BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design for Health and Wellbeing

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design for Health and Wellbeing provides you with the opportunity to learn to plan and design environments which support and promote health and wellbeing. The environments will also take into consideration the physical and mental welfare of the users.

While studying on this course you'll be able to recognise, understand and influence the links between people’s health and the spaces that we all live in. From historical, social, cultural and political perspectives, public health has had a greater impact on the design of our environment than anything else.

If you want to:

• Know more about the diverse principles that underpin the human-centred design process and can help determine healthier environments.
• Understand how public health and design can be brought together to create better places at all levels, from private dwellings to public realm.
• Challenge and transform the wellbeing of our society now and for the future using a people-first approach that takes advantage of new technologies.
• Demonstrate you passion for using creative design to create healing places for all.

Then you'll want to study BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design for Health and Wellbeing.

All undergraduate courses at AUB offer an optional placement year, to be taken between your second and third years of study.

If you’re unsure about this optional placement, you don’t need to decide now. Once you’re here and studying with us, the course team will discuss the placement options with you, so when the time comes, you can make a decision that’s right for you.

'The individual dimension'

At this level, you'll concentrate on acquiring fundamental skills essential for your progression throughout subsequent years of study and into professional practice. This foundational period is characterised by an emphasis on mastering core abilities and techniques integral to the disciplines. Through structured course work and hands-on experiences, you'll cultivate a solid understanding of key principles, methodologies, and tools relevant to the interior architecture and design discipline.

During the first year, you'll understand the principle of a user-centred approach within the field of interior architecture and design. This approach places importance on understanding and accommodating the needs, preferences, and experiences of people as central to the design, operation and delivery of services within interior spaces.

Additionally, you'll be introduced to Careers and Enterprise activities appropriate to this Level.

Units:

These will be taught alongside BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design.

• Design Process and Communication
• Socially Conscious Design
• Integrating Technology

'The community dimension'

Level 5 aims to build on learning undertaken at Level 4 and encourages you to investigate your own methods of realisation and visualisation in a range of more complex design projects. At this stage, the learning will start to focus more on health and wellbeing, an understanding of specialist knowledge and the application of design principles.

The focus will start to shift from an individual to the community. This transition recognises that health outcomes are not solely determined by individual factors but are also influenced by broader social, economic, and environmental determinants. By adopting a community focus, healthcare settings aim to address these factors and improve the overall health and wellbeing of the population they serve.

By shifting the focus from individual care to a community-centred approach, healthcare settings can create a more holistic and inclusive healthcare system. This approach recognises the interconnectedness of individuals within a community and works towards improving population health outcomes by addressing social determinants, promoting prevention, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Additionally, students will be introduced to Careers and Enterprise activities appropriate to this Level

Units:

These will specialise in health and wellbeing.

• Contemporary Healthcare: more than hospitals
• Health on the High Street
• Wellbeing for Positive Lifestyles

The Optional Placement year offers you the opportunity to get under the skin of an industry, organisation and role to assist them with making better-informed decisions about your future career prospects. Undertaking a placement will enable you to take personal responsibility for tasks, duties, and projects within a real-world work scenario. The placement year will be recognised on the degree transcript.

'The global dimension'

Level 6 – the final year – provides you with an opportunity to bring all your learning, skills and knowledge together in the production of a package of professionally orientated, creative work. The work will examine and emphasise your chosen research theme.

In this final year, you'll be encouraged to identify and work within a chosen field in health and wellbeing, taking account of ways that can provide new and innovative solutions to previously unidentified problems. Choosing a specific field doesn't exclude the others, as there are overlaps between them. You may choose to specialise in one area or explore a combination of different fields based on their interests and career goals. As you progress in Level 6 study and gain experience, you'll further refine your focus to create a portfolio ready for industry.

At Level 6, you'll be asked to consider ‘designing today for tomorrow’, which involves adopting an ethical, forward-thinking approach that anticipates future needs and promotes sustainable, adaptable, and resilient design solutions. You'll research and embrace the principles, considering the future needs of occupants, technology, and environmental sustainability, to design interior spaces that promote health, wellbeing, and adaptability for years into the future.

Additionally, you'll be introduced to Careers and Enterprise activities appropriate to this Level.

Units:

For these, you'll design independent projects via discussion with unit tutors, enabling a strong personal focus on a specific area of research and design within health and wellbeing.

• Explorative Practice
• Dissertation
• Final Portfolio Project

During the academic year, at least one excursion to London or another UK cultural hub is planned. As London is easily accessible from Bournemouth, students can easily plan excursions to the city's art galleries and museums to supplement their academic work. Professional progress as practitioners depends on primary research.

Trips give students confidence, promote independence and present opportunities for future professional and personal development.

Any additional fees are disclosed before the visit.

Visiting tutors play a key role in the course, as they bring diverse perspectives and unique skill sets, enriching the learning experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the standards and expectations of the creative industries. Industry professionals provide invaluable insights into the creative industry, sharing their expertise and experiences. They conduct workshops, lectures, and participate in critiquing student work, offering constructive feedback from both an education and industry perspective. Their presence can also offer students the opportunity to network and learn about potential career paths, industry trends, and professional practices.