Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons)

Design and Professional Skills 1 (20 credit points)

• In this module, you will learn to conceptualise and communicate design ideas effectively using a variety of techniques.
• You’ll develop and apply concepts and proposals both independently and through collaborative group work, building skills in creative ideation and teamwork.
• You will have the opportunity to join as a student to the Chartered Society of Designers, you will start your CPD plan, invited to attend NTU Trent talks program and gain insights into employability, fairs and events.

Design and Technology 1 (20 credit points)

• You’ll learn to appraise, select, and implement appropriate technologies, materials, and structural elements while upholding ethical standards, professional responsibilities, and legal requirements in design.

Interior Architecture and Design in Context 1 (20 credit points)

• You’ll develop a critical understanding of the factors that shape design practice and learn to articulate research and analysis effectively in both written and design processes.

IAD Design Studio 1 (60 credit points)

• On this module you’ll generate and apply ideas, concepts, and proposals both independently and collaboratively, conveying your intentions effectively across visual, physical, recorded, written and verbal methods including ‘pin-up’ presentations.
• Through employer-led and simulated projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals, alongside building your portfolio to enrich your academic journey should you go directly into your Final Year or foster employment prospects should you choose to undertake a placement.

Design and Professional Skills 2 (20 credit points)

• Building on your Year One CPD (continuing Professional Development), you will combine learning in relation to employability from individual and team-based activities, the NTU talks program, experiences including mock interviews, job fairs, exchange and design events.
• You’ll refine 2D and 3D visual techniques, including CAD-based orthographic drawing, digital visualisation, and sustainable model-making materials, meeting professional conventions from design inception through to construction.

Design and Technology 2 (20 credit points)

• This module builds your understanding of construction principles, environmental impact, and material applications while meeting industry expectations for sustainable design.
• You’ll explore the impact of design choices at cultural, financial, and political levels and apply regulatory standards. Through collaborative learning and integrated studio sessions, you’ll communicate technical recommendations to peers and industry professionals.

Interior Architecture and Design in Context 2 (20 credit points)

• This module develops your critical response to theories related to 20th-century architecture, interiors, and urban design, examining the impact of diverse cultures and communities on design ideas and architectural legacies.

IAD Design Studio 2 (60 credit points)

• On this module, you’ll conceptualise and convey your ideas using various communication methods, and generate innovative solutions independently and collaboratively.
• Through employer-led and simulated projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals, aimed to replicate practice/work environment.  You will enhance your portfolio from Year One to prepare you for placement or your Final Year of study.
• You will review, select, and implement appropriate technologies, structural and interior elements, and materials while adhering to ethical working practices and professional responsibilities within the field.

Sandwich placement year

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement.

This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.

Recent placement destinations have included Benoy, KSS Architects, FITCH, L'Oreal, Hilton, and Dalziel & Pow, working in roles such as junior designer, assistant designer, interior architectural assistant, and more.

Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.

Study abroad

If you're studying on our sandwich route you can also opt to study abroad for a full academic year, or for a semester, during Year Three. This is an optional and additional period of study that complements your degree at NTU as an alternative to taking a work placement.

This is an exciting opportunity to experience a different national culture, teaching and learning styles and subjects in an international environment. The destination university must be a year abroad / exchange partner of NTU or member of a formally recognised scheme such as the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP).

Our NTU Global and student mobility team will support you in finding the right opportunity from one of the many international partners available around the world.

Successful completion of a period of international study will earn you a standalone award – an International Study Certificate (minimum six weeks) or the International Study Diploma (minimum 36 weeks).

Research Project (20 credit points)

• This module offers you the opportunity to explore a subject of personal interest, allowing you to conduct in-depth research on topical and relevant debates. You will negotiate your chosen topics with tutors and engage in collaborative research, enabling you to present your findings in a traditional narrative format or a mixed visual and narrative form using various technologies.

Design and Technology 3 (20 credit points)

• This module will help you develop effective strategies for thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, structure, and materials, all aimed at enhancing your understanding and responding to design briefs that complement your studio work.
• You will apply technical, environmental and sustainable practice-based and legislative knowledge that is relevant to your design process and apply it to the resolution of design challenges.

Design and Professional Skills 3 (20 credit points)

• This module helps to improve your skills in using 2D and 3D visual tools to share your design ideas. You’ll gain practical experience with software, visualisation techniques, and presentation methods to effectively show your creativity.
• Building on from your year 2 CPD (continuing Professional Development), you will include element of reflection with respect to future employability and career aspirations.

IAD Design Studio 3 (60 credit points)

• This module encourages you to think independently and reflect on your work. Through continuous iteration in the studio, you'll integrate research, synthesis, and evaluation of specific design issues, allowing you to develop and define your projects comprehensively. You’ll explore the connections between context, site, and function, as well as the social and political factors that influence your design.
• Through the projects, you’ll work effectively and collaboratively with peers and industry professionals.  You will participate in the NTU showcase to enable you to participate in networking and graduate opportunities.

Exhibiting as part of our Student Showcase

In your final year, you'll be invited to display your work as part of ADBE's Student Showcase. The events are an opportunity for all final year students studying across NTU's Art and Design-based courses to showcase their work to our network of industry professionals and prospective employers, invited specifically for this purpose.

Students on this course also have the opportunity to be selected to exhibit their work at external graduate shows in London. Along with other Interior Architecture and Design graduates from across the UK, you will present your work to industry and be in with a chance of winning industry-sponsored prizes, or securing a graduate role.