DE5014 - Critical Issues in Interior Design

What will I learn on this module?

This level 5 year long module builds on the chronological stylistic and contextual understanding of historical and contemporary interior design that you gained in year one by immersing you in the most current debates and critical issues around interior design practice. The module explores topics such as the relationship of interior design to the complex ecological, ethical, social and technological issues of modern society through the close critical visual analysis of examples of design practice. The critical investigation of these topics are responsive to changes in the discipline of interior design and developed collaboratively alongside studio project briefs from your other Level 5 modules. By familiarising yourself with the social, environmental, cultural and political issues around these debates in relationship to interior design practice, you will develop the ability for critical thinking and the cultural and ethical awareness vital for academic success and a successful career in interior design. You will further gain the ability to conduct and apply detailed and analytical research and visual analysis to interior design practice and the confidence to articulate your viewpoints clearly in speech and writing.
This course is responsive to changes in interior design and subject matter is updated yearly. Examples of topics likely to be discussed in relationship to interior design include:
• Sustainability
• Branding
• Globalisation and Localism
• Regeneration and heritage
• Identity: ethnic, national and gender

How will I learn on this module?

‘Critical Issues in Interior Design’ is taught through weekly lectures supported by seminars and other interactive activities. Your participation in seminars will help you to develop and communicate your ideas. Each session will involve presentations by the tutor to establish key terms of reference, followed by group discussion of the issues raised. Hands-on workshops and blended learning activities will help you to develop study skills relevant to interior design practice, including archival research, fieldwork, online research, visual analysis and presentation skills. Off-campus learning will be delivered through field trips to historic buildings and townscapes. Directed learning and reading will encourage independent research, visual analysis of designed interiors and critical reflection on design theory and practice. You will be supported in the skills of academic essay writing though the use of formative and summative learning and through the use of Turnitin.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic support will be provided through seminars, individual tutorials and use of the eLearning Portal;

• Seminars and tutorials will give you the opportunity to develop and discuss assessment criteria, both at the planning stage and as you engage with tasks. Tutorials will offer you support with any specific issues or concerns.
• Sample student work will be provided via the eLearning Portal to guide you in your preparation.
• Study skills sessions will ensure good practice for everyone following the module.
• Formative feedback will be ongoing in group learning sessions.
• Written feedback will be provided upon assignment submission.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
• 1 - Demonstrate a critical awareness of historical, cultural and contemporary issues through the investigation of interior design in relation to current debates.
• 1 - Demonstrate your ability to critically analyse and reflect in the evaluation of research evidence or material through seminar discussion and essay writing.
• 2 - Recognise the importance of ethical and responsible design practice through critical analysis of interior design practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
? 1 - Demonstrate critical analysis in the selection and evaluation of research evidence or source material in order to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of interior design in relation to current debates.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• 3 - Demonstrate your ability to form independent judgement or articulate reasoned arguments through the written essay.

How will I be assessed?

Semester One
Summative Assessment #1 (submitted during assessment period following semester 1): an essay (1500 words), worth 50% of the mark for the module.

The first assignment requires you to produce an essay that relates the interior design example of your choice to one of the critical issues covered by the module. The essay must be referenced correctly and submitted to Turnitin. This assessment develops written and IT skills.

Semester Two
Summative Assessment #2 (submitted during assessment period following semester 2): an essay (1500 words), worth 50% of the mark for the module.

This second assignment requires you to analyse your own design practice in comparison to other examples of design and wider debates affecting interior design. The essay will assist you in articulating the ideas and concerns which may lead to a better understanding of where your practice is situated and to use this knowledge to constructively inform your creative and intellectual progression.

Pre-requisite(s)

Level 4 or Equivalent

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘Critical Issues in Interior Design’ builds on the stylistic and contextual understanding of historical and contemporary interior design that you gained in year one by immersing you in the most current debates and critical issues around interior design practice. You will explore topics such as the relationship of interior design to the complex ecological, ethical, social and technological issues of modern society through the close critical visual analysis of examples of design practice. The critical investigation of these topics will relate directly to studio project briefs from your other Level 5 modules. By familiarising yourself with these debates in relationship to interior design practice, you will develop the critical thinking and the cultural and ethical awareness vital for academic success and a successful career in interior design.

Course info

UCAS Code W250

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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