The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) programme offered by TAR UC aims to produce and equip graduates with in-depth knowledge and skills that are essential to work as professionals in the interior design, architectural sector and research field. Graduates will be well trained to develop competencies in being conceptual designers and planning thinkers in all areas within the interior design disciplines such as interior design, furniture design, interior furnishing & materials, interior building service and design research development for the betterment of the human environment.

Graduates will enjoy good prospects for employment in various sectors ranging from interior design and architectural practices, interior contractors, and other organisations within the interior architecture sector. The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) is a pre-professional programme that provide an effective pathway for the graduates to be Registered Interior Designer upon the passing of LAM Professional Examinations.

PEO1:

To produce and develop graduates who are well grounded with comprehensive theoretical and technical knowledge in creative interior design work, coupled with sound knowledge in building technology and information technology, which are required for interior design project realisation. (Knowledge) (Digital Skills) (Numeracy Skills)

PEO2:

To produce and develop graduates with communication, leadership and team skills in planning, coordination and implementation of interior design projects from inception to completion within the architectural and constructional environment. (Cognitive skills) (Practical skills)

PEO3:

To produce and develop graduates who are creative and competent in resolving problems and issues pertaining to interior design and its associated interdisciplinary matters with independence of thought and decision making capabilities. (Interpersonal Skills) (Communication Skills) (Leadership, Autonomy & responsibility)

PEO4:

To produce and develop graduates who possess strong professional ethical values and positive attitude that will gear them towards higher professional and academic qualifications in the field of interior architecture, and also endeavour to apply entrepreneurial skills to successfully run and manage their own interior design practice in a professional manner and thereby inculcating lifelong learning. (Personal Skills) (Entrepreneurial Skills) (Ethics & Professionalism)

The programme learning outcomes  was developed  according to the level of study based on the eleven MQF learning outcomes domains and LAM attributes of interior design graduates. On completion of the Bachelor of n Interior Architecture (Honours)  programme, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

PLO1:

Apply comprehensive design theories, philosophies, cultural, historical, human sciences, comfort & protection and aesthetic understanding within the interior design and built environment context. (Knowledge)

PLO2:

Apply critical, analytical and evaluation skills to identify and create design solutions through understanding of social, cultural and environmental issues. (Cognitive Skills)

PLO3:

Demonstrate drafting and drawing skills manually and digitally as well as model making and preparation of material sample boards for design and visual communication. (Practical skills)

PLO4:

Interact effectively, individually or as a member of a team with supervisors, peers and subordinates. (Interpersonal Skills)

PLO5:

Convey ideas both in written or oral forms using appropriate and different forms of presentation, confidently, accurately and coherently in appropriate context in a well-structured manner to a diversity of audiences in design and project management. (Communication  Skills)

PLO6:

Demonstrate ability to use a broad range of digital applications to support study/work as well as to seek and process data related to work or study. (Digital Skills)

PLO7:

Demonstrate the ability in using a broad range of information, media and technology applications combining numerical and graphical/visual data to support study and/or work in the field of interior design. (Numeracy Skills)

PLO8: 

Demonstrate leadership, autonomy and accountability with professionalism through an understanding of interior designer’s role within the framework of interior design practice as well as regulatory and contractual procedure for administering interior design projects. (Leadership, Autonomy & Responsibility)

PLO9:

Engage effectively in self-directed lifelong learning of innovations in interior design, which includes materials, furniture, fixtures and equipment and cost implication of various design options. (Personal Skills)

PLO10:

Explore and engage in entrepreneurship-related activities and demonstrate entrepreneurial knowledge in the field of interior design. (Entrepreneurial Skills)

PLO11:

Recognise the impact of interior design works upon society, culture, economy and environment, and the importance of values, ethics and moral within the profession. (Ethics & Professionalism)

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for many different careers in interior architecture disciplines such as interior design, design of external stage and exhibition feature and project management. The graduate also has specialised training in furniture design technology, software application and construction related courses and building by-laws. Students work on projects that involve real-world situations and that require hands-on analysis and creative solutions. For students to meet the core competencies, several background courses were introduced as below:

Design Theory and Process in Interior Design

Courses in interior design that consists of interior design assignments and projects ranging from all aspects of design theories and process; from creative problem-solving methods with aesthetical values and interior design applications, to basic buildings up to complex buildings in both suburban and urban settings. Graduates who work as interior designers are expected to show clear and logical interior design that integrates knowledge of human behaviours and factors, design involves aspects of design thinking, and the implementation of design process across all types of interiors including the preparation of interior design proposals and/or presentations.

Technology and Building Services

Courses in technology that consist of Principles of Construction and Materials, Construction Technology for Interiors, Lighting Design & Acoustics, Structural Studies, Environmental Science and Building Services and Mechanical and Electrical Services. Graduates who are working as interior designers should be familiar and able to apply knowledge of the relevant rules and regulation in interior technology and building systems, while understanding the overall assemblies of elements and components, building and life safety, and technical and scientific aspects of design with application to its immediate environment.

Humanities and Environment

Courses dealing with the concepts of human behaviour and human's interaction with the built environment within historical, natural and cultural contexts, with optimisation of human values, function, and aesthetics which contributes toward end user's well-being, as well as diverse ethnic practices and theory of design and its development. Graduates are expected to understand the evolving nature of interior design/architecture and construction, philosophical and cultural aspects of design, and be able to apply this knowledge and influence their decisions in designing work.

Product and Materials

Courses that provide deeper understanding of designing, selecting and specifying furniture fittings, equipment and materials in interior spaces. Graduates are expected to acquire knowledge of producing a conducive, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient, sustainable and purposeful environment with the appropriate choice of building products and materials in compliance with rules and regulation, building standards, acquisition methods and sustainability guidelines.

Communication

Courses that strengthen the fundamentals of drawing as well as visual/verbal literacy; architectural graphic techniques and communications, CADD and digital modelling, as well as English courses that will provide the fundamentals of language, speaking, critical thinking and writing skills. Graduates are expected to be able to master the art of communication using verbal, written, graphics and visual skills via appropriate media to produce design ideas, proposals, related literature and effective communication in project management.

Professional Practice and Management

In becoming a competent ID practitioner, graduates are expected to be knowledgeable and experienced in various relevant facets of Interior Designers practice such as regulations, statutory requirements, business practices, financial issues, human resource and other related acts. The graduates should demonstrate within their academic portfolio an understanding of regulatory by-laws applied to interior building design and construction work and develop the ability to manage and appraise their own working practices, whether working independently or collaboratively

General Knowledge of Interior Design / General Studies

These cover courses such as Environmental Psychology, Building Analysis (elective), Measurement and Contract Documentation (elective), Accounting and Financial Management (elective), and ID Project Dissertation courses. Graduates are expected to acquire general knowledge in terms of human responses to designed environment, some basic measurement and costing aspects and its dynamic interrelation of the human settlement and its various environments to apply it in their research. These courses will further aid their endeavours of a holistic understanding of the profession by giving graduates the confidence carry out research and apply them in the real world if need arises.

Soft Skills

Graduates will be equipped not only with knowledge and technical skills, but also interpersonal, communication, leadership, teamwork, managerial, entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills. They will also be instilled with good ethical values and the desire and capacity to pursue lifelong learning. They will be adaptable and resourceful in their fast-paced and ever-changing landscape. All are competencies that are highly desirable to survive in this competitive and dynamic environment of construction industry. Graduates soft skills are also developed in curriculum delivery of courses such as English for the Profession, Entrepreneurship and Moral dan Etika.