BA (Hons) Graphic Design for Surfaces & Interiors

Course structure

Across the three years of the course, students will progress from a strongly directed and supported experience (in the first year) to a more independent and self-directed experience (in the final year). Throughout, students will engage in projects and activities designed to build design skills, professional knowledge and understanding of the relationship between theory and practice.

Course units

Year 1 (Level 4)

The first year focuses on building an awareness of the basic principles of graphic design, including print, digital and online. In addition to developing an awareness of the design process, students will begin to explore the theories associated with graphic and spatial design (through Contextual Studies) that will inform their design projects. Through Professional Practice, students will begin their journey to understand the industry and their future planning for employment.

Principles of Graphic Design, Surface and Space
Contextual Studies 1
Principles of Design and Interaction
Principles of Typography & Text
Professional Practice 1

Year 2 (Level 5)

The second year moves students to more complex projects, exploring greater integration of graphic design into the spaces and objects that create our interior experiences. Students will undertake projects that are specifically associated with surface design for upholstery, wallpaper, flooring, and other decorative products. In addition, principles of wayfinding (the ways in which we understand how to navigate space) through projects set in both physical and virtual space.

Advanced Graphic Design, Surface and Space
Contextual Studies 2
Wayfinding for Physical and Virtual Space
Surface Design for Spatial Products

Year 3 (Level 6)

By the final year of the degree, students will have a strong understanding of the subject and will be working on a Major Project and Dissertation related to a topic of their own choosing, linking theory and practice through these different forms of research and design. As they prepare for the next step, after completing the course, the Professional Practice curriculum focuses on a deep understanding of different roles within the sector and identifying individual plans for employment and personal professional development.

Major Project
Contextual Studies 3 (Dissertation)
Professional Practice 3

Teaching & learning

Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 16:00

Additional 15+ hours of study outside of directed study times

Term dates

Assessment

Year 1

Unit	Assessment submission	Weight
Principles of Graphic Design, Surface and Space	Portfolio	30 credits (25%)
Contextual Studies 1	Essay	20 credits (16%)
Principles of Digital Design and Interaction	Portfolio	30 credits (25%)
Principles of Typography and Text	Portfolio	20 credits (16%)
Professional Practice 1	Report	20 credits (16%)

Year 2

Unit	Assessment submission	Weight
Advanced Graphic Design, Surface and Space	Portfolio	40 credits (33%)
Contextual Studies 2	Essay	20 credits (16%)
Wayfinding for Physical and Virtual Space	Portfolio	20 credits (16%)
Surface Design for Spatial Products	Portfolio	40 credits (33%)

Year 3

Unit	Assessment submission	Weight
Major Project	Portfolio	60 credits (55%)
Contextual Studies 3 (Dissertation)	Dissertation	40 credits (33%)
Professional Practice 3	Report	20 credits (16%)

Unit

Assessment submission

Weight

Major Project

Portfolio

60 credits (55%)

Contextual Studies 3 (Dissertation)

Dissertation

40 credits (33%)

Professional Practice 3

Report

20 credits (16%)

Interior Design 28th July 2022

Afrocentric Interior Design

by Bolanle Akindayomi

I live in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, and I get a lot of clients that request an African/contemporary fusion that fits their lifestyles; this is right up my alley because I am directly influenced by my environment.

It is advisable to begin with a clear vision of where each piece would be represented, and this is where a mood board can be useful. You d...

Find out more

Interior Design 26th July 2022

Scholarship Graduate Experience

KLC's recent United in Design Scholarship graduate shares her thoughts, experiences and advice from studying on KLC's Certificate Residential Interior Design.

Find out more

Interior Design 22nd March 2022

Bringing ecologically sound personality into your home

by Charlotte England, Mkira Design

Find out more

Interior Design 11th January 2022

First term experiences at KLC School of Design

by Annabel Davies

Term one done. However, my work is far from done. As I write this to reflect on my first term at KLC, I have quite a bit of work to complete. But I’ll put that to one side and look back on what has been a thoroughly enjoyable term.

My first day was great. As soon as I reached reception, I was greeted so warmly by the friendly staff. Any nervousness I ...

Find out more

Interior Design 10th November 2021

What I have learned after three years in interior design

by Ana Pachon

All journeys are different. I want to share with you a few lessons I have learned in my journey. Maybe they might help you with yours. Three years ago, I started in the world of Interior Design. I remember reading so many blogs and searching for information online for hours. Questions were flooding my mind. How do I start? Can I study as a working mom? Am I too old to b...

Find out more

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are as follows:

5 GCSEs at grade C or above
A-Levels: UCAS tariff: CCC (96 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent
or BTEC: National Diploma: MMM (112-96 points)

No prior art and design experience is required.

We can also accept applications from mature students who do not hold the above qualifications but have a sufficient prior learning experience. In this instance, the School will review any short courses, internships or work experience undertaken.

English language requirements

IELTS score of 6.5

Fees & funding

2025/26 Course Fees - UK & International Students

£4,800 per term (£14,400 per academic year)

We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.

Funding
You may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan to cover course fees and/or maintenance; more information can be found on the Government Student Finance website.

How to apply

Entry onto this course is by interview only. Home, EU and International applicants may apply through either of the following routes:

UCAS -  If you are applying for more than one institution, all applications must be made through UCAS
Direct - If you only wish to apply to West Dean (KLC School of Design), applications for this course can be made by submitting a completed application form and emailing it to [email protected]

All accredited courses require a portfolio or ‘creative project exercise’ if shortlisted for interview.
Computer-aided design is a vital part of this course; therefore, applicants must be computer literate and able to confidently use their personal laptop.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design for Surfaces & Interiors

Course structure