Architecture with Interior Design: University of Westminster

Introduction
Architecture is a broad inclusive subject that combines the vocational with the academic. It requires creative imagination, technical and practical know-how and encourages in-depth study of the arts, history and the cultural context of society.
Students usually choose to study architecture in order to become a professional architect. As individuals progress through their first degree, they develop their own skills and interests within architecture. To enable this, we offer variations within the general theme of architecture. Students may wish to diversify and take specialist options as part of this degree which may direct the future career pattern within the profession and related disciplines. An ambitious student with a good degree may qualify in more than one discipline.
The degree, which is validated by the RIBA/ARB joint validation panel to give Part I exemption, is the first step leading to registration as an architect after seven years education and practical training.
The broad subject contains general issues common to all courses and specialist issues that may start as an interest at undergraduate level and develop in future careers or future study at postgraduate level.
Course Content
You undertake lecture-based option modules, tutorials and seminars involving the three-dimensional exploration of interior architecture, spatial analysis and understanding, circulation patterns, the design of furniture, fittings and equipment and the use and interpretation of colour, texture and lighting and other associated criteria.
Connectivities with design project work are also explored at Credit Levels 5 and 6. Graduates with this award may choose not to proceed to registration as an architect and may elect for a career in interior design. Alternatively, they may decide on a period of work experience and return for a further course of study at Masters level.
Associated Careers
Architecture is a subject full of diversity. Traditionally the expectation has been to become a registered architect working in private practice or a local authority department with three years study (Part I), followed by one year practical training, then a further two years full-time study (Part II), followed by a further year of practical training and part-time study, with a final exam (Part III), to qualify for application for entry to the professional register (ARB). Many Westminster graduates have followed this path, but additional career paths and education routes have now opened up for architecture graduates.
These include multi-disciplinary practice within Architecture, such as architectural engineering, interior and urban design, and planning; or research in technological and environmental subjects related to building design and construction, progression to an MA or MSc in project or construction management. There is also the opportunity to develop a specialism working within a small specialist design firm or a specialist unit within a large practice. Other career opportunities exist within the client side of architecture, such as working for a contractor, a developer or for a housing association.
Entry Requirements

• 320 UCAS tariff points, including one 12-unit award or two six-unit awards. Applicants from a non art-related background may be asked to submit a portfolio in order to help demonstrate creative ability, technical knowledge and the required level of motivation or experience.
• Entry requirements for this pathway are as for Architecture. If you choose this specialist degree, you must have already reached a level of competence in art and design; and also demonstrate interest in three dimensional design with space and light, qualities of materials and colour.
• To gain this specialist degree in architecture with interior design you will take the design module options that integrate the design of interiors and furniture with architecture, and special options in interior design.
• Graduates may choose not to proceed on pathway to registration as an architect and may select a career in interior design with a first degree only. Or they may chose a period of work experience and return for a further course of study and an MA.