Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design
Culture and Arts - Design Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge and skill that will enable them to engage in solving problems related to Interior Design. Learners will develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline. They will be able to further cultivate their design skills by participating in simulations and real-life projects.
Learners will cultivate the skills required for further specialized study in support of the principles of life-long learning. Through the development of crucial Interior Design-related skills and competencies which are highly attractive to prospective employers, they will be equipped to work in a variety of employment positions in the built environment where they will be able to add value to the organization in which they are employed.
The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design is designed to provide learners with knowledge of Interior Design and engage them in solving related problems. This qualification will equip learners with deeper insight into and proficiency in some of the core fields in the Interior Design discipline and guide them in applying such knowledge in a particular context.
The aim of this qualification is to produce qualified, competent design professionals and leaders who are able to think critically, strategically and creatively and who are able to solve interior design-related problems in innovative and accountable ways.
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 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 undergraduate level, extending their knowledge of the core knowledge area and professional practice. This qualification is extended to include a formal academic research component and areas of critical studies that concern local challenges in the built environment.
This qualification is also designed to enable learners to pursue further personal and professional development and to promote life-long learning. Through the development of key Interior Design-related skills and competencies, learners will be prepared to take up a variety of positions in the built environment specifically related to Interior Design.
This qualification will also prepare a learner to continue their Interior Design studies at higher levels as a result of the strong emphasis placed on the development of advanced research skills. It demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It combines the application of theory and basic research practice to guide learners in the development of design solutions that are ecologically sound, suitable to purpose and human needs, and solidly grounded in research.
Outcomes
- Develop suitable, innovative design solutions for complex design problems that are guided by ethical considerations, as well as economic, ecological and social contexts.
- Access, analyse critically and engage with the theories and discourse in the area of Interior Design within the Built Environment.
- Apply knowledge of interior construction, codes, regulations, use of resources and project management.
- Conduct research that can inform the design process and outcomes as well as explore problems and complex issues pertaining to interior design.
- Learn independently and in a self-critical manner to develop competencies suitable for life long professional development and learning as an interior designer.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstration of the ability to develop creative and innovative spatial design solutions.
- Understanding of the inherent complexity of the built environment as part of a larger system.
- Demonstration of awareness of economic and environmental factors.
- Understanding and application of the relationship between humans and the built environment in design solutions.
- Demonstration of knowledge of ethical requirements and value systems in the local built environment.
- Understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of Interior Design and the role of other disciplines.
- Analysis and compilation of relevant documentation and research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analysis of the reciprocal relationship between Interior Design practices and the built environment.
- Critical examination of issues in Interior Design practices common to both South African and international contexts.
- Evaluation of processes of knowledge production related to Interior Design.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Understanding of construction methods, materials, and technical requirements in relation to a host building.
- Understanding of various technological aspects and building services relevant to National Building Regulations.
- Understanding of complex interior construction detail drawings.
- Understanding of the selection and properties of suitable materials and resources.
- Demonstration of knowledge of legal requirements, regulations, responsibilities, and restrictions of Interior Designers.
- Demonstration of knowledge of fee structures, client communication, project administration, and management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Implementation of a research design to investigate a relevant research problem in Interior Design.
- Reporting on secondary research through a literature study.
- Analysis of primary research data to produce findings.
- Ethical conduct of disciplinary appropriate research under supervision.
- Writing a research report reflecting the conducted research and providing recommendations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Application of innovative and rational problem-solving techniques in various contexts.
- Evaluation of a range of solutions to Interior Design problems in specific contexts.
- Construction of a Portfolio of Evidence for future reference and development.
- Evaluation of personal learning needs to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment: Continuous feedback on progress through assignments, briefs, tests, and a qualification portfolio.
- Summative Assessment: Judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes through examinations, projects, reports, or a Portfolio of Evidence.
- Purpose: Integration of Exit Level Outcomes to demonstrate achievement of the qualification's purpose.
- Evidence: Evaluation of learner performance to show applied competence.
- Clarity: Criterion-referenced assessment clearly explained to learners and applicable in Recognition of Prior Learning.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.