Frequently Asked Questions

Full-Time Interior Design Courses

• What is the structure of the course?
• What sort of people attend the course?
• What other costs are involved?
• Will I be able to do the technical drawing?
• How much additional work is there outside course hours?
• Do we arrange work experience?
• What are the backgrounds of the tutors/lecturers?
• How is work assessed?
• How does the course prepare me for a job?
• Could I take on some work outside the course to earn money?
• What happens at the end of the course?
• Why should I choose KLC?

What is the structure of the course?

The course is full-time, divided into three terms running throughout the academic year. The first term concentrates on technical knowledge, the second on improving these skills and the third on exploring greater autonomy and independence for the student, putting all their newly acquired skills into practice. There are 5 major design projects throughout the year, which increase in scope and complexity as the course proceeds.

What sort of people attend the course?

Students attending the course share the common goals of wanting to make a career change and having a passion for design. No previous art or design experience is necessary but students must be at least twenty years old. Normally the entry standard is a degree, but mature students with sufficient prior learning experience are particularly encouraged. Students must be motivated, able to cope with pressure and, above all else, enthusiastic! Students come from all over the world and from many different backgrounds, many having made the decision to change career.

What other costs are involved?

KLC will provide students with all the equipment needed in the studios, KLC library, internet access and facilities for lap top usage. The main additional costs are the purchase of Adobe Creative Suite 5 (Design Standard), colour photocopying (we do have a subsidised copier at the school) and some extra stationery. Of course, some students may wish to purchase extra books and materials, but this is not absolutely necessary.

Will I be able to do the Technical Drawing?

Many students have no previous technical drawing experience, so you won't be alone! We will provide you with all the training you need.

How much additional work is there outside course hours?

Students will frequently need to undertake a considerable amount of work outside school hours (10.00am to 4.00pm). There is also a lot of holiday work and you should be sure to have workspace at home to accommodate your work load.

Do we arrange work experience?

We strongly encourage KLC Diploma students to undertake work experience during the holiday breaks and we organise this for the Easter holiday. With KLC's extensive range of top-level contacts in the industry, it is normally possible to arrange work experience appropriate to the ultimate ambitions of a particular student.

What are the backgrounds of the tutors/lecturers?

KLC tutors and lecturers are all working professionals and include some of the country’s top architects, interior designers, interior decorators and specialists. An increasing number of our full time tutors also have professional teaching qualifications.

How ia work assessed?

Each module of the course (of which there are five) has several Learning Outcomes associated with it that details the skills students will have acquired. Students’ ability with regard to the Learning Outcomes are assessed during projects.

Work is marked by two tutors (including the students’ own tutor), and seen by at least two others during a moderation process. Students complete five major design projects throughout the year, a History of Style Reference Book and Group Project, a Textiles Applications project, and 3 essays, which are all assessed. CAD work is also assessed. If all the Learning Outcomes for a module have been met, the module is passed. At the end of the year an Examination Board convenes to discuss student progress. If deemed satisfactory, the student will be awarded the Diploma. The student will have up to two further attempts to meet the requirements for any Learning Outcomes that have not been met.

How does the course prepare me for a job?

Students are given an insight into sound business principles, procedures and practice. Topics include budgeting, proposals, contracts, installation programmes, estimates, schedules, specifications, ordering and record keeping. We offer advice on CVs, portfolio presentation and career direction and, with many approaches from some of the leading design companies, we are often able to put graduates directly in touch with potential employers.

Could I take on some work outside the course to earn money?

We do not advise Diploma students to take on additional work. In our experience, the level of commitment required to successfully complete the course leaves very little free time.

What happens at the end of the course?

Marcy Brown, Vice Principal, assists students proactively in finding suitable employment and, at the end of the course, graduates enter full-time employment or go into business for themselves. We have a very active Alumni Association and encourage past students to stay in touch. We offer on-going careers advice to past students, and many come back to us when they need to recruit for themselves.

Why should I choose KLC?

KLC School of Design offers quality professional training in interior and garden design, delivered in a unique, friendly, accessible and stimulating way. KLC has a policy to use only practicing professionals for tuition and is committed to developing the creative potential of all its students. Based at Chelsea Harbour by the prestigious Design Centre, KLC offers students a unique learning environment in the heart of the industry. Through a combination of commercial and residential design projects combined with the necessary business training, students gain the practical skills to successfully change career.