Why choose this course?
Our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design focuses on the design and development of internal spaces in relation to their overall architectural composition. You will develop a real understanding of how structure, colour and light are used to create practical, useful and stimulating environments.
This is one of only two placement courses in Interiors in the UK and will offer you:
Student galleries and profiles
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
You can also read profiles of current students and recent graduates.
What do employers say about our students?
"We have been employing NTU Interior Architecture students for the past ten years, and always find them to be professional, hard working, talented and well trained in the design process."
Rosalyn Scott, Managing Director, Dalziel and Pow
Read more employer testimonials.
Open days
Find out more about this course at an open day.
Our open days are designed help you find out about our courses and the University. You'll meet our lecturers and current students, and get to see some of the fantastic facilities we have. You can visit with friends or bring your parents or guardians along with you. Find out the dates of our next open day.
Taught in newly refurbished buildings
During the spring term of 2010 the newly refurbished Arkwright building, reopened as the home of the BArch (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design and BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology studios.
This impressive building, designed by Hopkins, has undergone a multi-million pound regeneration and provides beautiful, light studio space and dedicated CAD rooms.
Any questions?
Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
Please note the following information for applicants
Course focus
The need for trained, creative and skilful interior architects runs throughout the modern built environment. This innovative course combines a comprehensive study of design principles with an invaluable work placement year – giving you the complete package of skills, knowledge and experience to develop your career as an interior architect.
We've gained a leading reputation for developing graduates with a strong combination of creative and practical skills, together with the professional experience to embark directly on careers as interior architects.
Benefiting from very strong collaborative links with professional practices, the course responds to the continually evolving requirements of this fast-paced industry, and will give you the technical, aesthetic and commercial skills you need to succeed in contemporary design environments.
Modules
Throughout the course you will cover the following:
Year One
- You'll get a comprehensive introduction to theory and design principles.
- You'll study architectural form and interior space.
- You'll look at the development of traditional design drawing and communication skills.
Year Two
- Project work brings theory into practice, developing your creating design exploration skills.
- You design activity will be supported by professional and technical study modules.
- Throughout the year you'll develop your CAD drawing skills.
- You'll look at the cultural, social, political and economic factors in design development.
- Get a global perspective on study visits.
Year Three - work placement (optional)
- You'll go on a work placement in an established professional practice (36 weeks).
- You may find that your placement often extends beyond this period, due to the nature of work you're likely to do.
- If you successfully complete your placement and written report, you'll gain a Diploma of Professional Practice.
Year Four
- A dissertation and major design project will be intrinsic this year.
- You'll explore an area of interest through a coordinated project involving research, written critique and visual presentations.
- Your design proposals and project focus will address key elements such as: architecture and the environment; conceptual development and scheme design.
- Organising and taking part in a final-year exhibition will be a key part of your work.
How do you study?
The course is delivered through structured design project work, monitored weekly or fortnightly through study-group tutorials. These are designed to replicate the team meetings taking place in the commercial world of design. Tutorials normally comprise no more than eight students and are aimed at encouraging you to articulate your design proposal in an objective and critical way.
Key design skills, such as orthographic drawing, model-making and computer-aided design (CAD) are taught in slightly larger demonstration groups.
Other study involves:
- presentations
- 2D and 3D image generation and modelling
- essays
- seminar work
- a written dissertation.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout this course and based on coursework. A final year degree show also forms an important element of your overall mark.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
You can also read profiles of current students and recent graduates.
Specialist equipment and facilities
You'll have full access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities including workshops, laboratories, design studios and computer-aided (CAD) suites.
Course visits and trips
In Year Two, there are opportunities to take part in exchange visits to KBU College in Kuala Lumpur, the ICS College of Arts in Tokyo and European destinations. The course also has links with MBS, Crete and Pearl Academy in Delhi.
You'll also get to on national and international study visits to cities like Paris, Rotterdam, Edinburgh and New York
The course also features guest lectures by prominent members of the design profession.
Competitions and shows
Our students regularly enter competitions as part of their work or for the placement selection process. At the start of your final year, there are often competition briefs set to live design briefs from companies. Final-year students also have the chance to exhibit their work at graduate shows such as Free Range in London.
Taught in newly refurbished buildings
During the spring term of 2010 the newly refurbished Arkwright building, reopened as the home of BArch (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design and BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology studios.
This impressive building, designed by Hopkins, has undergone a multi-million pound regeneration and provides beautiful, light studio space and dedicated CAD rooms.
As part of this project the Newton building has also been completely transformed, offering students a brand new Student Services Centre, state-of-the-art lecture theatres and seminar rooms, and a range of social spaces.
97% of NTU BA Interior Architecture and Design graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving.*
Our Interior Architecture and Design graduates have gone on to work on challenging projects for international companies. Leading employers include:
- Atkins
- Conran Design
- Benoy
- CPMG Architects
- Dalziel + Pow
- David Jones (Sydney)
- Fitch
- Fosters and Co
- Lucid
- McConnell and Coutts (Massachusetts)
- M and W Zander (Singapore)
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Skidmore, Owen and Merrell (New York).
* of those available for work, DHLE survey 2009/10
Work placements
This course has the opportunity of extending your studies from three years full-time, to four years to include a year-long industrial placement. This will give you real, hands-on experience within the industry, opening up exciting opportunities for future employment.
For your placement year, there's a significant choice of prestigious UK and international architectural design companies to apply to, including:
- Dalziel and Pow
- Arcadia
- Child Graddon Lewis Ltd
- Swanke Hayden Connell Architects
- Atelier (New York)
- Area Once
- FourIV
- Evolution Design (Dubai)
- Shanghai Modern (Shanghai)
- Sawaya Moroni Spa (Italy).
Many students are offered full-time employment by their placement companies after graduating.
The School has a dedicated placement office who will assist you in securing a placement and guide you along the way providing everything you need to know before, during and afterwards.
Find out about the experiences our students had during their industrial placement year.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of 320 UCAS tariff points achieved from at least two full A-levels or equivalent qualification
- If you are not predicted an A or B at A-level in an Art and Design or Design and Technology subject you will be asked to submit examples of your creative and design ability.
- GCSE Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent qualification
- GCSE English at grade C or above, or equivalent qualification
- English entry requirements for International and EU students
If the qualifications you have, or are currently studying for, are not included above please take a look at the tariff table or contact us to find out whether they meet our minimum entry requirements.
How to apply
- Selection is through UCAS application form, and, where invited, interview and portfolio.
- If you are not predicted an A or B at A-level in an Art and Design or Design and Technology subject you will be asked to submit examples of your creative and design ability.
For more general information on the UCAS application process please visit the UCAS website.
English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
Pre-sessional English courses
We offer Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) courses from six to 30 weeks for students who need help achieving these requirements. Even if you have already met the minimum entry requirements you could still benefit, as many students do, from the study skills and orientation to the UK education system that is offered by a short PEAP course.
For more information on PEAP including dates, fees and English language entry requirements for these courses, please visit our website.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Mature students
At the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, we don't believe that age or experience should be a barrier to learning. We want mature students to feel part of our vibrant community and recognise the different support requirements they may have so we offer advice on a range of issues; from financial advice and childcare to academic issues. Our Student Support Officer can talk through any issues with you before you apply, during the application process or once you arrive.
Funding
We have a strong commitment to maintaining access for all to higher education. We recognise the need to invest financially in the future of our students, so we have introduced a system of bursaries aimed at enabling home students from lower income families to undertake a degree course. For information about Nottingham Trent University bursaries please visit Fees and Funding.
Open days
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the School on one of our open days. Our open days are an ideal opportunity for you to get a taste of Nottingham Trent University, and find out if it is the right place for you. You will be able to meet our staff and students, get an insight into student life, and find out more about the courses we offer.
Please book your place before you attend.
Find out more about our Architecture, Design and the Built Environment open days.
Any questions?
Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 941 8418
Admissions enquiries:
Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
