• Undergraduate

Interior Architecture BA (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Do you have a keen eye for design, a practical mind and an active imagination? Our interior architecture degree can help you build on these assets and develop into a professional ready for a creative career.

On this course, you will build core skills in interior design, learn how to use contemporary design tools and gain essential consumer insight. By exploring different media and approaches, you will also sharpen your understanding of design and visual communications.

By the time you graduate, you will be an imaginative, original creator, able to design innovative spaces that people dream of living in.

View some of our students' work.

Interior architecture

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Interior Architecture with us?

Why study Interior Architecture with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The lecturers are fantastic and I don't think I would get as many work experience opportunities at any other university.

Harry Poulter
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Industry focused teaching
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Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

This course takes a holistic approach to interior architecture. You will expand your digital skills and professional knowledge in key areas, such as styling, construction and lighting design. Rather than simply designing a room, you will develop the knowledge and skills to create immersive, interactive experiences that appeal to the senses. 

As well as preparing you for the demands of the contemporary client, your interior architecture course will develop your ability to manage yourself and others. We encourage you to assemble design teams, handle group dynamics and develop your skills in project management – all essential for a career in the interior design business.
 
We also encourage you to develop independent problem-solving and leadership skills, which are widely transferable in the jobs market.

Your tutors have practical experience as interior designers. They will support your creative ambitions and help you to reflect on practical issues like methodology, prototyping, and pitching solutions to real interior design challenges. 

You will learn how to:

  • understand contemporary and historical approaches to interior and spatial design
  • develop organised critical research skills using relevant resources and appropriate methods of analysis
  • make your ideas a reality using material and technological solutions
  • respond to a variety of authentic client briefs
  • establish a network of linked business and creative professionals
  • work collaboratively toward shared goals
  • engage both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Through talks and workshops with guest speakers, you will also have opportunities to gain professional insight and build confidence in your abilities.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Interior Architecture Skills and Knowledge

    Through a series of exercises, workshops and projects (which mix online, virtual, and studio learning experiences) this module will introduce you to a range of methods of research, observation and analysis. Engaging in a range of traditional and contemporary drawing, visual research and media methods and practices the module will support how you explore, document/record, explore and interpret environments and space.

  • Design Studio Foundations

    You will work as part of a small design team on this module as you explore different materials and technologies in the use of interior spaces, covering construction, environmental/sustainable issues and performance. You'll also examine the principles of services and environmental design, materials and their properties.

  • Design Studio Projects

    Through a series of individual and team design studio projects, you will begin to develop a personal approach to the process of design. This module, which has a focus on urban and city environments, will also explore the communication and representation of design, along with how design ideas are spread through different media.

  • Design Culture and Critical Theory

    Helping you to understand design practice through a critical approach, this module uses a range of study methods to investigate cultural and creative processes. It seeks to build on this by also exploring various aspects of cultural knowledge and concepts.

  • Visual Communication

    On this module you will undertake a series of small-scale spatial design projects. Each project introduces a key spatial design skill, ranging from traditional hand-drawn orthographic drawing and workshop skills, to an exploration of the notion of narrative and sequence, to the latest digital and time-based media skills.

Compulsory modules

  • Professional and Collaborative Practices

    This module will support you to further develop your design skills. Through projects, briefs and possible relevant work-placement(s)/internship(s), the module will encourage and challenge you in work-based situations, as a way to understand your position in professional interior design practices and to begin to identify possible future direction.

  • Design Studio Technology

    On this module, delivered through a series of design projects, you will focus on approaches to technology and professional practice. The emphasis is on drawn and written information and how this produced within the professional understanding of interior design practice. You'll also explore topics such as business, economics, law and legal, professional conduct.

  • Design Studio Identities

    On this module you will be issued a series of themed briefs, from which you will select one. Working alone or in a group on your chosen brief, you will be given the opportunity to apply your design, creative, critical thinking, technical knowledge and skills. The emphasis will be on material and/or constructional experimentation.

  • Design Culture and Critical Theory 2

    This module continues to help you acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding of historical, social, practical, theoretical and cultural developments. You will also explore in more detail the social responsibility of a designer of the built environment in the changing social, cultural, political and economic climate.

  • Interior Architecture Research Methods

    On this module you will document, survey and analyse an architectural context, in order to generate information that leads to a new design. You will explore your designs with consideration of potential users, applying this in your drawings and models.

Compulsory modules

  • Design Proposal

    The overall aim of this module is for you to create an illustrated report that describes the development of your design for the Major Design Project. It will include critical reflection on decisions made during the design process and a speculative application of the professional and legal frameworks.

  • Client Projects

    Through a series of ëliveí and simulated projects and/or briefs, this module will encourage and challenge you to produce completed design solutions. It will also help you to build a professional portfolio and support you in developing your own conceptual, methodological and communication approaches.

  • Context and Rational Paper

    During this module you will choose a subject area of interest and research it, reflecting on and articulating a clear argument that conforms to academic conventions. The aim is to demonstrate your knowledge of this area through analysis and evaluation, presenting a balanced argument.

  • Major Design Project

    Taking the skills you have previously developed on your course, on this module you will complete a design project to a professional standard. The aim is for you to express your individual design thinking and approach to interior design.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a portfolio.

Looking for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for students in the fields of film, media and design are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Sotirios Varsamis

Dr Sotirios Varsamis

I am an architect (ARB) with a long background in architectural design and interdisciplinary research. I hold a PhD in Architecture and a MSc in Architectural History & Theory by the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL completed with a full-time scholarship for post-graduate studies by the Hellenic State’s Scholarship Foundation (IKY). I have designed and supervised residential buildings and interiors and was involved for many years with retail and product design companies such as Selfridges and Design House Stockholm. I have done editorial work for print and online with magazines such as Wallpaper* and have taught at places such as Coventry University and Westminster.

I am an architect (ARB) with a long background in architectural design and interdisciplinary research. I hold a PhD in Architecture and a MSc in Architectural History & Theory by the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL completed with a full-time scholarship for post-graduate studies by the Hellenic State’s Scholarship Foundation (IKY). I have designed and supervised residential buildings and interiors and was involved for many years with retail and product design companies such as Selfridges and Design House Stockholm. I have done editorial work for print and online with magazines such as Wallpaper* and have taught at places such as Coventry University and Westminster.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Isometric drawing by student Dorin-Petru Halga

Once you graduate, you could go on to work in: 

  • interior design
  • architectural design
  • the creative design industry
  • spatial designer
  • exhibition designer
  • production designer in theatre/TV/film
  • visual merchandise.

Your degree will also open opportunities in the following industries:

  • architecture
  • graphic design
  • product design.

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Student work

Iti Tyagi

Iti Tyagi's Interior Design work, showcasing a computer generated hotel.
Iti Tyagi Interior Design work - showing an office space with green vegetation hanging from the ceiling.
Iti Tyagi Interior Design work - showing an office space entwined in green vegetation.

Concept

The design outcome is a result of site analysis, using the sun’s direction as the key, placing key zones and spaces. There is a focus on sustainability thorough the use of sustainable materials, solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater collection. As part of the design, the well-being space is open to allow free circulation via the externally added lifts.

Aim

Use the existing Old Session House building to design a mix-use building, incorporating an Office environment for an advertising agency, a Hotel, and a well-being and public access spaces.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.