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Interior Architecture and Design MA

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Our Masters course in Interior Architecture and Design offers a multi-dimensional platform that explores and interrogates crucial discussions surrounding interior, spatial, and architectural design. Now more than ever this specialised intersection is essential to redefining how we interact with the worlds around us; from the immediately personal, to the collectively experiential.

Within the studio-centric culture you will have the opportunity to develop through a combination of explorative design projects and skill-based modules. Throughout the programme, you will work on a structured series of theoretical designs to investigate methodologies in context, focusing on the interrogation, manipulation, and definition of space.

Studio projects are introduced sequentially throughout the year and each one will examine differing scales, combinations, and typological genres within the thematic context of interior architecture and design. Across all projects, an emphasis on research is used as an informing platform for independent exploration and discussion, enabling varied and unique responses to each brief.

Who is this course designed for?

The course is tailored for graduates in the wider and associated field of interior architecture and design but is equally available to professionals and graduates of a related profession irrespective of background.

The course is fundamentally created for those share a passion in progressing architectural design and a desire to interrogate and develop the future of what the interior might be. It is a platform for expression, creativity, and crucial thinking alike, and we encourage everyone who joins the MA in Interior Architecture and Design to challenge the very nature of course itself.

Visit our Interior Architecture and Design Student Showcase, an online exhibition celebrating the work of our Class of 2022.

  • 100% of MA Interior Architecture and Design full-time students are employed or in further study 15 months after finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
  • 100% of Architecture students would recommend studying at Nottingham Trent University to others (PTES 2023).
  • 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).
  • 100% of MA Interior Architecture and Design students are satisfied with the quality of their course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2022)

What you’ll study

Unlike a conventional undergraduate programme, the Masters in Interior Architecture and Design is less prescriptive over the fundamental conventions associated with the discipline. Instead, the course focuses on enabling individuality through unique responses to interior-centric challenges. These are explored through the combination of design projects and skill-based supporting modules, which ensure a platform for growth.

Each design project offers an opportunity for examining thematic topics, in which particular personal interests can be expressed to expand the scope of the brief. It is encouraged that these topics and interests therefore combine to develop advanced design thinking, and the skills for solving a range of challenges.

The course is formed of six core modules, three of which are worth 40 credits each, and three worth 20 credits each.

The course is arranged into three blocks, studied over the course of the year. This structure will provide you with a foundation of skills and knowledge, and develop these over the course of the year, before you undertake your major study project at the final stage of the MA.

Within these modules there are opportunities to study industry-specific specialisms including spatial design, detailing, conservation and refurbishment. There is also the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects with students on other courses within the School.

Semester One

  • Design Studio 1 for Interior Architecture and Design (40 credits)
  • Design Communication for Interior Architecture and Design (20 credits)

Semester Two

  • Design Studio 2 for Interior Architecture and Design (40 credits)
  • Technical Communication for Interior Architecture and Design (20 credits)

Semester Three

  • Major Study Project (40 credits)
  • Research Methods for Interior Architecture and Design (20 credits)

Design Studio 1 for Interior Architecture and Design

  • Through a series of lectures and tutorials, you will be introduced to contemporary thinking in the fields of design and encouraged to think conceptually about the profession and its context.
  • You will develop an acute awareness for emerging practices in the design process, providing you with the knowledge to inform your design choices and thinking.
  • You’ll put your learning into practice through a focused project and with an emphasis on both digital and physical making, applying your knowledge of frameworks, materials, technologies and research methods in a practical context.

Design Communication for Interior Architecture and Design

  • This module will develop your existing knowledge, with content being tailored to your individual needs and interests in support of your Design Studio 1 project.
  • The core intentions of the module will introduce you to high-level methods and processes of design communication and encourage you to investigate and explore the details of how you take these further.
  • You will develop an adaptive ability to utilise communication tools, centering around computer-aided design and modelling, rendering and illustration, rapid prototyping, and virtual reality to communicate your design ideas at a professional and innovative standard.

Design Studio 2 for Interior Architecture and Design

  • Continuing the Design Studio thread, this module shifts the balance of the design process into a deeper investigation of research-led thinking. Once again focusing on a single project, the module interrogates the history of an architectural host and encourages open exploration of a responsive proposal for it.
  • The module aims to develop the skills and methods established in Design Studio 1, with the intention of imbuing an ability for adaptive thinking and design responses. Through intensive research-led considerations, the associated project subsequently emphasises an integral platform for justified conceptual integration.

Technical Communication for Interior Architecture and Design

  • Drawing on the exploratory work in Design Studio 2, this supporting module develops an understanding of technical communication and consideration, through the introduction of alternative perspectives on design within the Interior Architecture and Design field.
  • Explored through discussions and lectures by a variety of tutors, invited from both academia and industry alike, the module pursues challenges to consider and communicate various aspects of architectural technology and construction. Within the context of the Design Studio 2 project, the architectural host and proposed intervention become imbued with detail, through the application of explorative technological thinking.
  • In line with the Design Studio 2 project, the module expects and encourages an investigative approach to design thinking. Responses and rationales therefore become topics of discussion and experimentation, open for pushing innovation within the context of architectural research and development.

Major Study Project 

  • As the culminating section of the Design Studio thread, the Major Study Project provides a platform for individualistic expression and informed commentary on the status, and future, of Interior Architecture and Design.
  • Focusing intently on a self-directed thesis, the module centres around a single project in response to a differing annual topic. Project work is supported by experienced tutors, contributing with a range of backgrounds and expertise, to assist in investigating the ambitions and ideas of each project.
  • Using the combined skills of Design Studio 1 and Design Studio 2, the Major Study Project is expected to draw on the personal experiences, knowledge, ambitions, and questions raised throughout the course.

Research Methods for Interior Architecture and Design

  • Supporting the Major Study Project, this module is designed to delve further into the questions surrounding the Interior Architecture and Design discipline through rigorous and considered investigations.
  • Guided by a comprehensive team of tutors, all with varying specialisms and focuses, the research topics discussed will ultimately become unique to each student, with the intention of complementing the Major Study Project itself.
  • The module exposes a range of research methodologies, and builds on the curiosity of the previous projects, to encourage cohesive and investigative approaches.

Further information on what you'll study

Through our taught modules and applied design projects, you will:

  • develop and apply a reflective, systematic and investigative approach to both theoretical and practical design and technology
  • identify critically evaluate and apply knowledge of innovative technologies relevant to current issues in the built environment
  • evaluate the social, cultural, environmental and commercial context within which contemporary research, design and construction take place
  • take professional and ethical considerations into account in the development of key relationships between built environment stakeholders and the general public
  • work both individually and in groups, recognising the pivotal role of appropriate and effective communication as applied to built environment projects and scenarios.

By the completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • learn through reflection on experience, and demonstrate effective working practices using a broad range of measurable criteria in design, professional and technology applications
  • critically appraise and synthesise ideas about the built environment from a wide variety of sources
  • communicate ideas, concepts, plans and designs, using a variety of approaches including written, oral and computer-based presentations
  • undertake design and technical roles within a built environment team and exercise leadership.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Anastasia Karaspiliou

The student community at Nottingham Trent University is very active. There are so many societies and communities for anyone who wants to get involved.

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How you’re taught

How will I learn?

Course content is delivered through a range of methods throughout the year, including plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers and tutors discuss and build upon ideas. In addition to the design studio, you'll also utilise our model making workshop to produce large and small-scale prototypes, to test your design concepts.

Methods of teaching include:

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Critiques
  • Case studies
  • Workshops
  • Industry speakers
  • Directed and independent learning.

100% of MA Interior Architecture and Design students are satisfied with the quality of this course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2022)

Study trips

Field trips and study visits are an important part of your learning. Trips may include site visits and visits to practices, museums, exhibitions and events. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student. A valid passport and any associated visas will be required for trips outside of the UK.

Design studios

Your design studios are a big part of your learning and reflect the approach typically encountered in professional interior architecture and design practice. Collaboration is key as you study with your peers to address a range of creative approaches, moral, aesthetic, and theoretical positions related to your projects.

Study group tutorials

The study group tutorials are structured to replicate team meetings that are commonplace in design practices. Lecturers will provide teaching support in the studio as you apply your theoretical and practical skills to design projects. You're encouraged to articulate your design proposals in an objective and critical manner and to develop interpersonal communication skills which are invaluable to any walk of professional life.

Staff Profiles

Ben Price - Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Ben is the Course Leader for our MA: Interior Architecture and Design.

Ellen Thorogood - Principal Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Ellen's role within the Architecture department and the leadership of the Interior Architecture and Design team is to meet the demands of the undergraduate and postgraduate course provisions.

Douglas Gittens - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Douglas Gittens is a Senior Lecturer and Module Leader, contributing to a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules on BA and MA Interior Architecture and Design.

Dr Yousif Al-Daffaie - Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Yousif Al-Daffaie is a Lecturer in the School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Helen Hollis - Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment

Helen Hollis is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment who teaches on the Interior Architecture and Design courses

How you’re assessed

The ethos of combining theory and practice is strongly reflected in the nature of assessments. All assessment is coursework based, requiring you to undertake practical work, together with research and critical evaluation to demonstrate the link between theory and practice. The main assessment methods are:

  • individual and group-based design projects and reports
  • narrative and visually-based essays and reports
  • individual and group presentations

Careers and employability

This course is suitable for professionals working in a related industry looking to progress or specialise in their career, and for graduates with a related honours degree.

NTU is in the Top 5 for the percentage of Architecture graduates who are in graduate-level jobs or further HE or professional study within 15 months of graduating (joint 4th) (Guardian University Guide, 2023).

Where do MA Interior Architecture and Design graduates from NTU work?

The course’s multidisciplinary approach will open doors for you to work in a variety of roles within art, design and architectural practices.

Recent graduate roles have included interior designer, retail designer, and various other roles in design firms and consultancies in the UK and overseas.

Our MA Interior Architecture and Design course has been designed to maximise the employability prospects of our graduates, equipping you with professional skills as well as enhancing and developing your design skills, technical knowledge and ability to communicate your ideas.

Our Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.

Throughout the year, our Employability team runs a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. This includes the Property, Design and Construction Fair, where employers from all over the UK come to the University to advertise their graduate roles to our students.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From sustainable cities to smart and virtual heritage technologies, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

What's the difference between this course and a degree in interior design?

Our Interior Architecture and Design degree at NTU will enable you to discover how space can be formed, light can be controlled, and function and history can be considered, to create architectural space and interior environments that are beautiful and functional. A degree in interior design may include how to approach the styling of interior spaces and the applied decoration of them. On our course you'll develop key transferable skills and in practice your role will overlap with architecture, interior decoration and interior design.

Campus and facilities

Interior Architecture and Design facilities

From the studios to the workshops to the study centre and lecture halls, there is space and resource for everyone to work, learn and develop designs and projects.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.

Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Books and library resources

Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within Architecture. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.

Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

Bonington Art Shop

Our specialist in-house art shop is based in the Bonington building. Run by experienced and friendly University staff, the shop stocks a wide variety of arts and crafts materials to support your project work.

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant (cognate or semi-cognate) discipline, including, but not limited to: architecture, interior architecture and design, or building surveying.
  • Applicants with non-standard entry requirements and / or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

Work submission

If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital portfolio of your work to the University.

Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.

Advanced entry

NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

What are we looking for?

You will need one of the following:

  • 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant (cognate or semi-cognate) discipline, including, but not limited to: architecture, interior architecture and design, or building surveying.
  • Applicants with non-standard entry requirements and / or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.#

We specify these minimum entry requirements, but we will assess you individually on your ability to benefit from the course. We sometimes offer places on the basis of non-standard entry qualifications, and industrial or professional experience.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Your portfolio

If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital portfolio of your work to the University.

Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English Language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2024 entry

Study route Home (UK students) fees
Full-time (1 year) £9,700

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Alumni discount and scholarships

We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for September 2023 and January 2024 entry. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Find out more about our discount and scholarships.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it.

There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.

There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Please take a look at our postgraduate funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Additional costs

Printing: £300 (estimate) and model-making resources £250 (estimate). The School will provide you with simple model-making materials, grey card, brown card, and MDF baseboards.

In addition, most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential textbooks are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.

Students will also be expected to pay for any travel, accommodation and living costs if they choose to undertake work experience alongside their studies.

The substantive costs of all mandatory study trips on the course –including travel and accommodation –will be paid for by the School.  All other additional costs will need to be covered by the student.

The School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue, exhibition printing and set-up costs.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Fees for 2024 entry

Study routeEU and International fees
Full-time (1 year) £17,500

*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Additional costs

Printing: £300 (estimate) and model-making resources £250 (estimate). The School will provide you with simple model-making materials, grey card, brown card and MDF baseboards.

In addition, most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential textbooks are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.

Students will also be expected to pay for any travel, accommodation and living costs if they choose to undertake work experience alongside their studies.

The substantive costs of all mandatory study trips on the course –including travel and accommodation –will be paid for by the School.  All other additional costs will need to be covered by the student.

The School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue, exhibition printing and set-up costs.

Alumni discount and scholarships

We're happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and NTU alumni for September 2023. This discount is available for those starting on an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

We also offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Find out more about our discounts and scholarships.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees 

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

How to apply

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our postgraduate pages.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Work submission

If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital portfolio of your work to the University.

Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.

Good luck with your application!

Apply online through our NTU Applicant Portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Your portfolio

If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital portfolio of your work to the University.

Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

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