BA Hons Interior Architecture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture program at Oxford Brookes University is designed to explore the adaptive reuse and transformation of existing spaces, blending architecture, design, and social context. You’ll develop creative and technical skills to design sustainable, functional, and innovative interior environments, preparing you for a career in interior architecture and related fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundational Design and Representation

In the first year, you'll be introduced to the core principles of architectural design and representation. Key modules include:

Architectural Representation (30 credits): This module introduces architectural design and explores how it is influenced by the philosophies, methods, and technology of the fine arts. The course combines theoretical learning with a studio-based programme to develop your drawing, modelling, and other communication abilities.
Introduction to Architectural Technology (30 credits): Provides an essential foundation in architectural technology, covering construction, structures, environmental science, and sustainable design.
Introduction to Architectural Design 1 (15 credits): Structured around a series of design exercises aimed at introducing the core principles of architectural design.
Architecture and Society: Offers a comprehensive introduction to the intricate world of architecture, covering cultural, intellectual, and technological influences.
Introduction to Architectural Design 2 (15 credits): Explores the interplay between architectural design and its contextual surroundings, focusing on site analysis, client briefs, and cultural influences.
Introduction to Architectural History and Theory (15 credits): Expands comprehension of architectural history and theory, introducing pivotal architectural figures, movements, and theories from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Year 2: Material Exploration and Design Development

In the second year, you'll delve deeper into materiality and design development. Key modules include:

Materials Exploration (30 credits): In-depth research and practical experimentation with materials and fabrication techniques in the context of spatial design.
Design Development: Focuses on the development of design ideas, integrating feedback and refining concepts to create detailed design proposals.
Sustainable Design: Explores principles and practices of sustainable design, emphasizing environmental impact and resource efficiency.

Year 3: Advanced Design and Professional Practice

The final year emphasizes advanced design skills and professional practice. Key modules include:

Advanced Design Project: Engages in complex design projects that challenge your creativity and technical skills.
Professional Practice: Prepares you for the professional world, covering aspects such as project management, client relations, and ethical considerations.
Dissertation: Allows for in-depth research on a topic of your choice, contributing to the field of interior architecture.

Focus Areas

Adaptive reuse; spatial transformation; sustainable design; user experience; material innovation; cultural context; professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, you will have developed:

Creative and technical skills in interior architecture.
A deep understanding of sustainable and functional design principles.
The ability to design innovative interior environments.
Professional practice skills, preparing you for a career in interior architecture.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB), ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required for a career in interior architecture.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture course at Oxford Brookes University emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that students engage with real-world scenarios from the outset. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of interior design, focusing on the adaptive reuse and transformation of existing spaces. This approach allows you to consider how people experience and move through space, integrating user-centered design principles into your projects.

Key experiential learning components include:

Live Projects: Collaborate with local clients on real-world design challenges, providing solutions that address actual community needs.
Design Studios: Access to dedicated studio spaces equipped with industry-standard tools and software, fostering a creative and collaborative environment.
Workshops: Utilize workshops for model making and fabrication, including equipment like laser cutters, CNC routers, and 3D printers, to bring your designs to life.
Field Trips: Participate in site visits to observe and analyze real-world interior environments, enhancing your understanding of design in context.
Group Projects: Engage in collaborative projects that simulate professional design scenarios, developing teamwork and communication skills.
Research Opportunities: Explore various research groups within the School of Architecture, focusing on areas like architectural engineering, low carbon building, and development and emergency practice.

These experiences are supported by the university's commitment to providing high-quality resources and a collaborative learning environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture at Oxford Brookes University is a dynamic three-year undergraduate program that combines creative design with critical thinking. This course focuses on designing spaces from the user's perspective, considering how people experience and move through environments. Students engage in real-world issues through live projects with local clients and develop unique 'furnitecture'—designs that sit between furniture and architecture.

Graduate Outcomes & Future Opportunities:

Career Prospects: Graduates of the Interior Architecture BA (Hons) have pursued careers in architecture practices, design studios, urban design, film, and journalism. The program equips students with the skills to respond to a wide range of design needs, preparing them for diverse roles in the industry.
University Services: Oxford Brookes University offers comprehensive support through its Careers Centre, providing career advice, CV reviews, career planning, and access to resources for up to three years post-study.
Employment Statistics: While specific employment statistics for this course are not detailed, Oxford Brookes University boasts a high employability rate, with 91.9% of graduates in work or further study within six months.
Industry Partnerships: The university has established strong partnerships with various institutions worldwide, enhancing the learning experience and providing students with global perspectives.
Accreditation: The BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB), ensuring that the qualification is recognized and valued in the industry.
Graduation Outcomes: Students who complete the program are well-equipped to enter the workforce in their chosen field, benefiting from the university's robust career support services.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture, graduates have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in specialized areas such as the MA in Interior Architecture at Oxford Brookes University. This program focuses on the shift from sustainability quantitative indicators to qualitative experiential parameters, preparing students to provide comprehensive people-focused design competencies and tailored solutions to fulfill the changing demands from users