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The Bachelor of Interior Design at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is a professional, studio-based degree that teaches students to create functional, aesthetic, and human-centred interior environments. It suits creative individuals who want to combine artistic design with technical proficiency in space planning, materials, lighting, and sustainable design to prepare for careers in interior design and related disciplines.
Curriculum structure
Year 1:
Students begin with foundational modules such as Design Studio I & II, Visual Communication for Interior Design, and History of Interior Environments I, where they develop basic design thinking, drawing and digital representation skills. These courses introduce spatial concepts and the language of interior design, laying the groundwork for more complex design projects.
Year 2:
The second year builds technical and environmental understanding through Design Studio III & IV, Materials and Finishes, and Human Factors in Interior Design. Students explore how materials, ergonomics, and user experience influence space planning and design, and refine their technical detailing and presentation abilities.
Year 3:
In the third year, students engage with Environmental Systems and Lighting Design, Interior Detailing and Specifications, and Design Studio V & VI, which integrate functional systems, lighting strategies, and advanced design development. Design studios now address complex commercial, residential, and institutional spaces with attention to sustainability and performance.
Year 4:
The final year centres on Capstone Interior Design Project, Professional Practice and Ethics, and elective studios such as Retail or Hospitality Design. Students demonstrate comprehensive design solutions that synthesise creative, technical, and professional knowledge, preparing them for industry challenges and independent practice.
Focus areas:
Interior architecture; space planning; materials and finishes; lighting and environmental systems; human factors; technical detailing; professional practice.
Learning outcomes:
Develop creative and functional interior design solutions; apply technical and sustainable design knowledge; integrate lighting and environmental systems; communicate design through drawings, models and digital media; understand professional and ethical practice.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Aligned with professional interior design education standards, preparing graduates for roles in design firms, consultancy practices, project management, and advanced study in interior and environmental design.
Reputation (employability rankings):
American University of Sharjah is consistently recognised as a leading institution in the region for design and architecture disciplines, with strong student outcomes and industry engagement supporting graduate employability in design, architecture, and related creative sectors.
The program's experiential learning is structured around the following specific components:
Core Design Studio Culture: The design studio is the primary learning environment. Students from all three years work alongside each other in these dedicated spaces, which are used for drawing, model making, fabrication, and collaborative discussion.
Project-Based Assessment: Students are assessed through a variety of practical work, including individual and group project work, presentations, portfolio development, and a culminating major design project.
Industry-Linked Projects: Students have opportunities to work on live design projects in the local city and region, creating work with real community impact. Design work is also reviewed by guest architects and critics from the industry.
Industry Advisory Board: The program benefits from an Industry Advisory Board composed of leading experts and professionals, which ensures the curriculum stays relevant to current trends and demands.
Graduates of American University of Sharjah's Bachelor of Interior Design create innovative spaces across the MENA region, with 16+ entering UAE's design market annually and high employability due to hands-on experience. Alumni like Pallavi Dean (Young Interior Designer of the Year 2010) and Alaa Mohamed lead firms such as Roar and XBD Collective. The program's real-world projects ensure confidence and competitive edge in professional practice.
Typical job roles: Interior Designer, Space Planner, Design Consultant, Project Coordinator.
Careers service: internships (Ellington Properties, Preciosa Lighting), design-build modules, client/supplier training.
Employment stats: high regional placement; competitive UAE design salaries.
Partnerships: top firms for real projects; Dubai Design Week exposure.
Accreditation value: CIDA-aligned for international professional standards.
Outcomes: leading design firms; global graduate studies.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue master's in lighting design or advanced interior architecture at AUS or top institutions, building on portfolios for professional certification or PhD.
Secondary school certificates are awarded either by ministries of education with 85% score. International Baccalaureate- Applicants must be awarded the full IB Diploma with six subjects (excluding Islamic Education) with at least three in the higher level, and attain a minimum score of 24 points.IELTS Academic- 6.5 or TOEFL iBT- 80Internationally recognized by National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)Indian Curriculum- Applicants must attain a minimum of 65% or more in the Senior Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard), or 65% or more in the best two years.Chinese Curriculum- Applicants must attain a minimum of 85% or more or its equivalent in the final year national exam, or a minimum of 85% or more or its equivalent in the best two years.British Curriculum- Applicants must have five IGCSE/GCSE (O-Level) subjects with a minimum grade of 5 or B in each subject, and either three AS-Level subjects, or two A-level subjects with a minimum grade of B in each subject.America- Applicants must attain a minimum of B or 85% average in the final grade (Grade 12) or the average of the best two years of grades 10, 11, and 12. Applicants are also required to obtain an SAT-Math score of 450 and above.Interior DesignerExhibition DesignerFurniture DesignerLighting DesignerSpace PlannerSet DesignerDesign ConsultantProject Coordinator
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American University of Sharjah
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