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Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): W250 (with placement year) / K1W2 (full-time)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Four years full-time with placement year, three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Dynamic, creative and hands-on, this course will equip you with the skills to create spaces that are beautiful, functional and sustainable.
You'll explore the design and development of internal environments in relation to their overall architectural composition, considering form, structure and light. Through exciting and hands-on module content, you'll develop your identity as a designer and gain key transferable skills that will prepare you for a successful graduate career in architectural design, interior decoration and interior design.
Best of all, you'll be based in our Grade II* listed Gothic Revival style Arkwright building with access to a studio culture that reflects modern practice. It's an environment that challenges you to work collaboratively, share experiences and experiment with your ideas.
You’ll also get the opportunity to work on live design projects, with creative briefs from real clients.
Explore our 2022 NTU Architecture Showcase, celebrating the work of our Final Year students.
Compare our courses to find out how this course differs from BArch (Hons) Architecture and BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology.
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NTU is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Architecture graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2023). -
97% of our Architecture sandwich undergraduates with a first degree are in a ‘High Skilled’ role 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20). -
Gain vital experience by undertaking a placement on our sandwich route. Previous students have worked at award-winning companies such as BDP, Dalziel & Pow, FITCH, Foster + Partners and Tom Dixon Studio. -
Hear visiting industry experts deliver talks about their work. Previous visitors have worked at companies such as Stanton Williams, Hawkins\Brown, Benoy, Grid Architects, and the National Trust.
How does this course differ from our BArch (Hons) Architecture and BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology?
Main image: work by Olivia Whitcomb, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
What you’ll study
Our course is designed to help you develop the key skills needed for a career in interior architectural design.
Modules you will study include:
In Year One, you'll become familiar with the principles of architectural and interior design. You'll develop your knowledge of design function and explore the social contexts in which design operates. Through your Design Studio module and applied project work, you'll develop fundamental design skills in creative communication and drawing that will underpin your studies.
Design Studio 1 (60 credits)
- This studio-based module will introduce you to a range of design principles, encouraging you to explore through a series of design projects.
- Through the development of scale models and orthographic drawing, you'll explore three-dimensional form, space and order.
Design Communication 1 (20 credits)
- This studio-based module is designed to help you communicate your design ideas, introducing you to a range of visualisation techniques using traditional and digital media. You'll learn about 2D and 3D methods and techniques, including orthographic drawing by hand, using digital media, and model making.
- You'll learn about the professional conventions and standards used for the communication of a design idea, from inception through to construction.
- These critical and fundamental skills establish the foundation of your knowledge, which will extend throughout your degree programme.
Technical Studies 1 (20 credits)
- This module is an introduction to the structural principles behind buildings. You'll look at the range of technical, practical and environmental principles involved in the making of buildings, and begin to develop an understanding of the impact buildings and their construction can have on the user's experience.
- You'll study various building materials and their characteristics, looking at design issues that relate to structure and function.
Interior Architecture in Context 1 (20 credits)
- This module looks at how wider social issues – such as politics, the economy and technology – influence interior architecture, both throughout history and in current times.
- You'll learn to recognise and engage with architectural responses to these influences, by studying a variety of historical and cultural themes within an architectural framework.
In Year Two, your modules will challenge you to explore your creative design practice through inspiring projects set in increasingly complex contexts. Your projects will concentrate on the overall understanding, organisation, and realisation of schemes, and introduce you to materials and detailing. You'll develop your professional and technical skills through live projects, and further delve into the cultural, social, political and economic contexts of design.
Design Studio 2 (60 credits)
- This module will extend the studio work from Year One, engaging with a range of building types and sizes.
- You'll consider structural, material, environmental and experiential issues, working to detailed briefs. You'll also have the opportunity to develop design proposals that consider very specific issues, including ergonomic needs, finishes and materials, within a focused small-scale design to large-scale project.
Professional Studies & Design Communication 2 (20 credits)
- This lecture and studio-based module will develop your orthographic drawing skills, using specific CAD software, visualisation techniques, and digital media.
- The module works in tandem with Design Studio 2, exploring communication techniques in 2D and 3D, to meet professional conventions and standards, through multiple projects and short tasks.
- You'll also develop a professional CV as part of the module to help obtain a professional placement in Year Three, and as preparation for graduate roles.
Technical Studies 2 (20 credits)
- Throughout this module, you'll look at a range of building elements including foundations, walls, floors and roofs, and interior elements such as lighting materials, exploring the various types and functions.
- You'll also develop your appreciation of a range of building materials, learning about their characteristics and application, services, common details, fixtures, fittings and fastenings.
- This module will develop and apply your knowledge of construction regulations, and their consequences on the design and development of an interior architecture project.
Interior Architecture in Context 2 (20 credits)
- The module aims to develop your understanding of, and critical response to, contemporary and emerging debates in architecture and urban design - both locally and globally.
- You'll explore issues of cultural diversity and the impact this has on the built environment, identifying the needs, perceptions and values of specific cultural communities.
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, The Body Shop, 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).
Your Final Year is focused on you. It provides you the opportunity to undertake a design project defined by you and agreed with your tutors. You'll develop your own briefs and strategies and respond creatively through an integrated design proposal. At this level you're expected to respond holistically to the architectural and environmental context, building brief, scheme design and its conceptual framework, and communicate your ideas at a detailed level.
Design Studio 3 (60 credits)
- This self-led module will enable you to explore a subject of interest in depth, both visually and through a series of progressively more detailed design documents.
- The project provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your personal design ethos, in generating a complex response to a contemporary design problem.
Design Communication 3 (20 credits)
- Building on Design Communication 2 in Year Two, you will develop your orthographic (or language) drawing to an advanced level, using a range of different media.
Technical Studies 3 (20 credits)
- This main focus for this module will be the project developed within the Design Studio module, enabling you to integrate research and technological issues, such as acoustics, lighting, structure and material studies, into your designs.
- You will develop your knowledge of construction, materials, structure, envelope and environmental design, and the consideration and implementation of building services and environmental technologies.
Research Project (20 credits)
- This module gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of personal interest. Through a thorough research investigation, you'll present findings on topics and debates of significance, constructing a developed argument through critical debate and analysis.
- You'll present your findings either in a traditional narrative-based format, or through mixed visual and narrative form.
Exhibiting as part of our Degree Shows
In your final year, you'll be invited to display your work as part of NTU's Degree Shows. 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.
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
- You'll spend approximately 10 hours per week in scheduled learning. Course content is delivered through lectures, studio projects, and live briefs. Study group tutorials replicate the team meetings often found in design practices. You'll also be involved in self-directed project work with the support of NOW, our virtual learning environment.
- Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll undertake self-direct independent study including preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, developing a portfolio, and directed reading to expand your knowledge.
The course has elements of both Interior Design and Architecture. We combine these two disciplines to reflect the nature of the industry. As an Interior Designer today, having an understanding of architecture puts you at an advantage and this makes our students highly desirable upon graduation.
We are often asked how mathematical the course is – mathematics is not a focus on this course as Interior Designers and Architects working in the industry today often work with engineers and software that cover this aspect.
Live projects
We provide opportunities for you to engage with industry throughout your studies, and coursework projects are a great way to apply your skills and showcase your capabilities.
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.
Contact hours
| Year One | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 32% | Independent study | 68% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 31% | Independent study | 69% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||
| Year Four | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 31% | Independent study | 69% |
As well as lectures, workshops and seminars, you’ll benefit from 1-2-1 sessions with tutors and specialist surgeries to get support and advice.
How you’re assessed
You'll be assessed via coursework, consisting of individual projects, presentations, and a portfolio.
| Year One | Coursework | 100% |
|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Coursework | 100% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |
| Year Four | Coursework | 100% |
Careers and employability
Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the interior architecture and design industry. Through working on real projects from industry, field work, and regularly updated course content, you'll be equipped with the skills and experience to carry with you for the rest of your professional career.
Where do Interior Architecture and Design graduates from NTU work?
NTU has a strong architecture alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies. Recent graduate roles include interior designers, junior designers and consultants, at companies including:
- Benoy
- Foster + Partners
- BDP
- Tom Dixon Studio
- Dalziel & Pow
- FITCH
- Atelier New York
- Macaulay Sinclair
- Argent
- Leonard Design Architects
- HLW International
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, they run a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. Our Architecture Exchange event brings together current students and prospective employers for an evening of presentations, table discussions and networking. We also run a Built Environment Careers Fair, offering employers the opportunity to advertise graduate roles to our final year students.
Excellent placement opportunities
By choosing our sandwich (four-year) route, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement during your studies, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience within the industry. The majority of placement students receive a salary.
NTU is 1st for the number of UG students studying Architecture, building and planning (HESA, 2021/22)
Gain an extra professional qualification
Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.
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 our students are doing now
Showcase 2022 Student Spotlight: Samantha Maharaj
Student Spotlight featuring BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design student, Samantha Maharaj and her project, Records of Restoration.
Showcase 2022 Student Spotlight: Vladimir Caraso
Gedling Borough Council gets a makeover from second year BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design students
Campus and facilities
Historic setting, modern practice
As an Interior Architecture and Design student you'll have full access to our dedicated studio space, based in our Grade II* listed Gothic Revival Style Arkwright building. This is where you'll spend the majority of your time studying, supported by our expert team of academic and technical staff.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Other requirements
*If you're studying a relevant creative qualification and predicted a Grade B or above in that subject, you won't be required to submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Accepted creative subjects in this instance include A-level Art or a UAL Extended Diploma.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4
Other requirements
*If you're studying A-levels – or an equivalent UK qualification – and predicted a Grade B in an accepted creative subject then you won't be required to submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Accepted creative subjects in this instance include A-level Art or a UAL Extended Diploma.
If you're studying an international qualification then we'll need to see your digital portfolio to assess your suitability for the course.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation 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:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in Year Two or Three)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
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
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, that’s why we’re here to help. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for lots of handy advice and guidance.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
However you should be aware that students on this course may incur some additional costs as follows:
- Year 1: Drawing equipment £100 (estimate), printing £100 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year One to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities. You will have access to MDF drawing boards for your Design Communication Module.
- Year 2: Printing £250 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year Two to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities.
- Year 3: Printing £300 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in your Final Year to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities.
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Degree Show
In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- £100 print and materials credit for each year of your course (for a maximum of three years). You’ll be able to spend this at our Bonington art shop, fully stocked with a wide range of art and design materials at student-friendly prices, and at our School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment workshops and print facilities.
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
- £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Tuition fees for September 2023 entry
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
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:
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
However you should be aware that students on this course may incur some additional costs as follows:
- Year 1: Drawing equipment £100 (estimate), printing £100 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year One to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities. You will have access to MDF drawing boards for your Design Communication Module.
- Year 2: Printing £250 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in Year Two to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities.
- Year 3: Printing £300 (estimate) and model making resources £100 (estimate). The School will provide you with £100 worth of print/materials credit on your student card in your Final Year to use in our Bonington art shop (City Campus), school workshops and school printing facilities.
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Degree Show
In Final Year, the School will provide infrastructure costs for your Degree Show, including course catalogue and exhibition set-up costs. If you’re selected to exhibit your work at a graduate show in London, the School will cover the cost of transporting your work, the exhibition stand and event set-up.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- £100 print and materials credit for each year of your course (for a maximum of three years). You’ll be able to spend this at our Bonington art shop, fully stocked with a wide range of art and design materials at student-friendly prices, and at our School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment workshops and print facilities.
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
- £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
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
Apply through UCAS.
As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.
If your initial application is successful, we’ll then ask you to submit a digital portfolio*.
Your portfolio is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your potential as a designer. Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.
*If you're studying a relevant creative qualification and predicted a Grade B or above in that subject, you won't be required to submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Accepted creative subjects in this instance include A-level Art or a UAL Extended Diploma.
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.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
You can apply for this course through UCAS.
If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on 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, we’ll then ask you to submit a digital portfolio*.
Your portfolio is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your potential as a designer. Take a look at our digital portfolio advice.
*If you're studying a relevant creative qualification and predicted a Grade B or above in that subject, you won't be required to submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Accepted creative subjects in this instance include A-level Art or a UAL Extended Diploma.
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.