progress on to the BA (Hons) Interior Design course.
This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the key principles of art, design and media. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills, it gives you a chance to build a larger portfolio, and provides a good transition period to familiarise yourself with the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, and life as a student at the University of Salford. You will then be in a strong position to progress onto your chosen degree pathway.
This is a shared Foundation Year across Art, Design and Media disciplines, and will introduce you to a collaborative environment where you can explore ideas, take creative risks and become a confident independent learner. You will be joining a thriving and creative community.
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You can also find helpful FAQs and learn more about student life at Salford by exploring all of our Art and Design courses or, if you have any general questions, please contact course enquiries.
Continue reading to learn more about this BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation Year course.
You will:
- develop your creative skills and academic confidence
- familiarise yourself with student life
- prepare to study on one of our degree courses
options available
This is for you if...
You have good visual communication skills
You have the ability to understand 3D form and scale
You are keen to develop artistic flair and technical know-how
All about the course
The Foundation Year will provide you with a dynamic, exciting and collaborative environment in which to become a confident self-learner, with the underpinning skills and knowledge to apply to your studies. You will be taught with students interested in progressing to different art, design and media programmes, and study modules that will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of basic art and design as well as other aspects of creative thinking.
Our strong connections within Greater Manchester’s thriving creative sector mean you will also hear from practitioners working in the industry right now about their journey into the world of art and design.
In the first term you will study modules that introduce the key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design, and help you to develop your study skills such as note-taking and structuring reports. In the second semester, you will further develop your creative practice and be introduced to the creative industries.
The assignments are flexible enough to allow you to interpret and tailor your submissions to your preferred area of study. Tutors will help and support you in creating a portfolio of work to progress onto the BA (Hons) Interior Design here at the University of Salford. You will be integrated slowly into the degree course with opportunities to meet tutors from the BA and by using shared collaborative facilities within our vibrant New Adelphi building.
This Foundation Year prepares you to study on the three-year undergraduate programme here at Salford meaning the duration of your degree is four years in total. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
Following the Foundation Year, you would progress onto the three years of BA (Hons) Interior Design:
Designing for interiors requires both artistic flair and technical know-how. These are two very distinct skill sets that you will develop throughout this course.
Specialist subject tutors and dedicated resources ensure that you gain a sound understanding of interior architecture while also developing interdisciplinary attitudes toward design. A combination of studio-based modules and seminar lectures allow you to shape your studies around areas of interior design that particularly interest you.
With well-established links to the architectural and interior design industry, this course has a strong record of inviting specialist design professionals to deliver guest lectures and contribute to the teaching and learning experience. You will also benefit from a range of industry placement and live brief opportunities, which will enable you to work on real world projects and experience the cutting edge of design practice.
In addition to delivering quality teaching and a wealth of opportunities, the course has an enviable reputation for producing graduates who have gone on to work for a variety of architectural and interior design practices including large retail organisations, construction departments, and film and TV companies.
Digital Media Applications
This module helps you to become more familiar and confident with technology. As well as learning creative software and photography skills, it will allow you to explore a creative subject of your choice and give you essential time management and research skills.
Creative Methods
This module will enable you to examine the creative and professional practice of others as a way of reflecting on your own practice. You’ll create a range of outcomes to help you build a dedicated portfolio as well as learning about major influences in art and design.
Creative Risk Taking
This module is all about challenging your creative thought and highlighting the importance of creative risk taking. The briefs allow you to produce a range of outcomes that underpin all of the main art and design disciplines as well as giving you the flexibility to interpret the brief to your area of interest.
Creative Practice Major Project
This module is designed to allow you to bring together all your prior learning from the previous modules. It gives you the opportunity to propose and create your own brief based on a theme, topic, or issue that you are passionate about. Within this module you’ll be supported by tutors who will guide you in creating a meaningful body of work that demonstrates confidence in your chosen area. Your work will be exhibited in the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology's end of year Degree Show.
Introduction to the Creative Industries
This module allows you to explore the creative industries and its career opportunities. You’ll learn about a range of subjects including responsible design and future trends within your chosen area of art and design. It will allow you to build on the technical skills that you gained in the first semester to produce a creative publication.
Design Principles and Interventions
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design, and builds awareness of a design vocabulary through a series of exciting short projects to develop skills. The application of established design communication techniques will provide a basis for exploration and the subsequent development of your own 2D and 3D design outcomes. You will gain an understanding of materials and associated processes within the context of specific design problems, and you will appreciate the choice of materials available to you alongside understanding how your decisions will affect your design proposals. The module culminates with a bespoke design project such as a student social hub.
Representation
Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working which will help you generate, develop, communicate and realise design solutions. This module focuses on exhibition design.
Creating Spaces
This module introduces you to the variety of individuals or customers who as a designer you need to please. Whilst full consideration is given to the end user, an understanding of the client, supplier and those involved with construction/manufacturing is critical. The module focuses on hospitality where you will be undertaking an innovative project such as the design of a hotel suite.
Exploring Design Contexts
In this module, you are encouraged to consider a range of perspectives on creative practice - including critical, ethical, cultural, political and commercial viewpoints. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of professional practice as a core theme which runs throughout the course. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills. This module consists of a series of small tasks which address the wider context of design.
Architectural Technology and Sustainable Design
During this module students are introduced to appropriate forms of technology, construction, materials and regulatory issues and study how these are utilised in the production of interior design project work. You will acquire the skills required to develop ideas and explore detail design. The fundamental principles related to architecture are taught to a basic level to raise awareness of how structures are constructed and how designers respond to sustainability issues. The way that these influences contribute to creative and imaginative design outcomes and production realities is explored through associated design project work. The module also aims to encourage the investigation of 2D and 3D communication methods to creatively and effectively analyse the nature of existing buildings and design interventions. The module culminates with a bespoke design project within an existing commercial building which is developed to include technical design such as a bar, welcome desk, or staircase.
Specialist Design Project
Interior design practice covers many different commercial sectors such as offices, retail, education, health or cultural facilities as well as interiors for hospitality, entertainment and the television industry. This module will explore an area of specialism within interior design. Recent projects have included the design of a co-working space in an interesting existing building with a canal facing frontage in central Manchester.
Industry Practice
This module allows you to undertake a period of work placement; positioned at the end of Trimester 2 this module enables many students to take the opportunity of an extended placement period over the summer. This module allows you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design.
Developing Design Contexts
Building on the critical and professional practice skills introduced in year 1, this module allows you to investigate and test your position in relation to creative and cultural communities and to make connections to wider cultural contexts in order to develop your approach to inter-disciplinary collaborations. You will also explore business, employability and enterprise issues and reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.
Advanced Studies in Interior Design
This module will further extend and strengthen your knowledge and skills in producing design solutions within the area of specific building interiors, with an emphasis on the creation of appropriate and suitable ambience through the use of materials and lighting. Commercial client and user needs will be studied in relation to particular aims, requirements and conditions developed within a brief appropriate to interior architecture. The creative reuse of existing buildings for a variety of commercial uses will involve you in research and analysis to understand the specific natures of such spaces. Such considerations will lead to the production of more fully developed design solutions which will be implemented up to full client presentation standards.
Negotiated Major Project
The Negotiated Major Project module is designed to allow you to bring together and synthesise your prior learning and experiences on the course through the definition, negotiation and implementation of a self-determined programme of study. You are encouraged to identify a theme, topic, issue or set of issues around which to focus your exploration leading to the development and presentation of a significant body of work.
Advanced Research Strategies
Building upon the research methods introduced in year two, your work in this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Negotiated Major Project.
Applied Professional Practice for 3D Design
This module supports you in your final year whilst also encouraging you to consider your career options and define your personal objectives. You will take the first critical steps in pursuing your career aspirations by producing a self-directed portfolio of work, which demonstrates your skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional methods and techniques.
Independent Research Project
The emphasis of this module is on independent research, exploration and investigation. This module provides you with the opportunity to pursue a detailed study of relevant creative, cultural and contextual issues in a subject area that is of particular interest to you. You can choose from one of the four following project options:
- Dissertation
- Original visual work with critical text
- Presentation with extended essay
- Business report
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
All our Art, Design and Fashion courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams.
Our Engagement Team coordinated school-wide events such as the Create Student Awards, academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show.
For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service askUS, who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.
Throughout your time at Salford, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
ART AND DESIGN FACILITIES
This Interior Design Foundation Year degree is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.
When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our art and design facilities. These include:
Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.
Maker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.
Photography studios - industry standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.
Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.
Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.
To see for yourself, take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building.
You’ll also be able to make use of our New Adelphi Theatre. The industry-standard live 350-seat theatre is located in our New Adelphi building. It’s also open to the public, and with its three floors of tiered seating, it’s the largest of our performing spaces.
What about after uni?
When you graduate you will be equipped for a range of careers in the interior design field. Graduates have gone on to work in all areas of design in architectural and interior design practices, large retail organisations, construction departments, film and TV companies.
The course has an outstanding graduate employment record, both in the local design community and recently further afield in both architecture and interior design practices in Hong Kong, New York and San Francisco.
Through the strong industry links and vibrant visiting lecturer programme the course can provide a stepping stone for those students wishing to work within the design community – our alumni are now working in premier design organisations – BDP, Judge Gill, Stephenson Bell, Leach Rhodes Walker, Sheppard Robson, the Co-Op, MBLC, as well as further a field in Hong Kong and Australia.
Some students also follow more typically general graduate routes into teacher training, office design and retail, with others undertaking further studies at postgraduate level in interior design or CAD.
Career Links
You will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide range of industry professionals and all have practical experience across the field of interior design – ranging from building renewal, commercial interior design, and television and film design.
We have a programme of visiting speakers and the valuable knowledge and experience that they bring ensure that you are kept informed of the current changes and demands within the Interior Design industry. Guest speakers have included Maurice Shapero, George Mills, Anthony Chadwick, Andrew Thurman, Trevor Stratford, and Graham English.
Many students who completed their studies here have continued to maintain a strong link with the university and the course, and are regularly invited to deliver talks, advise students and offer work placements. These include ex-graduates, who are currently working as interior designers, event and museum designers, and interior architects on projects such as retail, leisure, education, sport.
You will be regularly informed by professional practitioners who teach on the course, from varying and appropriate sections of the industry in-line with your needs and learning outcomes. This professional perspective complements your knowledge and development while providing an acute awareness of the interior design world.
What You Need To Know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
By applying to this Foundation Year you are applying to a four-year programme - the shared Foundation Year, followed by a three-year art, design or media degree here at University of Salford. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
APPLICATION PROCESS
As part of the selection process, you may be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. You may then be invited for an interview with our tutors. If you are called for interview we will send you further guidance well in advance.
GCSE
English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
A levels
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
T Levels
Pass: D or E in core subject.
UCAS tariff points
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
BTEC National Diploma
MPP
Access to HE
Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject)
Scottish Highers
64 points including Art & Design
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 points including Art & Design
International Baccalaureate
24 points including Art & Design
European Baccalaureate
Pass Diploma with 60% overall (relevant subject)
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.