QUALIFICATION Professional Diploma in Interior Design (can also be attained by full-time study at the college) OBJECTIVE Career-focused training in interior design and decoration DURATION 2 years (plus 1 term) through a combination of courses at the college and distance learning (15 hours study at home per week on average)

Best of Both Worlds
The blended learning course is a combination of distance learning study, on-line training and workshops and tutorials held at KLC’s Studios in Chelsea Harbour. The schedule of workshops is given here.

This affords students the flexibility of studying from home, but with the support and structured programme of an on-site course. This method of study also enables students to achieve the prestigious KLC Professional Diploma Qualification in just over two years without necessarily having to give up work or family commitments.

Existing KLC distance learning students can also elect to upgrade their study package to benefit from the additional support mechanisms of blended learning and fast-track their training (although this requires students to start the blended learning course from the beginning).

 

	Excellent course structure and tutition, challenging projects and standards expected, stretches you and inspires you.
	Juliet Cater BL Nash Group 2008

Online Training
Through KLC’s website, blended learning students will access a range of on-line support services. Students download study modules and worksheets from the site, which then keeps track of progress through the course. This allows students access to their study material from anywhere in the world.

Regular online tutorials (about one per term) will be held with a KLC tutor in a virtual classroom. These online tutorials will be given on specific subjects with a live video link to the tutor, course notes and powerpoint presentations. KLC uses Adobe Connect, which is a secure flexible web communication system that allows on-line training, web conferencing and online collaboration, and allows students to have an interactive experience with both the tutor and other students in the classroom.

The website is also being developed as the Learning Resource Centre, so that students can access examples of other students’ work, take part in lively discussions on the bulletin board and chat room, view and amend their personal details and access other relevant course information such as their student study guide, course timetable, latest news and the useful links page.

Extensive Support Throughout Studies
Students taking this blended learning course benefit from all the unique support services that we offer our traditional learning students. However, in addition to this, blended learning students are overseen by their course tutor, who will be your mentor and monitor your progress from day one of your studies through to your graduation. Your course tutor will contact you by telephone once a term to discuss your progress.

You will also be given a schedule for your distance learning studies setting down fixed deadlines for projects to be submitted that will ensure that you complete your studies within the specified timeframe. The course culminates in a one week course that includes three days of examinations.

KLC Staff are also available (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) to rapidly respond to any course queries by phone, fax or e-mail. Our maximum response time is usually within one working day, but we will endeavour to respond to blended learning students’ queries within 2 hours during office hours.

Blended Learning Students also have to attend regular tutorials (approximately every four months) with groups of 5-6 students. These will allow detailed feedback on project work and invaluable preparation for future assignments. These tutorials also provide a forum for debate and shared ideas amongst students, often leading to independent study networks.
 

Gain Employment
Students successfully completing this course to the required standard and passing the final exams will be awarded a KLC Professional Diploma, which is the same qualification received by the students studying the intensive full-time one year course.

KLC is very proactive about helping graduates find employment at the end of the course. Marcy Brown, Director of Careers, is available to offer advice on CV’s, portfolio presentation and career direction and, with many approaches from some of the leading design companies, is often able to put graduates directly in touch with potential employers. It may also be possible to find Blended Learning Students some work experience whilst they are studying on the course, but we cannot guarantee a placement.
 

Projects
Blended Learning Students will have to complete 5 projects (and 2 notebooks), which will form the basis of their portfolio to show prospective clients and employers. Included in these will be a history of style notebook, a product design project, a high end residential project and a commercial project. Students will also have to complete the following:-

• Textiles, trimmings and window treatments notebook
• History of style notebook
• Research on contemporary designers
• Guided exercises and coursework for discussion at tutorials
• Rendering notebook and Sketchbook

Course Requirements
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. English language ability must also be competent and we look for a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (www.ielts.org) or its equivalent. Students are also required to have a computer, access to a colour printer and a broadband internet connection for this course.

Entry Requirements
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. Entry is by interview and numbers are strictly limited. The purpose of the interview is to assess applicants' academic ability, motivation, performance under pressure and the reasons for undertaking the training. English language ability must also be competent and we look for a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (www.ielts.org) or its equivalent. Students are also required to have a laptop computer for this course and have basic everyday computer skills (e.g. using a mouse and keyboard, opening and saving files etc.).

NOTE: The interview is the first step in the formal application process for KLC’s full time and blended learning course.  At interview, among other topics of conversation, we will ask you to outline how you plan to incorporate 15 hours of study per week or over into your life alongside any existing commitments; this will be of particular concern if you are in full-time employment.  Before applying for an interview please ensure that you have the funding available, are of sufficient age and have the required language ability. To arrange an interview for this course, please contact us on 020 7376 3377 or e-mail info@klc.co.uk.

Timetable for Courses at the College

YEAR ONE

One Week Foundation Course (12-16 January 2009)

• Introduction to your studies
• Introductory Technical Drawing Course – including instruction on drafting plans, elevations and sections
• Inspirational session including design today and trends
• Introduction to colour
• Design process – explaining the role of the designer, putting your new skills into context

Saturday Workshops

• Concepts (14 March 2009)
• Sampleboards (13 June 2009)
• Sourcing, Developing A Scheme & Sketching (7 November 2009)

Weekday Workshops (1 Day)

• Axonometric Projection Drawing (1 May 2009)
• Lighting (8 September 2009)

YEAR TWO

One Week Intermediary Course (11 – 15 January 2010)

• Computer Aided Design (VectorWorks)
• Perspectives
• Colour Rendering

Saturday Workshops

• Project Workshop – focusing on Detailed Working Drawings (13 March 2010)
• 2 Point Perspectives (4 September 2010)
• Project Worksop – focusing on verbal presentation (22 January 2011)

Weekday Workshops (1 Day)

• Project Workshop – focusing on Accessories (4 June 2010)
• Presentation Skills (26 November 2010)
   

YEAR THREE (One Term Only)
One Week Final Course (11 – 15 April 2011)

• Revision Sessions
• 3 Days of Exams
• Presentation of final project
• Careers advice and portfolio surgery

KLC has developed a unique support system for our blended learning students to ensure students achieve their goals:-