Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Do you want to learn how to transform spaces? This innovative Interior Architecture and Design degree course covers a broad range of design possibilities, ranging from reordering to transforming space.
Situated within Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, our course will provide you with the facilities and education that you’ll need to succeed within the industry, as well as excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with industry partners.
This four year programme has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake additional level 3 study designed to ensure you are successful on your chosen degree course.
After successful completion of your foundation year, you will have the flexibility to switch (should you wish to change direction) onto a number of related undergraduate degree courses within Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.
Our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course provides you with the skills to transform or give new life to spaces, as well as teaching you how to plan and design creative interiors.
You will look at hierarchies and relationships between different spaces, describing these relationships in new ways. This industry-aligned degree course offers you the opportunity to study and practise the adaption and re-use of space within new and existing building stock, while also addressing aesthetics, human needs, materiality and more, as well as the ephemeral qualities of atmosphere, character, colour, light and shade.
Alongside the regeneration of existing space, you will discover new interior environments, in a broad range of industry sectors, such as hospitality, retail, leisure and residential, using an experimental approach to design to develop the refined techniques required for effective space planning, conceptual design, development, visualisation and the refurbishment of space.
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Concerns is an annual publication by Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. In this issue, you can view final year student work and read more about the activities within the School.
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
88 UCAS tariff points. |
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LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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IELTS | Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. | |
LEVEL 3 (and above) QUALIFICATIONS | ||
A Level and Advanced VCE |
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AS and AS VCE | Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 88 pts | |
Access to HE Diploma |
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MMM | |
Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma | Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall | |
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 88 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. | |
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma | MMM | |
Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Merit overall | |
UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology | Merit overall | |
UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts | Merit overall | |
Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
IELTS |
Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Our courses include activities such as performance, exhibitions, field trips and production of works or artefacts which may require you to purchase specific equipment, instruments, books, materials, hire of venues and accommodation, or other items.
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Showcase your work to industry leaders looking for new talent, such as Free Range London, presenting yourself as a design aware industry ready interior designer.
In the first year, you will gain invaluable skills in drawing, model-making and concept modelling in our industry-standard studios and workshops.
Taught by experienced practising designers, our interior design course mixes practice with theory, so you can create links between concepts and materials while strengthening your design skills across key industry sectors.
Computer simulation and design is covered by using software such as the Adobe Design Suite, VectorWorks and other 3D rendering tools.
The flavour of your second year is all about creativity and employability. You’ll have the opportunity of internships and live project work, giving you excellent industry connections and experience.
You’ll learn about design and its application while enjoying study trips, the chance of overseas study, international design competitions, and working with clients on real world industry projects.
In your third year you’ll have the opportunity to showcase the skills you have obtained throughout this degree course by embarking on an in-depth design project in an area of personal interest to you, combined with an opportunity to exhibit at our graduate show. Emerging as a design aware and employable graduate.
This degree course is a member of interior educators. Interior Educators (IE) is an organisation established by academics representing well-established Interior design courses from across the UK. It is a unique group in that it provides a forum for debate and the exchange of ideas and practice effecting the education of designers of interior space. IE has created Interior Educators Student (IES), represents students on a national level, to graduation and employment. Through IES students can build their own online portfolios, view Interiors specific jobs as well as receiving advice from leading practitioners.
You can choose to continue your study in higher education by enrolling on one of our postgraduate courses in Design Management, Interior Architecture and Design, or Design and Visualisation.
You will get the chance to participate in field trips organised by the school. For first year students, you’ll get the experience to visit somewhere within the UK and the trip is organised by the staff and the students.
Our expert staff will help you stand out from the crowd by developing your competitive and transferable interior design skills.
Through our work in live project collaborations, networking and competition success, we have developed strong links with organisations including: RBS Ltd, Tektura, Hartman, Petainer, Hi Macs, Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency, Orangebox, KI, & Herman Miller to name a few.
Our graduates also have the chance to take part in training programmes as a Designer in Residence, or enjoy an international exchange opportunities.
You will learn how to confidently present your skills to employers as a designer in interior or architectural practices, and illustrate your strengths working in exhibitions, events design, or as a set designer for theatre or film.
During your second year there is a work placement opportunity, which is designed to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place or a live case study, and to critically reflect upon your learning and future options in that context.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Freelance Designer and Painter
When I was looking for a university I was already 23, so I didn’t want to waste my time with bad choices. I did precise research about universities I could apply to, and chose Birmingham City University because it had a good reputation and I had read a lot of positive opinions from students.
I enjoy everything about the course – I have a passion for design and creating new spaces, I like to explore things, and I love to work with people with similar attitude.The tutors are really helpful and every time I need advice or help I receive it. English is my second language but I never felt any different – any doubts, questions or problems, the staff were there to help.
Due to our overseas interest our graduates, progression is on an international scale, providing graduates with the opportunity to work all over the world including countries such as Norway, Russia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Turkey, Japan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK and China.
Birmingham School of Architecture and Design are proud to be a part of the local design community, and have strong links to many companies across the UK. As an multi-disciplinary school we promote that ethos in everything we do, and work strongly with Professional Companies to ensure we are up to date with industry practise and standards.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the high standard of our campuses. With an investment of £340 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.
You’ll be based in the multi-million pound Parkside building – part of our City Centre Campus – with technology and facilities that reflect advanced professional practice. We offer facilities which will accurately reflect the work environment you will enter after graduating. These include Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and a computer-generated Virtual Building Site, creating real life scenarios for you to work on.
While based in The Parkside Building, you will get sharpen your CAD and digital visual communication skills, prototyping and digital production, while also having access to a range of specialist software, workshops, computer and project learning laboratories, and a social learning space.
You’ll also benefit from:
From industry-standard software, to our workshops and studio spaces, everything you need will be at your fingertips from day one. Working with our expert technicians, you'll be supported from concept through to completion.
All of our staff come from an industry background and bring a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience.
All of this gives you access to the latest thinking, creativity and professional networks.