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level: masters top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_month: October location: Waterside

Interior Architecture MA

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Key Facts

  • Level

    Master'sPG MA

  • Duration

    Full Time
    Part Time

  • Starting

    October

Updated 17/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 17/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The MA Interior Architecture and MA Interior Architecture (Placement) courses provide a unique opportunity for students to explore the dynamic relationship between space and place, equipping them with the skills and thinking processes necessary for designing future solutions. In today’s environmentally conscious world, repurposing existing buildings for new uses within rapidly evolving urban environments is crucial.

The courses focus on understanding human interaction within spaces, integrating XR technologies like AR, VR, and MR, and staying up-to-date with emerging AI trends and technologies. The MA Interior Architecture course prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern design industry.

MA Interior Architecture course is a creative programme that provides a master’s route for design professionals and academics to enter a global community equipped with the thinking skills they need to become the transformative communicators of the future. Students will use human-centred design processes to solve local and global challenges and see complex design problems as unique opportunities to create integrated experiences that deliver positive impact.

To apply for Placement, please click below. To apply for Non-Placement route, please click the Apply Now button.

Apply for Placement option

Highlights

  • Opportunity to interact with professional, industry, and specialist practitioners within the built environment.
  • Research-active staff with various design specialisms, expertise, and subject knowledge.
  • Access to well-equipped design studios supported by technical demonstrators in various traditional design and emerging digital and virtual disciplines.
  • Explore communication practice through industry-set provocations.
  • Optional cultural trip and industry expertise.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally have an honours degree with a first, upper or lower second classification in a related creative, interior or architectural discipline. Other candidates with relevant industrial experience may also be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

  • Prospective students will attend an interview with the programme leader and present a portfolio of visual, creative work together with supporting evidence that is representative of their current creative practice.

    For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
      for study at postgraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • The University of Northampton’s MA program in Interior Architecture (non-placement) allows for either a 12- or 24-month study period, during which students have full access to the campus’s available learning resources. The program is based at Waterside Campus.

    On the other hand, the MA Interior Architecture (with Placement) program is primarily geared toward international students seeking to study in the UK, or UK students looking to gain industry experience as part of their master’s degree. The first two trimesters are run alongside the standard delivery at the Waterside Campus. Placement students are responsible for securing their own placement within the UK. This program offers practical, hands-on experience in applying professional and technical skills in a real-world setting, with a focus on achieving project objectives, meeting industry standards, and understanding organizational context.

    Interior Architecture MA prepares students to become super-charged creative collaborators, able to work with multiple partners across disciplines to deliver their vision.

    Social Impact

    Students will use their creative skills to solve social and global challenges, becoming the disruptive innovators who will be at the forefront of all our design futures, social or commercial. They will recognize the needs of changing demographics of place, environmental issues, race and gender, and how the digital and physical landscape surrounding us has negative and positive effects on how we interact with each other.

    Future Focused

    As a forward-thinking designer, you have the ability to influence how people engage with a wide range of repurposed spatial environments. With a focus on sustainable adaptations and innovative practices that consider changing demographics, environmental issues, and global well-being, you will be at the forefront of shaping both social and commercial design futures. Additionally, you will have a deep understanding of how the blended digital and physical landscapes that surround us can impact our interactions with one another, and you will use this knowledge to create designs that promote positive interactions while mitigating negative effects.

    Super Supportive

    As a highly collaborative designer, you are adept at working with partners from various disciplines to bring your creative vision to life. You have a profound understanding of the needs of clients and end-users, which enables you to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of professionals in the built environment to create trans-media experiences. By carefully considering the interactions between physical environments and the needs of audiences and consumers, you can deliver immersive, engaging, and environmentally conscious experiences that resonate with your target audience. Your designs are tailored to leave a lasting impact, not only on your audience, but also on the world around us.

    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.

  • Students will have the opportunity to take international study trips, typically in Europe. Recent visits have included Berlin, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Barcelona. Costs for study visits vary but are always competitive (See Fees and Funding section). During your course, you will also have the opportunity to visit exhibitions and design agencies, along with meeting industry specialists and professionals on our campus.

  • How will I be taught on MA Interior Architecture?

    Trimester 1 and 2
    You will be taught through a variety of methods such as;

    • Project briefs (staff-set/self-set /industry/competition)
    • Individual, group tutorials and seminars
    • Workshops/demonstrations
    • E-tivities/Active Blended Learning / Online activities
    • Group critiques and presentations
    • Visiting speakers and Industry Guests

    You will be taught by your core team of Senior Lecturers, Lecturers and Associate Lecturers – and you have contact with them week in, week out. It is these lecturers that deliver the majority of your taught experience, set project briefs, assess your work and lead study visits.

    How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed through a range of communication design assignments and live projects [producing individual work as well as working with others] including design work submitted through portfolio presentations [digital and physical], oral presentations/pitches and written work.

    In trimester 3 during the non-placement route, students will undertake a negotiated project. During the Placement route students, with the support of UON careers advisors, will apply and seek suitable work placements for one year. Please note that UON supplementary regulations apply to the MA Interior Architecture (Placement) Course. Please contact your course tutor for more information.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £8,500
  • UK – Part Time: £945 per 20 credits
  • International: £17,495

  • Materials for workshops, entry to competitions associated with your programme of study, and those visits that are necessary for your course are all made available at no additional charge.

    We recommend that you budget for additional printing costs (approximately £30 per year for laser and large format printing) and any specialist design materials that you may require (£50 or more depending on materials) per year.

    There are optional trips, both within the UK and overseas: UK visits and Trips will cost approximately £50 per year. Overseas trips or visits will cost approximately £350 -450 per trip [this includes flights, airport transfers and B&B accommodation, but excludes food, drink, exhibition entry and city taxes].

    The MA Degree Show additionally requires contributions [or your own fund-raising activities] to support the funding of a catalogue and marketing materials costing approximately £50 each, along with further contributions to exhibit at any off-site Graduate Design shows approximately £25 each. If you plan to produce physical artefacts printed, 3D, digital tools or platforms, installations etc] you will need to fund these and, depending on what you decide to create, should expect to spend £100 -200.

    During your course, you will receive a complimentary subscription to the entire Adobe Creative Suite. In addition, the University provides high-end computer suites equipped with CAD, visualization, and presentation software. Nevertheless, we recommend purchasing your own computer if possible. As is typical for an Art and Design course, you will be responsible for providing your own everyday art and design materials, including sketchbooks, pens, pencils, markers, rulers, and so on. Our onsite Art shop can provide all of these necessities, and your staff team will guide you through the requirements before your course commences.

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • If you are starting a master’s course in 2025/26 either full-time or part-time* you may be able to apply for a Master’s loan through Student Finance England.

    *Please note that the maximum period of study allowed for part-time courses is two years.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £8,250
    • UK – Part Time: £920 per 20 credits
    • International: £16,995

Staff

Placeholder image for Graham Stretton, Senior Lecturer in Interior Design

Senior Lecturer in Interior Design
Interior Architecture MA

Graham Stretton

Careers and Employability

Students studying MA Interior Architecture may find careers in a range disciplines:

  • Design practice
  • Architectural practice
  • Event management
  • Exhibition design
  • Arts practice
  • Education

Is this course for you?

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