Interior Architecture: The University of Westminster

Introduction

Interior architecture is a distinct and separate discipline from the professionally validated Architecture degrees and its specific focus is the creation of innovative and exciting design solutions primarily through the adaptation and spatial manipulation of existing buildings. The course promotes a critical approach to design, acknowledging the importance of other closely related areas of three-dimensional design in shaping interiors.

As well as consolidating existing skills you will study the theories that inform the creation of both utility and beauty, and master the practical skills required to fully realise design ideas. Light, colour, materiality and the more tectonic aspects of design will reinforce your understanding of the processes involved in visualising interior space.

The course provides as wide an exposure to design as possible, enabling you to cultivate your particular interests in a variety of areas of design.

Course Content

All modules on the course are core and are specifically tailored to enable students from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets to contribute fully to the course. Technical skills, cultural context, design management and economics, and the commercial aspects of interiors are integrated with design projects at all levels.

The design modules promote creativity, aesthetic sensibility and intellectual enquiry, together with the skills needed to work individually and in groups in developing design proposals. Design projects are taught in small groups in Year 1 (Credit Level 4) and students in Year 2 and 3 (Credit Levels 5 and 6) are organised within a vertical studio system which facilitates peer-group learning. The work produced in the design studios forms the basis of a student's design portfolio through which you will prepare for practice/employment, or in support of our application for postgraduate study.

Associated Careers

The course will give you a unique insight and ability to practice in a variety of areas of design including interior design, exhibition design, set and lighting design, retail and product design, and interior conservation. Graduates can take a post-graduate qualification at Westminster in a range of subjects including Interior Design, Cultural Identity and Globalisation and Architecture and Digital Media.

Entry Requirements

• 3 GCSE passes at grade C – to include English and Mathematics together plus
• 3 A level passes with 300 points
• or Scottish Certificate of Education – 3 passes at grade B
• or Irish Leaving Certificate – 2 passes at grade A1 and 2 passes at grade B1
• or BTEC National Diploma pass at DDM
• or Art and Design Foundation plus
• A portfolio of work, or account of experience, which is verified to the Admissions office by the Course Leader or Course Admissions Tutor plus
• A personal statement, which clearly articulates why the student wants to study Interior Architecture and Design
• For students whose secondary education has been in a language other than English they will require IELTS 6.0 or above; Cambridge Proficiency at level B and TOEFL – paper 550; computer based 213 and on line 80.