UCAS code
K120Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023Overview
Our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design degree course is your chance to reimagine and transform existing buildings to create inspiring spaces for people to live, play and work.
You'll develop the essential creative and technical skills, together with materials and construction knowledge, to create stunning interiors that are sustainable, inclusive and imaginative.
At Portsmouth, we believe that design should respond to many of the concerns in our world today. Our course will enable you to become not only a designer who creates amazing spaces but also one with a responsible attitude of care for people and communities, the environment, and the future. Now's the perfect time to think about how existing buildings can be used intelligently and with care to sustain communities and stimulate regeneration.
When you finish the course, you'll have the skills and experience for a range of career options, including interior design, lighting design, set design, brand consultancy and design management.
Course highlights
- Apply your skills to practice by working in a design consultancy on an optional one-year placement
- Gain valuable work experience by working with real clients at our in-house Architecture Project Office
- Showcase your work to potential employers at our Graduate Show and Interior Educators Exhibition and Awards
- Take advantage of our strong industry connections to build your professional network
- Develop concepts and designs in a lively studio environment similar to what you'll experience in your career
Graduate feature: Mo Mostakin, Interior Designer
Mo Mostakin graduated in 2017 with an Interior Architecture and Design degree from the University of Portsmouth. He is now an Interior Designer at HBA Residential.
Find out what Mo’s role entails and how he’s applying the skills he learnt during his time at Portsmouth.
Hi, my name is Mohammed. I work as an interior designer at HBO Residential in London.
When I was younger, when I was in A-levels, I studied art. During art, I used to do 12-hour photography walks, and one of the things I love to take photos of is buildings because, you know, they are inanimate objects, but they have so much character to them which I just love and I just fell into it. I took the chance and applied for architecture originally, but then I fell into interior design and I studied interior.
The one thing I loved about Portsmouth is that it's quite close to friends, and it isn't far from London – and it almost felt like a mini-London to me. It almost became home.
To a lot of outsiders, Interior Design is seen as a very feminine subject. Me, I'm very technical. Some of the girls in the course were very focused on textile, colours, how to make things work well together, you kind of learn from each other. The one thing I loved about it is we came as close as a family and we just helped each other in different aspects. It just brings everyone together.
A month before I graduated, like anyone, we were told to apply for jobs. Look out, look what's out there. One thing I used was the University of Portsmouth career page, which I managed to see HBO Associates on the list and they were looking for interns.
Having them on my CV is just amazing. I'm working on projects in London, Saudi Arabia and Russia. I used to do a few cruise ships. You never have the same thing. It's different. Each client has their own taste though. That's what I love is you're never in your comfort zone. It pushes me further and further, and it makes me become more of a better designer and become more confident, especially one day I will present to clients and that is a big responsibility. How do you sell your project to a real client? They're paying for it so you want to be good and you want to sell it properly.
I've been here four years now, I transitioned from hospitality to residential, so you know, it's going well so far.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB
- UCAS points – 128 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
UK applicants will be invited to an interview. Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio or sample of creative work to support their application.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Architecture courses creative portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Browse BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design students' work
Select an image to find out more about students their work.
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Careers and opportunities
After the course, you'll have plenty of career options.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in multi-disciplinary architectural design practices, commercial and retail practices, brand consultancies and film studios in roles such as:
- interior designer
- model maker
- visual merchandiser
- computer visualiser
- Part 1 architectural assistant
- film studio props designer
Others have gone on to work in industries such as such as education, events planning and retail management.
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year
Work placements are an excellent way to gain professional experience between your second and final years of study to further enhance your employment prospects after the course.
You can work for a practice, studio or company, or set up and run your own business with other students or on your own. Whichever you choose, you can get support from Creative Careers.
Placement roles
Our students have successfully interned in many roles, including:
- Interior and Architectural Designer
- Assistant Concept Designer
- Project Leader
- Design Manager
- Visual Merchandiser
- Architectural Assistant
- Trainee Design Coordinator
- Interior Design Intern
- Assistant Architectural Technician
Placement destinations
They've completed their placements at leading companies and organisations, such as:
- House of Commons
- L’Oréal
- Morgan Sindall
- Waitrose & Partners
- Luxe Development
- Sable Interiors
- RPA Group
- Fingerprintstudios
- Chalk Creatives
- Architectural Services Group
- Extension Architecture
- Laughland Jones
- Kitchen Architecture
- Burke Kikhards Architects
- Anne Haimes Interiors
- Inn Gear
Featured placement
Meg Ryan – Morgan Sindall
As a Design Manager intern, Meg Ryan talks about her role and the lessons she's learned so far.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Your facilities
Architecture Studios
Our open-plan learning spaces encourage a studio culture of collaboration, creativity and dialogue, preparing you for the ways of working you'll experience in your career.
Architecture Project Office
Get practical architecture experience and enhance your CV with real clients on intensive, fast-paced design workshops or consultancy projects.
3D Workshops
Our Workshops are ideal for model-making, with high-grade kit for crafting wood, metal, plastics, polyurethane, concrete and plaster works.
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Communication: Fundamentals – 20 credits
- Design: Exploration – 20 credits
- Design: Interior Application – 20 credits
- Design: Interpretation – 20 credits
- Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern – 20 credits
- Technology and Environment: Exploration – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Body and Interior Space – 20 credits
- Communication: Creative Practice – 20 credits
- Design: Adaptive Re-Use – 20 credits
- Design: Interior Investigation – 20 credits
- Technology and Materials – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
- Thematic Design – 20 credits
- Professional Experience – 20 credits
- Student Enterprise – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language – 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Communication: Professional Identity – 20 credits
- Design: Space, Detail, Atmosphere – 20 credits
- History and Theory: Dissertation – 20 credits
- Interior: Major Project – 40 credits
- Material Expression – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- studio tutorials
- individual and group projects
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you're assessed
- digital reviews of design projects
- design portfolios
- reflective journals and sketchbooks
- technical journals and models
- essays
- dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The University has provided me with support throughout, and there have been many great opportunities, including a field trip to Venice and working with the Creative Careers team.
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
We will supply you with a printing allowance but you will incur additional printing costs on portfolio work of between £50–£200.
You may incur material costs on a project which will vary from £20–£100.
Optional study trips abroad will cost in the region of £300–£700.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – K120
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.