Interior Architecture (with Integrated Foundation Year)

UCAS code: W2F5

Here's what University of Brighton says about its Interior Architecture (with Integrated Foundation Year) course.

Studying Interior Architecture BA(Hons) at Brighton prepares you for careers in spatial design and related creative roles by developing strong design, technical and professional skills through live projects and industry-focused practice.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. Our integrated foundation year course offers an extra year to prepare you for study at degree level.

You’ll join a collaborative studio community, get involved in workshops and hands-on projects and have the opportunity of a year’s placement to develop your design and technical skills. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Brighton graduates are working in roles including interior architects, spatial designers and set and exhibition designers or are continuing with postgraduate study in sustainable design, architecture, creative practice or research.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Foundation year that?offers a route into interior architecture if you?don’t?have the required qualifications, are changing career or returning to study.

• Brighton’s vibrant creative community – study in a city known for its design culture, with opportunities to connect with local studios and attend exhibitions and events.

• Boost your CV with work experience opportunities, including an optional placement year, internships and industry-led projects.

• Collaborative studio environment – share ideas and projects with peers across design disciplines in a supportive, creative space.

• Learn specialist technical skills – master drawing, 3D modelling, digital rendering, and physical model-making alongside advanced design theory and professional practice.

• Hands-on experience from day one – work on live client briefs, real-world projects and collaborative studio assignments that mirror professional practice.

• Learn in specialist facilities – access dedicated design studios, fabrication workshops and digital labs equipped for model-making, CAD and visualisation.

• Opportunity to take part in New Designers in London – showcase your work at the UK’s leading graduate design exhibition and connect with industry professionals.

• Contribute to research and innovation – engage with staff working on projects in sustainable design, adaptive reuse and emerging technologies in interior architecture.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Interior Architecture Less than an hour from central London, our Moulsecoomb campus puts you at the heart of a city known for creativity, design and cultural innovation. Brighton is home to thriving design studios, architectural practices and a vibrant arts scene, all within easy reach of your lectures and workshops.

You’ll study in a diverse, welcoming community with excellent transport links that make site visits, exhibitions and networking events part of everyday learning. The city’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary design culture provide endless inspiration for your projects.

Foundation year Term 1 will concentrate on analogue skills, introducing you to observational and hand-drawing skills as well as physical/3D modelling techniques, enabling you to understand different scales.

In term 2, you’ll build on the skills you’ve learned and combine these with digital practice. You’ll be introduced to digital drawing, modelling and fabrication, and representation and communication techniques. Projects will develop your knowledge of the design process and your technical ability. ?

Term 3 focuses on a final project within your chosen discipline and course. You’ll produce a portfolio where you’ll document your development and your final design project. The project will be specific to your discipline and draw together all the skills learnt over the year, preparing you for your degree. It will include physical hand drawings, photography, models, digital work and discipline-specific outputs.

Year 1 In your first year you’ll develop core design and communication skills, including architectural drawing, physical model-making and professional CAD software. Through mini design projects, you’ll learn creative design processes, representation techniques and critical thinking while exploring cultural and environmental themes.

Technical workshops build your understanding of materials, structures and sustainable systems, giving you the practical skills to analyse sites and create innovative spatial solutions.

Core modules Design and Skills 1: Fundamentals of Interior Architecture Architecture Criticism 1 Design and Skills 2: Strategies and Processes Technology: Principles

Year 2 In your first year you’ll develop core design and communication skills, including architectural drawing, physical model-making and professional CAD software. Through mini design projects, you’ll learn creative design processes, representation techniques and critical thinking while exploring cultural and environmental themes.

Technical workshops build your understanding of materials, structures and sustainable systems, giving you the practical skills to analyse sites and create innovative spatial solutions.

Core modules Design 3: Design Modes Design 4: Experience and Systems Technology: Strategies Architecture Criticism 2

Optional Placement Year You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two, gaining hands-on experience with interior architecture studios, design consultancies or creative agencies.

You’ll develop practical skills in design communication, project management and client collaboration, while building valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in interior architecture and related design fields.

Final year In your final year, you’ll focus on developing a professional portfolio and refining your design identity through advanced studio projects. Core modules build expertise in design communication, spatial strategies and sustainability, while you undertake a major self-directed project supported by research and prototyping. You’ll also explore future practice and career pathways, preparing you for employment or postgraduate study.

Core modules Design 5: Design Agency Architecture Criticism 3 Design 6: Experience and Systems Skills 4: Resolution Practices: Future Practice