- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
-
Location OfferedNanaimo
Explore the intersection of beauty and function with a career as an interior designer. Make the world better by transforming the spaces where we live, work, play and heal. If you’re a creative person with a mind for technical details, you’ll thrive in the Interior Design program at VIU.
In this program, you’ll learn to design built environments that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. You’ll get exceptional hands-on learning opportunities in studios, labs and in the field. And no matter what your learning style is, you’ll find the theory courses engaging and effective.
The Bachelor of Interior Design Program
The Bachelor of Interior Design combines theory with specialized knowledge and the development of proficiencies relative to the profession of interior design. It is intended for students who wish to pursue a professional career in this creative multi-faceted discipline. Interior designers work in all areas of the built environment including residential, office, retail, hospitality, and Institutional settings to create interior spaces that are "functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive"*. The program provides a balanced range of theoretical, intellectual, communication, experiential, applied and other skills, needed to deal effectively with the responsibilities of interior design professional life. The interior design curriculum features lecture, studio, critique, and computer lab instruction; independent and collaborative projects; formal and informal presentations; field trips; an internship and a final major project spanning two semesters. The foundation courses and elective study provide an excellent foundation and structure for lifelong learning and ensures that students develop quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills.
*IDC Interior Designers of Canada
The Bachelor of Interior Design is a full-time program comprised of nine semesters organized as follows:
The first three years of study (six semesters) begin with a Fall semester (September through December) followed by Spring semester (January to April). The seventh semester is an internship term, scheduled in the summer between third and fourth year. The final two semesters revert to the standard Fall/Spring format.
In addition to the 103 specialized credits in Interior Design and 6 required credits in English, students must complete 21 elective credits of which at least 6 are upper-level. Students must obtain a minimum "C" grade in each course in order to graduate from the program. If a "C" is not obtained, students may continue with the program, with the approval of the program Chair.
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ARTI 105 - (Applied Drafting I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 107 - (CAD for Interior Designers) |
3 |
|
ARTI 109 - (History of Art and Design I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 128 - (Design Process) |
3 |
|
ARTI 130 - (Interior Design: An Introduction) |
3 |
|
ARTI 132 - (Interior Design Materials) |
3 |
|
ARTI 134 - (Illustration and Communication I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 154 - (Illustration and Communication II) |
3 |
|
ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) |
3 |
|
ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ARTI 203 - (CAD for Interior Designers II) |
3 |
|
ARTI 210 - (History of Art and Design II) |
3 |
|
ARTI 212 - (Research Methodology) |
3 |
|
ARTI 221 - (Three-Dimensional Design Issues I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 223 - (Building Construction for Interior Designers) |
3 |
|
ARTI 225 - (Building Codes and Specifications) |
3 |
|
ARTI 232 - (Concept to Production II) |
3 |
|
ARTI 242 - (Concept to Production I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 270 - (Interior Design II) |
1.5 |
|
ARTI 271 - (Interior Design I) |
1.5 |
|
Two general electives* |
6 |
|
Total Credits |
33 |
|
Year 3 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ARTI 304 - (Interior Design Detailing I) |
3 |
|
ARTI 307 - (CAD for Interior Designers III) |
3 |
|
ARTI 308 - (Sustainability and the Climate Crisis) |
3 |
|
ARTI 315 - (Interior Design Internship Preparation) Only required if taking ARTI 350: Summer Internship/Seminar |
**1 |
|
ARTI 320 - (Design Theory: Contemporary Issues) |
3 |
|
ARTI 342 - (Concept to Production III) |
3 |
|
ARTI 352 - (Concept to Production IV) |
3 |
|
ARTI 360 - (Three-Dimensional Design Issues II) |
3 |
|
ARTI 370 - (Interior Design III) |
1.5 |
|
ARTI 371 - (Interior Design IV) |
1.5 |
|
Two general electives* |
6 |
|
Total Credits |
30 or **31 |
|
Year 3 - Intersession |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ARTI 350 - (Summer Internship/Seminar) or, |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
3 |
|
Year 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ARTI 405 - (Major Project Construction Documentation & Detailing) |
3 |
|
ARTI 420 - (Building Systems: Related Professions) |
3 |
|
ARTI 429 - (Professional Practice for Interior Designers) |
3 |
|
ARTI 440 - (Major Project: Research Stage) |
6 |
|
ARTI 442 - (Major Project Presentation) |
6 |
|
ARTI 454 - (Professional Presentation Skills) |
3 |
|
Three general electives* |
9 |
|
Total Credits |
33 |
Note: Students must take a minimum of one course in three different faculties to meet the breadth requirement.
* Students must complete 21 elective credits of which at least 6 are upper-level.
** The Department Chair must approve any Field School options. Field School courses may have enhanced fees. For further information check the Field Schools page.
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade for students enrolling in English 115.
- A minimum "C" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 11.
- Bachelor of Interior Design candidates must submit online the following:
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession;
- A resume;
- A portfolio demonstrating aptitude as described below:
- A minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
- 2 - 3 Original black and white drawings in a variety of media.
- 2 - 3 Original paintings or illustrations in a variety of media demonstrating the use of colour.
- And a variety of examples from the following to make up the balance:
- Original collages or mixed-media pieces exploring specific themes.
- Photographs, slides, and/or digital files of three-dimensional artwork such as installation, sculpture, and pottery.
- Traditional and digital photography utilized as a means of personal expression and/or communication.
- Graphic print work such as linocuts, woodcuts, silkscreens, etc.
- Photographs of mural art.
- Photographs or originals of various crafts such as quilting, stitchery, fashion design, or jewelry design.
- A minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
Notes on Admission
- Due to the nature of the contemporary work place, students should be familiar with fundamental computer skills such as word processing before considering an education in Interior Design, to ensure they can complete course work.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Admission with Advanced Standing
Admission to the Bachelor of Interior Design at the second and third year levels (Advanced Standing) may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institution and/or PLA. If you are seeking Advanced Standing and have further questions, please contact the Program Chair.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $163.14 per credit) |
4,894.20 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
195.77 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit) |
216.30 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
2,700.00 |
|
Cost for field trips per year (approximate costs) |
500.00 |
|
Total |
8,983.99 |
* In Year 3 students have the option to take either a Summer Internship course (ARTI 350), or 3 Liberal Studies Abroad courses. Additional fees will apply.
Students must own a laptop computer suitable for running CAD software.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester) |
21,741.44 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month) |
212.72 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
2,700.00 |
|
Cost for field trips per year (approximate costs) |
500.00 |
|
Total |
26,345.96 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
* In Year 3 students have the option to take either a Summer Internship course (ARTI 350), or 3 Liberal Studies Abroad courses. Additional fees will apply.
Students must own a laptop computer suitable for running CAD software.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2023 |
Oct 1, 2022 to Apr 30, 2023
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Miranda MacCallum Chair Contact
Name: Kenneth Chooi Documentation Deadline
Portfolio, resume, written statement and interview questionnaire must be uploaded to Slideroom.
Comments
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2023 |
Oct 1, 2022 to Mar 31, 2023
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
No
Chair Contact
Name: Kenneth Chooi International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Yuzo Ishida Documentation Deadline
Portfolio, resume, written statement and interview questionnaire should be uploaded to the Slideroom. Information on the Slideroom and the questionnaire
Comments
Applicants are encouraged to complete their application/portfolio by January 31, 2023, for early consideration. The department will consider accepting students for Fall 2023 in January, after an initial portfolio review period. Applications submitted/completed after January 31, 2023 (and those that did not receive early consideration), will be reviewed in after applications close. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Alyson Wheeldon
“Interior design requires a lot more problem solving than most people think – it’s way more involved than just picking out furniture. For example, in class we study function and aesthetics. I like how hands-on and involved the VIU Interior Design program is. In the future, I hope to work at a design firm, and eventually open my own business in the Victoria area.”
Late Applicant Consideration (Applying after March 31, 2023)
Applications are open late until April 30, 2023, or until the program is filled.
This is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.