BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Spatial Design (Top-up)

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design (Top-up) at the University of Northampton is designed to help students refine and elevate their existing design knowledge, turning creative ideas into professional-quality spatial solutions. You’ll engage with advanced tools, software, and industry-standard workshops that allow you to develop your design style while working on live projects and real-world briefs. The program emphasizes professional practice, collaborative problem-solving, and research-led design, giving you the practical and strategic skills employers seek. Students benefit from the University’s specialist facilities, expert guidance from experienced tutors, and opportunities to showcase work in public exhibitions or industry events.

This hands-on approach includes:

• Specialist Design Studios & Workshops: Dedicated spaces for model-making, 3D visualization, digital fabrication, and materials experimentation.

• Advanced Design Software: Training in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and other key digital tools for interior architecture and spatial design.

• Live Client Projects & Group Work: Collaboration with peers and industry partners, applying your skills to real-world design challenges.

• Field Trips & Site Visits: Exposure to commercial and residential spaces, architecture landmarks, and contemporary interiors to understand scale, materials, and context.

• Professional Placements & Industry Networking: Opportunities to gain practical experience and establish connections with local design studios and architectural practices.

• Research & Fabrication Labs: Access to model-making, prototyping, and digital fabrication facilities for innovative design experimentation.

• Comprehensive Libraries & Digital Resources: Specialist design libraries, journals, and online databases to support research and conceptual development.

• Industry Guest Lectures & Workshops: Insights from practising interior architects and designers, helping bridge study with professional practice.

Graduates from the Top-up BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Spatial Design gain advanced skills in spatial planning, interior aesthetics, and professional practice, preparing them for creative and design-focused careers. Typical roles include Interior Designer, Exhibition Designer, Spatial Planner, and Environmental Designer:

• University careers services: The Northampton Careers & Employability Service supports top-up students with tailored guidance, portfolio refinement, professional mentoring, and connections to internships with design studios and architectural firms.

• Employment stats and salary figures: Graduates from design-related programs at Northampton show strong employability, with approximately 85% entering relevant professional roles within six months, earning starting salaries in the range of £22,000–£28,000.

• University–industry partnerships: The program collaborates with local and national design practices, allowing students to work on live projects, client briefs, and collaborative design competitions.

• Long-term accreditation value: The top-up degree completes an honours-level qualification recognized by the Chartered Society of Designers and other professional bodies, enhancing credibility for UK and international employment.

• Graduation outcomes: Students leave with an advanced portfolio, applied project experience, and skills in sustainable design, digital modelling, and interior spatial planning, fully prepared for professional practice or freelance opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this top-up degree, students can pursue Master’s programs in Interior Architecture, Spatial Design, Interior Design, or related fields such as Urban Design, Environmental Design, or Design Management. Specialized postgraduate certificates in sustainable interiors, digital spatial technologies, or heritage design provide pathways to senior professional roles or academic research.