Our design-driven course will enable you to create innovative design solutions for interior spaces. Specialising in an area of personal interest within the course framework, you will become an architectural design innovator and problem solver, combining practical skills with spatial awareness, practical applications and function. This is a course with a multi-disciplinary approach, which considers the influence of art, culture, the humanities, society, economics and history on design. This broad approach will develop you as a conscious designer, responding in a creative and innovative manner.
This course is designed for professionals working in a related industry, or graduates with a related honours degree. You'll develop the skills and gain the experience to pursue a career in art, design and architectural practices. Recent graduate roles have included interior architect, interior designer, retail architect and roles in design firms and consultancies, both in the UK and overseas.
Why study this course?
- You'll develop your personal design style, supported by a University with a strong design heritage; NTU began life as the Nottingham Government School of Design in 1843. Your learning is also underpinned by the School’s significant expertise as a built environment educator.
- Study trips to live sites in the UK and abroad are included in your course fees, giving you the opportunity to gain design inspiration and experience international architectural practice.
- Benefit from our team of expert academic staff who have established links to industry and significant experience of working in practice.
- Showcase your work to visiting industry professionals and prospective employers at our annual NTU Degree Shows.
- Work in our inspiring RIBA award-winning buildings, offering industry-standard facilities and studios, including a dedicated model-making studio.
- Work to simulated briefs, designed to mimic the expectations of a range of clients, preparing you to work at a professional level on graduation.
- Hear from visiting experts; recent industry speakers have included a number of RIBA Stirling Awards prize winners.
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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.
Student profiles
What you'll study
This design driven course develops principles and techniques necessary for creating innovative design solutions to interior spaces. Specialising in an area of personal interest within the course framework, you will expand and develop advanced design thinking and the skills required for creating design, management and technological solutions to a range of challenges.
You will also gain a broad understanding of newly developing material technologies and related optional subject areas to enable you to exploit and maximise all design opportunities.
Course structure
The course is formed of six core modules, four of which are worth 20 credits, one worth 40 credits, and a major study project, worth 60 credits. The course is arranged into three blocks, studied over the course of the year - or over two years on the part-time route. 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.
| Semester One Weeks 1 - 15 | Semester Two Weeks 16-30 | Semester Three Weeks 31 - 45 |
|---|---|---|
Research Methods for Interior Architecture and Design | Technical Communication for Interior Architecture and Design 20 credits | Major Study Project for the Designed Environment 60 credits |
| Design Studio 1 for Interior Architecture and Design 20 credits | Design Studio 2 for Interior Architecture and Design 40 credits | |
Design Communication for Interior Architecture and Design |
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.
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Semester One module information
Research Methods for Interior Architecture and Design
20 credit points
Total contact hours: 42
Total non-contact hours:158- This module aims to equip you with the research methodologies, language, knowledge and skills, appropriate to an interior architect, focusing on design and applied management practices.
- You’ll be exposed to a broad range of traditional and contemporary research approaches, through a series of lectures and seminars, developing your critical awareness of existing research in the field, as well as providing you with the skills to reflect on your own personal design goals and aspirations.
- As part of this module, you will complete an initial learning agreement, reflecting on your profile as an interior architect or design manager to date. This will be revisited throughout the year to chart your progression in light of developing knowledge and multidisciplinary experience.
Design Studio 1 for Interior Architecture and Design
20 credit points
Total contact hours: 98
Total non-contact hours: 102- Through a series of lectures and tutorials, you’ll be introduced to current thinking in the fields of technology and design. This module is informed by NTU’s academic research, research within the field, professional practice and our links to industry.
- You will develop an acute awareness of the impact of culture and emerging practices on the design process, providing you with a depth of knowledge to inform your design choices.
- You’ll put your learning into practice through a series of projects and hands-on activities, applying your knowledge of frameworks, materials, technologies and research methods in a practical context.
Design Communication for Interior Architecture and Design
20 credit points
Total contact hours: 42
Total non-contact hours: 158- This module will support your existing knowledge and content will be tailored to your individual needs.
- The core purpose of the module is to introduce you to high-level methods and processes of design analysis.
- You’ll develop your ability to fully utilise communication tools, including computer-aided design and modelling, rendering and illustration, rapid prototyping, manufacturing and 3D workshops, to communicate your design ideas to a professional standard.
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Semester Two module information
Technical Communication for Interior Architecture and Design
20 credit points
Total contact hours: 42
Total non-contact hours: 158- Supporting your exploratory work in Design Studio 2, this project-based module aims to develop your understanding of technical communication, through the introduction of advanced software application.
- You will develop your understanding of the technical properties of material and your understanding of space, light, or any other technical area of interest that you propose.
- The projects forming this module will require you to propose innovative design solution, interfaces and/or systems within a built environment context, and promotes collaborative working, mimicking a professional studio environment.
Design Studio 2 for Interior Architecture and Design
40 credit points
Total contact hours: 98
Total non-contact hours: 302- This module provides experience of working on one exciting, individual exploratory project, within a specialist area of your choosing.
- Multi-disciplinary in nature, and with a strong design emphasis, the module aims to develop your conceptual, developmental, aesthetic and technological skills and practice, through intensive self-led research and development.
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Semester Three module information
Major Study Project for the Designed Environment
60 credit points
Total contact hours: 105
Total non-contact hours: 495- This module provides an opportunity to develop a design solution to a proposed built environment scheme or project. It is driven by the experiences and knowledge you will have gained in earlier modules, and is based on your chosen subject specialism.
- Self-directed, this design-based research project will challenge you to devise innovative design and technological solutions, resolving a complex design problem utilising a range of new, emerging and advanced technologies and materials.
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
Study at a University with a strong design heritage - NTU began life as the Nottingham Government School of Design in 1843
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
- Course content is delivered through a series of lectures throughout the year, supported by seminar groups - an open platform to discuss and build upon ideas. You'll also be expected to engage with field trips, live site visits and visits to exhibitions through the year to enhance your learning experience.
- 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.
Trips and study visits
Study trips to live sites in the UK and abroad are included in your course fees, giving you the opportunity to gain design inspiration and experience international architectural practice. Previous study trip destinations have included Amsterdam, Porto and London. You'll also have the chance to attend external seminars and lectures, as well as professional trade, art and cultural exhibitions in the UK.
MA Interior Architecture and Design students on a trip to Nottingham riverside
Assessment methods
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:
- narrative and visually based essays
- individual and group design projects and reports
- individual and group presentations
Study trips to live sites in the UK and abroad are included in your course fees
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
Our MA Interior Architecture and Design course has an outstanding reputation for producing employable graduates: 100% of our postgraduate architectural design students are in work or further study, just six months after graduating (DLHE, 2015-16).
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.
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.
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.
Recent graduate roles have included interior architect, interior designer, retail architect, in design firms and consultancies in the UK and overseas.
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. Find out more about the service.
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, such as the Property, Design and Construction Fair, offering employers the opportunity to advertise graduate roles to our students.
100% of our postgraduate architectural design students are in work or further study, just six months after graduation (DLHE, 2015-2016)
Facilities
Dedicated resource centre
Students in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment have access to a dedicated resource centre. This centre, based in the Maudslay building, enables students to undertake private study in a facility equipped with computers, large format plotters and desk space, together with journals and publications – both current and archived.
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.
Take a look at our full gallery of facilities for Architectural Design students.
Work in our inspiring RIBA award-winning buildings, offering industry-standard facilities and studios
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, or building surveying.
- Applicants with non-standard entry requirements and / or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Work submission
If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital design portfolio of your work to our NTU Applicant Portal. If you'd like to prepare your portfolio in advance here are some guidelines.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions team or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
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, or building surveying. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
- Applicants with non-standard entry requirements and / or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Work submission
If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital design portfolio of your work to our NTU Applicant Portal. If you'd like to prepare your portfolio in advance here are some guidelines.
English language entry requirements
- If you are an international applicant, you will require an English language qualification, normally an IELTS with a score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill). For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Help and support
If you have any questions about your qualifications or about making an application to the University please contact our international team for advice.
How to apply
Applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
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.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our Postgraduate guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Work submission
If your initial application is successful, you'll be asked to upload a digital design portfolio of your work to our NTU Applicant Portal. If you'd like to prepare your portfolio in advance here are some guidelines.
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 email applications@ntu.uk.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal. Apply for your as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step by step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Work submission
If your initial application is successful, you will be asked to upload a practical portfolio of your work to our NTU Applicant Portal. If you'd like to prepare your portfolio in advance here are some guidelines.
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 email applications@ntu.uk.
Good luck with your application!
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Fees and funding
Please note that these fees are for 2018 entry and are to be used for reference only. The amounts stated below will increase each year in line with inflation. 2019-entry fees will be released in early 2019.
Fees for 2018 entry
| Study route | Home (UK/EU students) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,800 per year | £13,250 per year |
| Part-time (cost per year of study) | £3,900 per year | £6,625 per year |
Funding your studies
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.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. 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.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Please note that these fees are for 2018 entry and are to be used for reference only. The amounts stated below will increase each year in line with inflation. 2019-entry fees will be released in early 2019.
Fees for 2018 entry
| Study route | Home (UK/EU students) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,800 per year | £13,250 per year |
| Part-time (cost per year of study) | £3,900 per year | £6,625 per year |
Funding your studies
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by calling +44 (0)115 848 2494.
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