BA Hons Interior Architecture

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture course at Oxford Brookes University is a creative, design-led degree that explores the transformation of existing buildings through adaptive reuse, spatial storytelling, and contemporary design practices. It prepares students to become innovative interior architects with a strong sense of context, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The course is situated within the School of Architecture, which is part of the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment—an internationally recognised school ranked among the best for architecture in the UK.

Key Focus Areas:

• Adaptive Reuse: Redesigning existing buildings for new purposes

• Sustainability: Material consciousness and environmental responsibility

• Human-Centred Design: Accessibility, wellbeing, and inclusive spatial design

• Technical & Digital Skills: Drawing, model making, 3D CAD, rendering

• Design Thinking: Conceptual development, narratives, and spatial innovation

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

• Introduction to spatial design and architectural thinking

• Design studio projects focusing on human scale and small-scale environments

• Architectural history and theory

• Technical skills: hand drawing, digital tools, physical model making

Year 2: Intermediate

• Development of complex design proposals for adaptive reuse

• Exploration of materiality, detailing, and atmosphere

• 3D CAD, digital fabrication, visual communication

• Critical studies in architecture and design

Year 3: Advanced

• Final design thesis: self-directed major project on a chosen site and theme

• Integration of technical detailing, sustainability, and conceptual narrative

• Professional portfolio development

• Degree Show presentation and public exhibition

(There is also an optional sandwich/placement year between Year 2 and Year 3 – see below.)

Learning and Assessment Methods

• Design Studios: Core component, with regular design tutorials and critiques

• Lectures & Seminars: Theory, history, sustainability, professional practice

• Workshops: CAD, Rhino, Adobe Suite, physical model making, laser cutting, 3D printing

• Field Trips: UK and international visits to architectural sites

• Assessment:

  • 100% coursework: design projects, models, presentations, essays, portfolios

Rankings

• Top 10 in the UK for Architecture – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

• Oxford Brookes is internationally recognised for architectural and spatial design education