B.A. Interior Architecture

Course Content

The course provides the competences required to design at a hybrid scale between architecture and furniture, called ‘Furni-tecture’. Graduates become professional designers armed with the knowledge, understanding and skills to respond to a wide range of contemporary human and cultural needs, through innovative, responsible and sustainable design.

The course emphasises the activation of the space between people and objects as well as the importance of the role of the users of the space. Design briefs are relevant to the discipline, such as exhibition spaces and also to contemporary issues facing us all such as co-housing.

In Year 1 you will work on design projects and learn the fundamentals of design, including designing three-dimensionally, in context and to scale and developing a design brief. These will include 'live projects' for real clients. Design skills are supported by the parallel teaching of representational techniques such as architectural orthographic drawing and model making. This part of the course aims to bring all students to a shared level of knowledge, understanding and skill in design.

Year 2 focuses on the development of a personal design approach and its application to interior architecture, and the development of a critical approach to the history and theories of spatial design. Typical projects include the design of a new pavilion, a private interior space, and the re-use of existing building fabric. The application of design through practice is a key element of the course for developing an appreciation of design excellence and sustainability.

Year 3 includes a comprehensive design project, a design project focused on professional skills and a dissertation.

Study modules

As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.

Year 1

The compulsory basic modules are:

• Introduction to Architectural Design 1
• Architectural Design in Context 2
• Architectural Representation
• Introduction to Technology
• Architecture and Society
• Introduction to Architectural History.

Years 2 and 3

The advanced and honours compulsory modules are:

• Interior Architecture 1
• Interior Architecture 2
• Interior Architecture 3
• Architectural Technology 1
• Material Research and Design
• Design Practice
• Digital Culture
• Management, Practice and Law
• Dissertation
• Cities, Culture and Society
• Issues in Architectural History and Theory.

The following is an acceptable module:

• Independent Study

Field trips

Field trips abroad are offered each year in addition to site and factory visits. Recent field trips have visited places such as Italy, Hong Kong and France. Field trips are a very popular option because they offer the opportunity to experience architecture at first hand with your tutors.

Field trips, site visits and factory visits are optional and an additional cost to the course fees. Your course tuition fee covers the cost of all mandatory field trips. The cost of an optional field trip is not included in your course tuition fee, and a separate fee will apply. Typical costs of overseas field trips range from £300 to £600. Local and UK field trips, site visits and factory visits typically cost between £1 and £300. Please contact our Enquiry Centre if you would like more information about the field trip(s) on this course.

Study abroadStudents wishing to study abroad can apply to do so in year two of their studies. This is not a mandatory part of the course.
Great opportunities to study or work abroadYou may be able to go on a European or international study exchange facilitated by the University. Most exchanges take place in the second year.
Studying abroad provides an amazing opportunity to add value to your studies by:

• increasing your employability within an international market
• boosting your language skills
• building your confidence in adapting to new situations
• improving your knowledge of different cultures.

We have more than 100 partner universities around the world. Funding is available through the Erasmus scheme, and also via some international programmes such as the Santander Student Awards. Travel costs, accommodation and subsistence are not included in this funding.
There is also a European work placement programme which gives you the chance to work abroad as part of your studies.