BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: W251
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112-120	BBC-BBB - Including formal or informal qualifications in Art or Design	DMM-DDM

Additional requirements

Access course: Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit.
Portfolio: Presentation of an acceptable portfolio of artwork.
IB requirements: 112-120 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
112 - 120	BBC - BBB - creative subjects preferred	DMM - DDM	Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit	112 - 120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Portfolio: Presentation of an acceptable portfolio of artwork.

IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

We are a member of the Interior Educators Group and are ranked 10th in the country in the design and crafts section of the Guardian's 2017 University League Tables.

Why choose this course?

Design for Happiness, making the world a better place to live, learn, work, and play
Exploration interior architectural design in XR and the metaverse
Gain real world experience on live industry projects

The programme’s vision is Design For Happiness. If you have a passion for design and want to make a positive impact on the world, our BA Interior Architecture and Design programme is the perfect fit for you! With a focus on Design for Happiness, our curriculum is designed to help you create spaces that enhance people's lives and promote wellbeing
From the focus on the social and cultural impacts of our practice to the cutting-edge technology like the metaverse and XR, we'll teach you the skills you need to become a design innovator. Our graduates are equipped to make a positive impact on the world, shaping the future of design and creating spaces that make a difference. Join our programme and become part of a community of designers who are committed to creating a world that's not only beautiful but also functional, efficient and joyful
Interior Architecture and Design students have participated in live projects with a number of commercial partners including Letchworth Garden City urban regeneration, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange, The Forum Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and St Albans Museums
The degree focuses on working with existing buildings and spaces and exploring different possibilities for habitation
Graduates from the course are eligible for associate membership to professional institutions such as: The British Interior Design Association, The Society of British Interior Design and The Chartered Society of Designer.

Read our blog to find out more.

What's the course about?

This course specialises in the design and production of immersive, innovative and surprising interior spaces. You will have the opportunity to design and think between the digital and the physical worlds. Virtual and augmented reality are mixed with physical making and prototyping skills, which enables you to think about design with an open mind and challenge you to communicate your ideas in the most exciting ways. There’s great emphasis on the understanding and use of materials as you explore surface design and detailing.

Throughout the course you’ll work with existing buildings and conditions, producing refit, refurbishment, retrofit, re-use and place-making designs. As you progress, you’ll develop an expertise in producing impressive drawings, images and models, as you not only design functional, contemporary and innovative interiors, but – above all else – create immersive atmospheres.

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Lectures, Workshops, Seminars, Field Trips, Group and Individual Tutorials, Critiques, Live Pitches with Clients/ Industry Panels.

The Interior Architecture and Design degree will develop your knowledge, skills and techniques of Interior Architecture and Design, to broaden and deepen your understanding of and competency in Interior Architecture and Design. Students are encouraged to engage with some key contemporary issues and learn to develop their design exploration and experimentation, to be more self-directed in their design processes and to produce coherent and more complex design resolutions.

This degree will introduce students to thinking about the "interior" as a space of intersecting environments within an urban realm. Interior Architecture is explored as the engagement with and adaptation and transformation of the existing built fabric across both inside and outside spaces, generating ideas from a critical engagement with occupation, material form, site context and culture.

You will develop proficiency in a wide range of communication and technical skills from hand drawings, physical model making, CAD drawings and knowledge of structure, construction, materials and detailing. Learn how to observe, analyse, represent and communicate the qualities of existing spaces, adapt and improve existing building fabrics. In addition, a Critical and Cultural Studies modules offer the opportunity for students to acquire the theoretic and historic knowledge of the discipline while exploring a particular contemporary issues in depth.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Skills 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students are introduced to the basic tools and techniques of manual drafting, model making, surveying, CAD skills, and other medias to assist in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas. Through lectures, seminars, workshops and independent study time, various forms of 2D and 3D manual and digital representation and development are explored and applied to students design projects.
Contextualising Practice 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will be introduced to the general critical, cultural, and technological aspects of interior architecture, and be provided with a fundamental framework for the overall comprehension of the profession. Through the study of its evolution and the influence of culture and technology, students will be introduced to the History of Interior Architectural Design with a focus on key and defining periods. The module contextualises the profession by showing how cultural and technological aspects have been influential on the profession as well as on its practices and outputs. Writing and discussion are central skills to individual professional development, and this module enables student to learn using a range of related skills to enable them to formulate and articulate their opinions geared towards discussion, researching for and structuring an essay, evaluating texts, critical reading, and an understanding of the basic academic conventions related to essay writing.
Technology 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to the fundamentals of building technology, specifically in relation to structure, construction, material selection; fabrication; interior environment; occupant comfort; and sustainability. Through a series of structured lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations, workshop-based activities and personal research, students are introduced to the core principles of building technology, and to a range of technological solutions relevant to interior architecture and design projects. The module provides methodologies to identify and analyse the technology of existing buildings through site and building analysis, and to demonstrate awareness of a range of technological solutions in precedent buildings. The module is closely linked to the Design Studio 1 module and supports students to develop and analyse aspects of their Design Studio projects in relation to building technology through a variety of techniques, which may include written responses, analytical drawing, model making, material experimentation, and fabrication, as appropriate.
Design Studio 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
Design is about the objects and spaces that make up our everyday lives. This module enables students to analyse the inter-relationships between context and design through a series of studies and activities, both real and imagined. Students will be introduced to use a variety of techniques to map how individual characters and activities interact with the material, environmental, sensual, emotional, functional and cultural qualities of a specific space, object and situation and then develop a small proposal within an existing context. The module introduces the basics of design as a dynamic process of investigation and analysis. This involves analysing situations, exploring ideas, experimentation, testing and development and the representation and communication of a realistic, creative, elegant and appropriate design proposal.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Contextualising Practice 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
Taking the view that writing and discussion are central skills to professional development, the module encourages the view that critical evaluation through writing and discussion is an essential part of well-informed practice. The module enables the advancement of student knowledge and individual exploration of the critical and cultural aspects of interior architecture, and integrate and situate the module within their education. The module reflects upon aspects of design studio, synthesising with as well as utilising and examining themes developed there and reflecting on its position within an historical frame as it seeks to reinforce knowledge of key and defining periods.
Technology 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module explores the application of building technology in interior architecture and design projects, and specifically in relation to matters of structure, construction, material selection; fabrication; interior environment; occupant comfort; and sustainability. The module also introduces students to key legislative, regulatory, organisational, and cost factors relevant to interior architecture and design, including requirements relating to the Planning system, Building Regulations and other relevant legislation. The module is delivered through a series of structured lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations, workshop-based activities which may involve material experimentation and model making, and personal research, as appropriate. The module is closely linked to the Design Studio 2 module. It supports students to identify and integrate appropriate technological solutions in their Design Studio projects; and to show understanding of the impact of legislative, regulatory, organisational, and cost factors on their designs.
Design Skills 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module, in support of Design Studio 2, seeks to develop students knowledge of existing design tools. Students will be introduced to the metaverse and other digital environments. Through a series of lectures, practical demonstrations and workshops, students will be asked to explore the different media to communicate their design intentions. Students have the opportunities to consider and implement various methods of notation, annotation and documentation using conventional, computer or other related methodologies. This module will also introduce professional practice, which equip students with the knowledge and experience to begin their career in industry. They are enabled to learn how to conduct industry research, write a creative CV, compile a comprehension physical and online portfolio, and build their digital identities. They also have the opportunities to take part in the alumni mentoring scheme, where students will have the opportunity to be mentored by individuals who have successfully completed the course.
Design Studio 2	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the societal aspects of interior architecture. It considers the relationship between people and buildings and how users perceive, understand and experience the built environment, with focus on the interior space. This module explores interiors within their environment and provides students with an understanding of the consequence of their design for people. Students have the opportunities to investigate the role of public buildings and spaces and their meaning in the culture of the city. This module includes aspects of people's needs, scale, people's flow, permeability and resilience. Projects will generally be set within an existing public building and focus on the design of a public space. Students will be required to draw out conceptual ideas from a study of specific historical, social and physical aspects of the given building and develop their work to produce a final design in response to a brief. The module brings together aspects from previous studies and requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have already learnt into a consistent design proposal.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Optional
The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 36 weeks (from a maximum of two separate placements, neither of which should normally be less than 12 weeks in duration), though may be sustained for a full year. While the School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

James J Igbafe

Meet James. James completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Herts and has since embarked on a career as an Architectural Designer.

Current job role	Architectural Designer / RIBA Part Two
Year of graduation	2017, 2021
Course of study	BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design, M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism

A picture of James J Igbafe at their desk

James first studied BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at Herts, graduating in 2017. He says, ‘The course was structured well and engaging. At the time, the University was introducing changes to their studios, which made the experience of studying there even better.’

Before he completed his bachelor’s degree, he was awarded Student of the Year by the School of Creative Arts for his commitment to learning, his willingness to help others succeed, and his positive attitude.

Balancing a master’s degree and full-time work

He describes returning to Herts to study M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism as a ‘no-brainer’. He was already in employment, and says it was easy to manage his academic work around a full-time job due to the structure of the course. He adds, ‘It was clear from the start what I’d get with the M.Arch course, and I knew from my bachelor’s degree that the University had the relevant resources. Not only that, but my tutors had also taught at other prestigious architecture institutions, so are well experienced.’

Valuable on-site experience

James says that the first year of his master’s was the most memorable, as he took part in group projects and visits to construction sites. He says, ‘These visits provided me with a greater understanding of what to expect in a professional and construction setting, building on what I had already learnt in industry. These opportunities also allowed me to explore my creativity, and I have used what I learnt at site visits during the concept development stages of my work.’

James visited a construction site for one of his site visits where a trade yard in Shoreditch, London, was being demolished to make room for a co-living/co-working building. He says, 'We were able to ask questions, conduct a thorough site analysis, and had the opportunity to further ask the accompanying tutor questions over a drink by the canal.'

James is working towards earning his chartered registered architect status with the RIBA/ARB by completing the Part Three Study in Architecture Postgraduate Diploma & Professional Practice.

His advice

James’ advice to current and future Herts students is to always continue learning. He says, ‘Never get comfortable. Well-rounded and knowledgeable graduates are attractive to employers. Challenge the ‘norm’ - be creative and enthusiastic about the work you produce.

‘Management skills are also key for future architects, as at some point you will run projects through from start to finish. Therefore, you need to learn how to prioritise your time and manage colleagues well.’

Alumni Stories

Beyza Kayali

Meet Beyza. After completing an undergraduate degree at Herts, Beyza found her first role through the University’s online careers platform. To power her development, she has chosen to complete her postgraduate degree at Herts too.

Read more stories BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Current job role	Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) Interior Designer at a central London design company
Year of graduation	2021
Course of study	BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Choosing Herts

Beyza’s brother inspired her to study at Herts. He had already chosen a course here, and the School of Creative Arts’ strong international reputation persuaded her to apply to Herts too. Beyza adds, ‘The University is very diverse, and this was an important factor for me choosing to study here.’

Earning a Go Herts Award

Beyza found her course challenging, but interesting to study. She also built strong relationships with her tutors.

Some of her favourite memories from Herts were spending every day during her final assignments in the University’s Learning Resources Centres with friends, and the deep conversations they used to have when they had group assignments together.

She also became a Student Representative for her course in her second year and then went on to become a School Community Organiser for the School of Creative Arts in her final year. Beyza also contributed to the School of Creative Arts’ Student Society. She says, ‘All my voluntary roles and extra-curricular activities counted towards my Gold Go Herts Award, and they were something I enjoyed doing too. The award was just a nice bonus!’

Becoming an interior designer

Beyza is now an FF&E Interior Designer for a London-based design company. She says, ‘My course prepared me well for this role, from learning certain types of software, to how to create design schedules.’

Beyza found her first job after Herts through Handshake, the University’s online careers platform. She adds, ‘My first job after graduating was at a construction company in Hatfield, not far from the University’s campus. I made great connections there and learnt a lot.’

Her ambition is to become an experienced Senior Designer, who can make her mark on the industry through her sustainable creations. To achieve her goals, she has started studying MA Interior Architecture and Design part-time at Herts, where she is able to explore the topic of sustainability in design and construction further.

Her advice to current and future Herts students is to, ‘Take it easy and enjoy your time at Herts. Stay in touch with your tutors too, as they may have great connections for your future work!’

What's next for my career?
You will gain the transferable skills which will enable you to respond to current and future career challenges. Create opportunities for live projects and work placements in the industry. The course will equip you with career development skills to work professionally in the disciplines related to interior architecture and design and contribute creatively in a variety of roles, working independently and as part of multidisciplinary design teams.

This course will prepare you for a variety of careers. Our Interior Architecture and Design graduates have gone on to work as:
- Interior Designer
- Visual Merchandise and Commercial Display Designer
- Museum & Exhibition Designer
- Model Maker
- Renderer
- Theatre Designer
- Project Coordinators
- Design business start-up
- Design Journalist
- Design Teacher
Interior architects and designers can work on new construction projects or within existing buildings, as an individual practitioner or entrepreneur, within an architectural or interior design company, or as part of a multi-disciplinary design consultancy. With the opportunity to move into areas such as retail design and display, production design for stage, film or television, exhibition design, event design, styling of photo shoots, or virtual environments, interactive design and game design. There is work on small-scale domestic schemes for individual clients or be involved in large corporate identity and branding projects. The Interior Architecture and Design programme enables you to explore the design possibilities of these different areas, to develop your own position as a designer and help them achieve their personal and career development plans.

You’ll be well equipped for a job in the creative industries, whether you choose to specialise in interior architecture and design or move into a more multidisciplinary role. Many graduates have been offered jobs from leading companies, such as Foster + Partners. You’ll also be eligible for membership of several professional institutions.

The School of Creative Arts works closely with industry such as the Hertfordshire Associates of Architects, Wilkinson Eyre, Zaha Hadid Architects, Sir Robert McAlphine, Morgan Sindalls Architects, TP Bennetts and many more. You’ll benefit from industry lectures, workshops, critical feedback and awards activities with these companies. Additionally, we have a strong relationship with Denton Associates, which is the longest established design and build company in London. Every year on the course we run an ongoing graduate employment scheme with the company, offering many permanent job opportunities to our graduates.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend career and employment events that happen twice a year, where UK design companies provide internship opportunities, part time positions, portfolio review and interview experiences. Many previous students have gained work experience after attending the events.

The course will prepare you to enter and to deal with changes in the design industry with confidence. You will learn portfolio preparation, interview technique, professional etiquettes, freelancing, contracts, project costing, business budgeting, studio management and how to promote your business on different platforms and social media.

Gain experience by immersing yourself in different cultures and explore the world of design. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and work on collaborative projects with our international partners in Tokyo, New York, Canada, Sri Lanka, Athens, Berlin and Copenhagen. We also run an international multi-disciplinary project with our New York partner on campus, so you can participate and achieve a real booster project to your portfolio.
View our Alumni profiles

James J Igbafe Beyza Kayali
Key staff

Erica Liu
Programme Leader for Interior Architecture & Design. Erica has over 10 years of experience in the far east as an interior and exhibition designer. Her projects have also won 33 national awards.
Find out more about Erica Liu
Giuseppina Giuffrida
Giuseppina is module leader of Technology and Design Studio (IAD) for the first year. She is an architect and interior designer whose experience in residential and commercial design roots in a strong connection with leading brands of the design industry.
Silvio Carta
Architect and Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture and Design. His studies have focused on contemporary architecture, digital design, architectural criticism, as well as research and analysis.

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 6 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Part Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1155 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Part time
- £1940 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year
In addition to the fees there are some compulsory course attached to this course:

Year 1
Materials kit; paper, card, modelling materials, drawing equipment, materials for making: £120 - £160
Periodicals/magazines: £60 - £120
Field trips, site visits: £80 - £100

Year 2
Materials kit; paper, card, modelling materials, drawing equipment, materials for making: £150 - £250
Field trips, site visits: £80 - £100

Year 3
Degree shows & materials: £200 - £300
Professional portfolio / Design show Printing, Final Model, models: £100 - £180
Field trips, site visits: £80 - £100

*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Book a campus tour

Get info and updates

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: W251

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance.

Student Blogs

What I love most about my course.

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts.

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet James. James completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Herts and has since embarked on a career as an Architectural Designer.

Balancing a master’s degree and full-time work

Valuable on-site experience

His advice

Alumni Stories

Meet Beyza. After completing an undergraduate degree at Herts, Beyza found her first role through the University’s online careers platform. To power her development, she has chosen to complete her postgraduate degree at Herts too.

Choosing Herts

Earning a Go Herts Award

Becoming an interior designer

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

Part time

EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students

Full time

Part time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  