MA Interior Architecture

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA Interior Architecture at the University of Westminster is designed for creative thinkers who want to shape interior environments that are meaningful, functional, and visually striking. It’s perfect for designers looking to combine theory, research, and hands-on practice to create spaces that respond to people, place, and purpose.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year full-time programme guides you through a mix of critical thinking, research, and practical design:

Decoding the Interior: You’ll explore major movements in architecture and culture, learning how ideas about space, place, and interiors have evolved. This module sharpens your analytical and conceptual skills, preparing you for more complex design work.
Thesis Development: Here, you’ll define your own design or text-based thesis, plan research, and develop a clear proposal. This module encourages independent thinking and helps you shape a project that reflects your personal interests and ambitions.
Technical Study: This is where your ideas start to take physical form. You’ll produce detailed drawings and specifications, taking into account materials, environmental considerations, and building regulations.
Case Study: You’ll investigate an existing interior in depth, analysing typology, context, and user interaction. This hands-on research informs your design decisions and strengthens your understanding of real-world interiors.
Thesis Project: Your major piece of work — either a design proposal or a written thesis — brings together all the skills you’ve learned, showcasing your ability to solve complex interior architecture challenges.
Optional Modules: You can choose electives such as Contexts of Sustainable Heritage and Intervention, exploring heritage and adaptive reuse, or Retail Design, focusing on branding, spatial experience, and public perception.

Focus Areas

“spatial theory, research-led practice, adaptive reuse, heritage intervention, people-centred interiors, sustainability, retail design, technical resolution”

Learning Outcomes

“graduates will be able to critically analyse and design interior spaces, conduct research-informed projects, resolve technical specifications, and produce a major design or written thesis that responds to real-world contexts”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While this MA isn’t a protected architecture qualification, it closely mirrors professional practice. Through studio-based learning, research, and portfolio development, you’ll graduate with skills and outputs that prepare you for careers in interior design and architecture.

Reputation & Employability

Based at Westminster’s central London Marylebone Campus, you’ll be at the heart of a vibrant design and architectural hub.
Taught by research-active staff and industry professionals, with visiting speakers from top London design practices, helping you build networks and professional insight.
Students have access to state-of-the-art workshops and digital fabrication facilities, including CNC routing, metal milling, and 3D printing, bringing your design ideas to life.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Westminster, learning goes far beyond the classroom. The MA Interior Architecture is designed so you gain hands-on, practical experience from day one, using state-of-the-art facilities to bring your ideas to life. You’ll collaborate in studios, experiment with materials, test design concepts, and work with digital tools that mirror the professional world — all while developing your own creative voice.

Here’s how your practical learning is supported:

Fabrication Laboratory: A cutting-edge lab where you can explore 3D printing, CNC routing, and even robotic fabrication to create both small models and large-scale components.
Wood & Metal Workshops: Dedicated spaces to craft physical prototypes and experiment with materials.
Architecture Studios: Spacious, naturally-lit studios at Marylebone Campus encourage collaboration, idea-sharing, and independent design work.
Digital & IT Labs: Access to design and CAD software lets you visualise and present your spatial ideas professionally.
3D & CAM Workshops: Tools like laser cutters, mills, lathes, and welders help you push the boundaries of making and model-making.
Library Resources: The Marylebone Library is open 24/7, giving you a quiet, resource-rich space for research and design writing.
Studio Critiques & Exhibitions: Regular reviews, seminars, and participation in the MORE Degree Show give you real feedback and showcase your work to peers and industry professionals.

With these opportunities, you’ll graduate not just with ideas, but with tangible skills, a professional portfolio, and the confidence to make your mark in interior architecture.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Westminster’s MA Interior Architecture leave ready to step confidently into the professional design world. Many go on to work as interior architects, spatial or retail designers, creative consultants, or researchers, applying their skills to real-world projects and innovative design challenges. With a balance of practical experience and research-led learning, you’ll have the confidence and portfolio to make your mark in the industry.

Here’s how Westminster supports your career and what you can expect after graduation:

University Services to Support Your Career:
- Career development is integrated directly into the course, so you build employability skills from day one.
- The Zone29 Careers & Enterprise hub provides mentoring, one-on-one guidance, and networking opportunities with over 3,000 employers.
Employment Paths & Industry Insight:
- Graduates take on roles in interior architecture, retail design, exhibition and lighting design, and interior conservation.
- The programme’s strong links with London design practices give you opportunities to make professional connections while studying.
Long-Term Skill & Research Value:
- Your Major Project (design or thesis) produces a portfolio-ready body of work that showcases your expertise and creative thinking.
- The research-led approach keeps your skills up to date and opens doors to both professional practice and further academic study.
Graduation Outcomes:
- Alumni successfully join leading design studios, take on consultancy roles, or launch their own creative ventures.
- Others continue with MPhil or PhD studies, pursuing research in interior design, heritage, or spatial theory.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA, you could move into a PhD or MPhil in Architecture or Interior Design, exploring topics like adaptive reuse, cultural heritage, or spatial research. Alternatively, you might specialise in areas such as urban design, heritage conservation, or lighting and exhibition design, which can lead to senior roles in design consultancies, public sector departments, or research institutions.