Term One

Research Project 1*   Textiles, Research & Application
Research Project 2*   Evolution of Style

Through a series of fun, interactive workshops and lectures on the design process, creativity and concepts, students are introduced to life at KLC and their studio learning environment. There is detailed teaching of new visual communication skills, such as sketching, technical drawing and rendering, an introduction to InDesign and Photoshop.   The groundwork is laid for the course by familiarising students with core topics such as sustainability, spatial planning, colour, textiles, model making, professional practice, critical thinking for design, the history of interior design and building construction and regulations.  Students are introduced to their first design project. 

Term Two

Research Project 1*   Textiles, Research & Application (continued)
Research Project 2*   Evolution of Style (continued)
Contextual Essay*      Evolution of Style 
Design Project 1         Residential Design

The residential design project continues to be developed and industry guest lecturers are interspersed throughout the term to inspire students.   They give insights into specific fields of design, such as kitchen and bathroom design and lighting.  Workshops on one and two-point perspective sketching form part of the design project and an introduction to AutoCAD takes place in the final week of term

Term Three

Design Project 2         Conceptual Design

This term moves on to focus on commercial design, and further specialist subjects, including exhibition design.   Industry experts introduce students to joinery, ceramics and upholstery, accessibility, building regulations as well as continuing to explore the use of technology within design, including SketchUp.  Students will investigate conceptual thinking and develop their skills in AutoCAD, SketchUp and InDesign.  There is an opportunity for work shadowing during the Summer break*.

Term Four

Design Project 3         Product Design

Detailed working drawings and bespoke design are the focus of this term.  Specialist lectures on hard materials and furniture design.  Visual communication skills are also enhanced and students begin developing their portfolios.  Towards the end of the term, the Group Project will be launched with a site visit and specialist lectures. 

Term Five

Design Project 4         Group Commercial Project

Students round off the last two terms of their course with two large projects.  The first one is a 'live', socially-focused group project, in conjunction with the KLC Design Changes Lives Foundation.  At the end of the term, students will be briefed on their final design project and begin research and conceptual development.

Term Six

Design Project 5         Large Self-directed Project (with options to choose a brief centred on a commercial, residential or hospitality client)

The final major project of students’ choice is a culmination of the knowledge and skills accrued during the preceding terms.  It will form the basis of their exhibition display. There is a strong focus on commercial design, professional practice and industry regulations throughout these final projects, to ensure students are industry-ready. This includes an introduction to a final CAD programme – Vectorworks.  At the end of the Diploma course, the KLC Careers Service offers   1-2-1 sessions for portfolio and CV advice, internships and interviews. The year then culminates in a final Exhibition and Graduation ceremony, which is attended by designers and professionals from the interiors industry.

Two days a week, Monday and Tuesday - with a minimum of 11 hours of self-directed study per week is required to complete this course. During projects, many students voluntarily spend more time than the minimum.
This course has half-term breaks as follows:

Terms 1 & 4 - two weeks (this will encompass most schools that have half terms)
Terms 2 & 5 - one week
Terms 3 & 6 - one week

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

Previous degree (in any subject)

• No previous art and design experience is required
• We can also accept applications from mature students who do not hold the above qualifications but have achieved sufficient prior learning experience. In this instance, the School will review any short courses, internships or work experience undertaken.

English Language Requirements

• Good command of written and spoken English is required for all applicants.
• If you reside in the UK, but English is not your first language, you may be asked to undertake an approved English language test.
• If you are applying from outside the UK, you may be required to take an approved English Language test to meet the requirements for a visa.