From a young age, Leila has had a passion for design. After spending 10 years developing her creative skills through graphic design, 3D design and architecture, she realised she wanted to combine these interests, follow her heart and join our Interior Design course. Read more about her journey and discover why studying Interior Design is so important to her.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD?
I chose to study Interior Design at the University of Salford because of it’s fantastic location. It has great industry connections, with Manchester just a short bus or train ride away. It is also easy to commute to, with Salford Crescent train station being so close to campus, which has allowed me to stay at home in Bolton with family and friends.
I enjoy interior design because I feel I am solving a problem and will make a difference to people using the space.
Leila Ratcliffe
HOW WILL YOUR DEGREE HELP WITH YOUR FUTURE CAREER PLANS?
My degree has helped me prepare me for industry expectations and taught me how to deliver design proposals to a professional standard. Throughout my time on the course, I have been given a variety of projects, which have helped me understand the types of projects that excite me most and will help me guide me towards my future career.
HOW HAS THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTED YOU?
The University has supported me through tutorials, providing advice on projects throughout my studies. More recently, they have supported me in completing my Professional Development Pack, which included setting up a LinkedIn profile, creating a professional CV for an interior design related-field, and a portfolio displaying my best completed projects at Salford.
WHAT RESOURCES AND FACILITIES ENRICHED YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE?
The University of Salford has provided me with all the CAD software I needed to enable me to produce my best work (AutoCAD, SketchUp and V-Ray). The New Adelphi building, where Interior Design is based, has great computer suites and workshop spaces where you can model your designs digitally and physically using laser cutters and 3D printers.
WHAT’S AN ORDINARY DAY AT UNIVERSITY LIKE?
Lectures start at 10am to allow commuters time to get to the studio. We will be briefed or have lectures until 12, have lunch and then come back at 1pm for an activity or another lecture. On our days off, there may be site visits or trips arranged.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OR MODULE OF THE COURSE?
My favourite aspect of the course has been the frequent networking events we’ve attended or hosted. Each Friday, we have an ‘open studio’ where designers from industry and material specifiers come in to deliver sessions with up-to-date knowledge on products. In second year, we took a trip to London where we visited MillerKnoll’s showroom and office, which was very insightful. We’ve also visited factories in the past for companies such as Crown Paints and Camira Fabrics.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE AND WHAT YOUR ROLE INVOLVED?
As part of my Industry Experience module at the end of second year, I undertook three weeks of work experience with the interior designers at Gilling Dod Architects. This was an incredibly valuable experience for me as a design student, as I gained an insight into what it’s like day to day In industry. The project I assisted with and was assigned included bedroom designs for CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and hospital extensions to provide care for more specific cases, such as children with eating disorders. There were different design requirements in healthcare design, such as slip resistance and anti-ligature measures to ensure patient safety which was different from what I’d done at University!
My placement has made me feel excited about future opportunities and confident in putting myself forward.
Leila Ratcliffe
WHAT WAS IT LIKE APPLYING WHAT YOU’D LEARNT IN YOUR MODULES TO A REAL INDUSTRY SETTING?
I felt confident in my prior knowledge and skills, but going into industry helped me to connect with real clients and gain an understanding of what it takes to complete a project, especially within the NHS. I feel this has helped prepare me for what to expect when I graduate and seek a junior role.
HOW IMPORTANT WAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE A PLACEMENT WHEN CHOOSING THE COURSE?
The Interior Design course at the University of Salford is very supportive and has provided me with networking opportunities to connect with designers and seek work experience. I met associates from Gilling Dod Architects at the IHEEM event in 2024. The University also provides valuable live brief opportunities with real clients for those who do not opt for a placement.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF STUDYING AT SALFORD?
The insightful lecturers and industry connections have been a massive plus. Having lecturers with first-hand experience brings the modules to life through real examples which has been valuable for my learning.
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE APPLY FOR THIS COURSE AND HOW SHOULD THEY PREPARE?
This course has provided me with vast industry and technical knowledge to become an interior designer, and I would recommend Interior Design to anyone with a good eye for style and an interest in creating spaces that solve problems and provide functionality. I think the best way to prepare for this course is to broaden your eye for design! Go and explore the city centre, as there’s an amazing variety of design styles and showrooms (for example, Material Source), or even just your local home store like IKEA to start noticing design trends. I’d also recommend starting to sketch ideas down as this helps you practice communicating ideas and keeps a record of them so you can look back on your development.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN AT SALFORD
If you want to know more about studying Interior Design at the University of Salford, you can have a look at the course page to find out more – BA (Hons) Interior Design