BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design programme is designed to develop an understanding of the creative design process, enabling students to create functional and sustainable interior environments. This 3-4 year undergraduate programme is delivered full-time, on-campus, and is based in the Scottish Borders.

Key Information

• Programme code: W252
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BA (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Start date: September

Programme Overview

The programme offers a creative blend of design skills, equipping students for the industry. Students will apply conceptual methods to imaginatively adapt or re-use interior environments, studying key areas such as:

• Sustainability
• Human-centred design
• Hand and digital making skills
• Materials
• Drawing
• Furniture and detailing
• Technology and digital communication

Students will have the opportunity to work on real projects for industry partners, including brands like Adidas, Herman Miller, and Accor Hotel Group. The programme encourages students to challenge themselves, make connections, and develop skills useful after graduation, while building their identity as designers.

Your Student Experience

The learning environment is informed by the expertise of chartered architects, interior and environmental designers, and research-active academics. The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and workshops, allowing students to build relationships with teaching staff, academics, and technicians. Assessment is based on coursework and a final year project, with support and feedback provided throughout the programme.

Course Content

The programme is structured over four years, with mandatory and optional modules. The course content includes:

Year 1

• Rethinking Design 1: Discover and Define
• Rethinking Design 2: Develop and Deliver
• Introduction to Materials
• Heritage and Vernacular Sustainability
• Visual Communication For Design

Year 2

• Construction for Interior Architecture
• Design Studio 1 Residential Design
• CAD for Design 1 AutoCAD
• CAD for Design 2
• Lighting and Acoustics for Interior Architecture
• Design Studio 2 Workspace Design

Year 3

• Professional Practice for Interior Architecture
• Design Studio 3 Service Industry Design
• CAD for Design 3 Revit
• Design Studio 4 Institution Design
• External Collaborative Design

Year 4

• Final Major Project Part 1
• Advanced Practice and Evaluation
• Final Major Project Part 2
• Optional modules:
  • Marketing Strategy for Design
  • Enterprise and Innovation for Creative Industries

Teaching Staff

The programme is led by Associate Professor Alison Hamilton-Pryde, who emphasizes the importance of shaping creative innovators and design professionals for the future. The teaching staff consists of experienced academics and industry professionals.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the September 2026 intake are as follows:

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: ｣9,790
• International: ｣20,080

Scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary of up to ｣3,100 per year for eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements include:

• Highers: BBBB (over two sittings)
• A-Levels: BCC and a successful digital portfolio
• International Baccalaureate: 29 points
• BTEC: Extended Diploma DMM
• HNC: C in graded unit
• HND: CC in graded units

Minimum entry requirements are also available, and applicants must meet the University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements. A digital portfolio is required for all applicants, showcasing creative projects and demonstrating research, design development, technical skills, and visual communication.

English language requirements include an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.