BA Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea focuses on designing complex architectural spaces, discreet multi-media installations and sensory environments. Working with existing buildings and spaces, you’ll explore different possibilities for habitation and use. It will see you developing skills in conceptualising, design and the representation of new spatial situations.

Chelsea’s vibrant environment will provide you with opportunities to uncover overlapping concerns between the different disciplines taught. And you’ll develop your creativity in territory crossing diverse disciplines such as architecture, interiors, furniture, installation and site-specific practice.

The wide-ranging theory programme will encourage your individual enquiry and debate, and deepen your understanding of design issues. Not only that, but by taking part in external competitions, live projects and a series of lively evening lectures, you’ll develop your professional practice.

You’ll explore a wide range of techniques in drawing, computer-aided design, model-making and fabrication that you’ll use to test how ideas are communicated. While we focus on the interior on this course, you can also expect to explore architectural concerns.

Key Facts

You’ll have access to our new suite of digital facilities. These include a custom-designed file-sharing database and website, wi-fi enabled studios, computer hardware and software, and laser-cutting machinery. There is also a Black Box Media Space which will enable you to display audio-visual work and drawings in a digital gallery space.

On BA Interior and Spatial Design, we enjoy relationships with institutions in Europe and the US. And in your second year, you’ll be encouraged to exchange with one of these institutions to witness different cultures and design practices.

Learning and teaching

University of the Arts London courses span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base.

Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy.

Assessment methods

At the University of the Arts London we see assessment as a very real part of learning, rather than just a means of looking back at past work and measuring achievement; we believe that assessment helps you plan future work and develop new ideas. 

Your work will be assessed through projects or portfolios, with written papers or research journals, and, on some courses, examinations. You will be graded according to a set of marking criteria that relate to such things as research, subject knowledge, methodology, and your capacity to analyse and reflect on your achievements. So don’t be afraid of assessment - it is the way to progress.

Year 1

In the first year you will develop an understanding of the context in which we work, the processes by which we design and the language that we employ to communicate ideas. You will be introduced to the course, workshop and computer facilities and drawing exercises. You investigate characteristics of site and context through a sequence of design projects. You also look at the notion of spatial organisation and sequential space, and explore multi-media techniques to present your designs. A lecture and seminar programme investigates the vocabulary of architecture and design.

Year 2

During the second year you are encouraged to develop your own theoretical position, and to test how this might influence your proposals at both a strategic and detailed level. Live projects replicate professional practice conditions, and you will engage in the use of computing to generate digital 3D models of your design proposals. You will be asked to design of a site-specific piece of 'architectural furniture' and a complex 'spatial sequence' using 2D and 3D CAD techniques. Professional practice and construction issues are taught through analysis of buildings by photographic and drawing surveys, and instruction is given into how briefs for building programmes are assessed, developed and interpreted. There is further study of the theoretical context of design.

Year 3

In the final year you will choose a studio group to work with, each with its own tutors with distinct ways of developing design proposals. You will develop a final design project within the remit of the particular studio culture, which involves developing your own design language and agendas. You must also identify a topic for individual research and produce a thesis on the subject.

We have strong links with industry, which means you’ll be able to gain vital commercial experience through a number of live projects. Professional practice is developed through participation in external competitions, live projects and a lively evening lecture programme.

In 2011 we designed a pavilion for the Ecobuild conference and convention using recycled Speedo swimsuits. This followed collaborations with the Design Research Lab at the Architectural Association, where we made an exhibition of prototypes and films for the onedotzero festival at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Some of these may lead to job offers when you leave us.

Recent graduates have found jobs in interior design, architecture, exhibition design, set design for film and TV and game design. Some students go on to postgraduate study, usually within architecture or spatial design, with many applying to Chelsea’s own MA Interior and Spatial Design.

Entry to BA Interior And Spatial Design is highly competitive.

We select students based on the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement. Most successful applicants will have completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD). We will exceptionally consider applications from A Level or equivalent candidates presenting a portfolio which is of equivalent standard to those produced by students on Foundation (FAD) courses. 

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved, or be expected to achieve, either:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• A pass in 1 GCE A level
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

or

• BTEC Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

or

• UAL Level 3 Pre-University Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design
• Passes at GCSE level in 4 subjects (grade C or above)

In exceptional circumstances applicants may be considered if they present a portfolio of equivalent standard to a one-year Foundation course in art and design and have achieved, or expect to achieve:

• Passes in 2 GCE A Levels
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above).

We also accept applications from students with equivalent international qualifications; e.g. International Baccalaureate or equivalent national school leaving or university entrance qualifications where a portfolio of equivalent standard to that produced by students studying on a FAD programme may be evidenced.

Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.  All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: English Language Requirements

International Applicants

We welcome applications from international students and will be pleased to help with the application process. To receive advice and help with your application you are invited to contact one of the University's local representatives in your own country or one of our International Student Advisors in London.
http://www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/international/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

What we look for

We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about exploring ideas.  An enthusiastic and critical engagement with contemporary design is essential.  We like self-directed individuals with a broad cultural curiosity, who can show that they wish to experiment and explore the boundaries of contemporary design practice within an art & design context.

We would like applicants to be able to demonstrate:

• A concise portfolio indicating a critical engagement with design ideas and an ability to select and organise work.
• An aptitude for thinking ‘spatially’.
• Evidence that the applicant can communicate an enthusiasm for the subject context.

Portfolio and interview advice

Your portfolio should provide evidence of an ability to develop and explore ideas, particularly ideas of a spatial nature. The portfolio will mainly be made up of drawings, photography, models and sketches but may include work made in other media if you feel it is appropriate to show how you have explored ideas.

UK/EU Applicants

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

You will be able to find Chelsea courses listed under University of the Arts London on the UCAS website. All Chelsea College of Art and Design UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no 'Campus Code' for Chelsea College of Art and Design.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and references will be read and subject to meeting the entry requirements, you may then be invited to a portfolio review and interview. 

Applicants have the right to ask for feedback if their application is unsuccessful. Requests must be made in writing to the Student Administrator, and we will respond within 20 working days. 

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Chelsea College of Art and Design

T: +44 (0)20 7514 7751
E: info@chelsea.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the CCW International apply page for details.
or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk