The National Design Academy

The National Design Academy (NDA), established in 1988, addressed a critical gap in design education. They catered to learners facing limitations in traditional on-campus learning due to work and family commitments. Many lacked prior design exposure and desired a flexible learning approach. NDA pioneered part-time design diplomas for these individuals, enabling them to pursue their design aspirations alongside other obligations.
NDA worked with AIM to quality assure and formally endorse these programmes through our Quality Mark services. This longstanding partnership signifies a strong professional bond that encompasses mutual trust in the validity, accessibility, and quality of qualifications.

“The AIM Quality Mark, representing formal endorsement by a regulated body, means our learners, receiving institutions and potential employers can have confidence that the courses we are offering are high quality and a meaningful learning experience. Our learners are benefitting from being able to study short, flexible, online courses that have been designed by the NDA to suit their specific needs, whilst also being able to obtain an endorsed certificate that verifies their achievement alongside their portfolio of work”. Amy Payler-Carpenter | Senior Tutor and Programme Leader for FE at NDA

 

Benefits of the partnership

Both organisations have undergone evolution over time, but their commitment to this effective partnership has remained unwavering. The benefits of which include:

• Quality assurance and compliance: NDA's "Direct Claims" status with AIM reflects their commitment to maintaining a stellar reputation for quality assurance and compliance. AIM's support, through designated managers, customer service, and online platforms, strengthens this commitment.
• Collaborative course development: NDA and AIM collaborate extensively on developing and updating courses. This ensures courses are current with industry practices, and teaching, learning, and assessment methods cater to NDA students' needs. Frequent interaction with AIM's awarding body representatives proves invaluable for bringing development projects to fruition.
• Pioneering online and blended learning: Significantly, AIM has consistently supported NDA's online and blended learning approaches, even before the pandemic necessitated remote learning for many. This forward-thinking approach by AIM has been particularly beneficial for NDA.

The NDA and AIM partnership exemplifies a successful collaboration that prioritises flexible and accessible design education while maintaining high quality standards. This enduring partnership has empowered countless individuals to pursue design careers, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in education.

 

“I studied the Professional Interior Design Online Fast-Track course in between working and caring for my toddler. It was challenging, but I loved the course so much, I was willing to fit it all in! The Virtual Learning Studio was easy to use, and the resources given were brilliant.” Hayley Fellows-Prior | NDA learner Read more here.

Further information

Discover more about our Quality Mark services, or contact a member of the Business Development team to discuss how our endorsed provision can support your training programme.