Interior Architecture & Spatial Design BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our Interior Architecture & Spatial Design BA (Hons) degree aims to develop both creative and professional skills. There is a high demand for this expertise in the design industry, with the regional expansion scheme, including public and private building plans, so you are in the perfect place to study this evolving discipline.

  By joining the interior architecture degree course, you will become part of a unique learning environment with very close and guided support from tutors and technical staff. Our lecturers are experts in industry, many of whom run their own design practices and hold extensive links to the industry.

  You will work with contemporary technologies and develop your own visual language, giving you the knowledge and confidence to design for a range of applications. Our design studio and technical workshops provide the environment for you to be innovative in your production of two and three-dimensional work. You will focus on aspects of design technology that can be applied to designing commercial, domestic and public living spaces, linking practical 3D projects to the theory you will learn.

  Changing Futures Week

  The University of Northampton’s annual Changing Futures Week is an exciting event and an excellent opportunity for our students to explore the potential of their course and understand where their university experience can lead them beyond graduation. It offers a unique chance to network with high profile industry professionals.

  Materials, Exhibitions, Events and Visits

  Materials for graphic and 3D workshops, competition entry fees associated with your modules and those visits that are necessary for your Interior Architecture & Spatial Design course are subsidised by the University.

  We recommend that you budget approximately £400 per academic year for essential materials and study trips. Please note that this is not a precise estimation and will depend on personal choices and external factors. Students are encouraged to participate in the organisation of study trips, previously our students have visited Amsterdam, Milan, Rotterdam and Madrid.

  We also suggest that interior architecture degree students allow approximately £300 for the Graduate Exhibition, for items such as printing, travel, publicity, and general expenses.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Design Project 1 (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1005

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to research and apply established working practises, concepts and principles through a variety of design tasks. Interior architecture and spatial design projects will include all aspects of the design process, and aim to develop critical and practical skills with an understanding of contextual and technical considerations.
    • 3D Computer Aided Design 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1021

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to use appropriate computer software as an aid to design. Students will appreciate the difference in approach between manual and computer aided design (CAD) and acquire the skills to produce both two-dimensional 'lay-out' drawings and to generate three-dimensional models.
    • Design, Construction and Detailing 1 (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1061

      Status: Compulsory
      Developing an understanding of construction detailing at human scale is a key principle when considering the design of 3-Dimensional environments. Through drawing, modelling and design projects students are introduced to design skills and processes that inform and support idea generation, development and refinement, and communicate outcomes to different audiences.
    • Design Theory Context and Practice 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1062

      Status: Compulsory
      Designing for the built environment requires knowledge and understanding of historic, environmental, social, and economic factors. Investigating, combining, and applying knowledge effects the design process. This introduction explores contemporary design practice based on historical precedence and focuses on understanding of the role of the design professional in wider real-world context.
  • Stage 2
    • Design Project 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2009

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to research, explore and develop design practices, concepts and principles through a variety of design based projects. Project tasks are drawn from contemporary commercial and social contexts and professional design practice. Emphasis is placed on innovative critical thinking in response to context, user and communication requirements.
    • 3D Computer Aided Design 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2029

      Status: Compulsory
      Building on previous experiences students explore relationships between 2D and 3D CAD whilst investigating more complex built environments. Experimenting and developing skills, knowledge and understanding between industry standards convention drawings in 2D; creative sketch concepts using 3D CAD & Drawing Packages; Rendering packages and applying a crossmedia approach for presentations.
    • Design, Construction and Detailing 2 (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2070

      Status: Compulsory
      Building on knowledge you will research, explore and apply understanding of construction and material technology through a series of three-dimensional design problems that involve both large scale architectural intervention and smaller installations. Learning will be through observation, precedent studies, drawing and making. Assignment outcomes link directly to 3DD2009 assignment briefs.
    • Design Theory Context and Practice 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2071

      Status: Compulsory
      This module encourages the development of personal research interests and lays the ground work for the Level 6 Dissertation in encouraging students to independently identify suitable research subjects, sources and develop a research methodology. Lectures, seminars and research tasks focus on current and developing sustainable and ethical approaches and practices.
  • Stage 3
    • Minor Design Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD3022

      Status: Compulsory
      Developing and strengthening skills and knowledge explored in level 5, you will undertake a sketch scheme project where you will define and resolve functional, aesthetic and technical issues within a real-world scenario. Project briefs are externally set by outside agencies such as the Royal Society of Arts Student Design Competition.
    • Final Major Project (80 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD3042

      Status: Compulsory
      Developing and strengthening skills and knowledge explored in level 5, you will undertake a sketch scheme project where you will define and resolve functional, aesthetic and technical issues within a real-world scenario. Project briefs are externally set by outside agencies such as the Royal Society of Arts Student Design Competition.
    • Dissertation (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD4006

      Status: Compulsory
      Students negotiate a research project that is relevant to `Interior? with an outcome in the form of a 5000 word written/visual dissertation. During tutorials students develop skills at written communication: academic research, analysis and development; exploration through a range of knowledge bases, culminating in the ability to present cohesive ideas.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full-time Interior Architecture & Spatial Design BA degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study in interior and spatial design you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for an interior architecture and spatial design degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  The University of Northampton’s four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on Interior Architecture & Spatial Design BA (Hons)?

  You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and/or workshop based sessions.

  Find out what it’s like to study on the Interior Architecture and Spatial Design BA course:

  How will I be assessed on the Interior Architecture & Spatial Design course?

  You will be assessed through a mixture of studio based design critiques and written assessments. Through your final year of your interior architecture course, you will be assessed continually, culminating in a major exhibition of your design work.

  Do you offer any specialist facilities?

  You will have access to the following specialist facilities:

  • studio based course
  • blending learning opportunities via university website
  • dedicated studio with individual workspaces.
  • computer facilities.
  • digital 3D model making.
  • photography studio.

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