Students on the University of Bolton's new Property Development and Design for Interiors (BA Hons) course are very popular. They are in great demand from friends, family and neighbours who would like advice and guidance about what to buy, where to buy it and how to develop or decorate it. Their skills are also in demand by employers worldwide.
Professional property developers and interior design specialists work in a wide range of niche design areas including hospitality, health care and institutional design as well as residential and commercial property development.
The new course has been developed by course leader Colin Orr, to meet a demand in the market for graduates with skills across the property and design spectrum, both as employees and entrepreneurs.
Colin, who is the national vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, is building on the already strong relationships the School of Built Environment and Engineering enjoys with business and industry and professional bodies.
The students will be undertaking research visits throughout the course – taking in a carpet factory, developers, iconic buildings and the home of modern European design, Milan.
The design for interiors part of the course incorporates concept, colour, proportion, balance, ergonomics and the function of design. Certain modules, including that on colour, enable the students to work with the university's art and design team.
Combining the interiors study with researching and learning about property development has made for a demanding course. Undergraduates Anneka Vines and Daisy Collins explain: 'Property development requires you to study aspects of the law and economics,' said Anneka. 'We didn't necessarily expect to be getting to grips with legal and mathematical issues as well as design and development. We have studied finance and conveyancing,' added Daisy. 'It is very full-on and we need to manage our time well.'
Parts of the course are taught alongside students completing built environment, engineering or architectural technology courses. 'It is useful to study alongside someone who looks at an issue from a building or construction or engineering point of view,' said Anneka. 'We can share insights and experience.' Her fellow undergraduates agree that the complementary skills they are developing are proving invaluable as they move into the next stage of the course.
Explained course leader, Colin Orr: 'The first year of the course provides a broad foundation. It is intense and highly demanding, requiring independent and mature study and creativity. In the second year the students will find that modules are specific so that aspects of property development and design for interiors can be explored in depth. The course also develops students' business skills including market research and planning, financing and budgeting – all in high demand by graduate employers.'
Several students hope to work internationally after graduation. Anneka has ambitions to work in Dubai, where property development has reached a new level with the creation of hundreds of unique man-made islands know collectively as The Palm. Daisy hopes to secure a role with a leading property developer on graduation.
So what advice can the students offer the next undergraduates to opt for this brand new course?
Anneka: 'You must want to do both property development and interior design, and be prepared to put the work in.'
Daisy: 'Read, and think, around the subject beforehand.'
For further information about this course contact student recruitment at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk| or call 01204 903903
Pictured: Course leader Colin Orr outside the design studio with students Daisy (right) and Anneka (left)