Art & Design

This is one of the country's longest-standing interior architecture courses with an outstanding reputation and graduates in some of the best-known practices worldwide.

You develop the knowledge and professional skills to prepare you for immediate employment. Interior architecture graduates specialise in applying architectural principles to creating interior spaces for living, recreation and business. Distinct from interior designers, who focus more on the aesthetics of a space, interior architects design space so that it is optimised for its intended use.

What you study

Year 1 focuses on architectural presentation skills, develops creativity and introduces principles of design in relation to space, function and planning. You also study modelmaking in the workshops, concept development, gain an introduction to marketing and study key software applications. In Year 2 you undertake external and competition design briefs and building technology, and develop team practice skills and key software applications further in the context of professional presentation. In Year 3 you negotiate a topic of your own choice for the final major project and dissertation, and you are given opportunities to work on live projects and competition briefs.

How you learn

The practice-based elements of all our art and design courses are taught in a studio environment, supported by a full range of digital resources and workshop facilities. This provides real hands-on experience using equipment and processes which are up to date. In addition to this, independent and student-centred learning are encouraged. Theoretical work is primarily delivered through illustrated lectures and seminars where there is opportunity for collective discussion.

How you are assessed

The work produced is the work assessed; there are no separate written examinations and the use of design projects is a key feature. The process of assessment is undertaken against carefully defined criteria and often involves a critique of project-based assignments - this is a process widely used in the design field and allows for both staff and peer group appraisal.

Professional development

A specifically designed programme runs in each of the three years to encourage the development of professional links and contacts. Study trips are also on offer to heighten professional understanding.

Career opportunities

Graduates typically pursue careers working as interior architects, CAD specialists or as creative members of architectural teams in areas as diverse as nightclub and pub design, retail and commercial, set design, exhibition and museums, and lighting design in a variety of locations from Italy to New York. Further study at postgraduate level is also popular.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 240-280 tariff points (2011) or 280 tariff points (2012) from at least two A levels (or equivalent) – one must be in an appropriate discipline. And we attach considerable importance to your portfolio of work.

More information

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