Interior Architecture

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of New South Wales is a comprehensive and innovative program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in interior design and spatial planning. This degree emphasizes creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and sustainable design principles, providing students with the skills necessary to transform interior environments across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, cultural, and public spaces. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers fundamental design theories, architecture history, materiality, lighting, furniture design, and digital fabrication, equipping them to conceive and implement compelling interior solutions. The program combines theoretical learning with practical experience, offering studio-based projects, hands-on workshops, and industry collaborations that foster real-world skills and professional readiness. Students are encouraged to develop a strong understanding of human behavior, ergonomics, and environmental sustainability, ensuring their designs prioritize user wellbeing and ecological responsibility. The program also provides opportunities for internships and industry placements, enhancing employability and professional networking. Graduates of the Bachelor of Interior Architecture are well-equipped to work as interior designers, spatial planners, and consultants, contributing to the creation of innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior environments. The University of New South Wales’s emphasis on research, collaboration, and sustainability ensures that students not only acquire technical proficiency but also develop a thoughtful and ethical approach to design. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and vibrant industry links, students are supported every step of the way in their journey to becoming tomorrow’s interior architecture leaders.

Year 1

Semester 1

• INTA2101 Design Practice 1: Enquire (12 UOC)
• INTA2171 Int Technics 1: Assemblage (6 UOC)
• INTA3121 Critical Persp 1: Interiority (6 UOC)

Semester 2

• INTA2102 Design Practice 2: Articulate (12 UOC)
• INTA2172 Int Technics 2: Materiality (6 UOC)
• INTA3122 Critical Persp 2: Dwelling (6 UOC)

Year 2

Semester 1

• INTA2201 Design Practice 3: Translate (12 UOC)
• INTA3222 Critical Persp 3: Consumption (6 UOC)
• INTA3271 Int Technics 3: Detail (6 UOC)

Semester 2

• INTA2202 Design Practice 4: Experiment (12 UOC)
• INTA3272 Int Technics 4: Systems (6 UOC)
• INTA3322 Critical Persp 4: Identity (6 UOC)

Year 3

Semester 1

• INTA2301 Design Practice 5: Narrate (12 UOC)

• General Education (6UOC)
• Interdisciplinary Learning Course* (6 UOC)

Semester 2

• INTA2302 Design Practice 6: Speculate (12 UOC)

• General Education (6UOC)
• Interdisciplinary Learning Course* (6 UOC)

Year 4

Semester 1

• INTA2401 Design Practice 7: Propose (12 UOC)

• Open Elective (6UOC)
• BE Elective (6UOC)

Semester 2

• INTA2402 Design Practice 8: Resolve (12 UOC)

• BE Elective (6UOC)
• Open Elective (6UOC)

NOTE: The 12UOC of Interdisciplinary Learning Courses can be undertaken at any stage from the end of Year 2 to the end of Year 4 including summer sessions.

Additionally, students are not required to undertake the other elective and general educaton requirements in the exact order as indicated in the above program structure. This structure provides a suggested order for the completion of these elective and general education requirements, however a student can choose to do them in a different sequence. For example, a student may choose to complete a Select Elective in S1 of Yr 3 and undertake the 6 UOC of general education in Yr 4.

A list of 2015 Interdisciplinary Learning Courses is below:

Summer Semester:

• BEIL0017 Business Start Up (6 UOC)
• BEIL6000 Issues in Urbanism (6 UOC)
• BEIL6003 Cinematic Space (6 UOC)
• BEIL6007 International Study Tour (6 UOC)
• BEIL6008 International Design Studio (6 UOC)

Semester 1:

• BEIL0001 Graphic Design for Built Env (6 UOC)
• BEIL0004 Design Competitions and Bids (6 UOC)
• BEIL0005 People, Place and Design (6 UOC)
• BEIL0007 Sustainable Design Thinking (6 UOC)
• BEIL0010 Creating Value for Built Env (6 UOC)
• BEIL0011 Healthy Planning (6 UOC)
• BEIL0013 Architectural Photography (6 UOC)
• BEIL0016 Renewing the Urban Environment (6 UOC)
• BEIL6002 Urban and Regional Planning (6 UOC)
• BEIL6005 Art, Architecture and Design (6 UOC)

Semester 2:

• BEIL0001 Graphic Design for Built Env (6 UOC)
• BEIL0003 BE Annual Design Competition (6 UOC)
• BEIL0005 People, Place and Design (6 UOC)
• BEIL0006 BE OutThere Elective (6 UOC)
• BEIL0008 Vision to Reality (6 UOC)
• BEIL0009 Exhibition Design (6 UOC)
• BEIL0013 Architectural Photography (6 UOC)
• BEIL0014 Digital Making (6 UOC)
• BEIL0015 Digital Design Foundations (6 UOC)
• BEIL6001 International Planning (6 UOC)
• BEIL6004 Masterpieces of Architecture (6 UOC)
• BEIL6006 Heritage Planning (6 UOC)

Students are required to choose 2 courses from the suite of Built Environment Interdisciplinary courses to complete a minimum of 12uoc of BEIL courses.

• High school degree
• IELTS Academic version only 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
• TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) 90 overall (min.23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
• TOEFL Paper-based Test  (PBT) 577 overall (min. 5.0 in TWE)

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of New South Wales offers a range of financing options to assist students in covering their educational expenses. Domestic students may access government financial assistance programs such as osfa for Commonwealth Supported Places and FEE-HELP, a loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer payment of their tuition fees, which are repaid through the tax system once the student’s income reaches a certain threshold. FEE-HELP provides flexibility and reduces immediate financial burden, making university education more accessible. Additionally, students can benefit from scholarships and bursaries offered by UNSW, which are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the field of study. These scholarships often cover tuition fees or provide financial stipends to support students throughout their studies. International students pursuing the Interior Architecture program are typically required to pay full tuition fees upfront but may be eligible for various scholarships and financial aid packages provided by the university or external organizations, aimed at promoting diversity and supporting talented students from around the world. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including government grants, private sponsorships, and educational loan programs available in their home countries. The university provides comprehensive guidance on financial planning and the application procedures for various funding sources through its Student Service Centre. It is important for prospective students to carefully examine the eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and conditions associated with each financial aid option. The university also offers financial literacy resources and counseling to help students manage their finances effectively during their time at UNSW. Overall, the UNSW Bachelor of Interior Architecture program is supported by a variety of funding pathways aimed at reducing the financial barriers to higher education, enabling students to focus on their academic and professional development in interior architecture.

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for a professional career in interior design and architecture. This degree combines creative design skills with technical knowledge, focusing on the spatial, environmental, and aesthetic aspects of interior spaces. Students learn to develop innovative interior solutions that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically compelling, tailored to diverse contexts including residential, commercial, institutional, and public environments. The curriculum typically covers core areas such as design principles, building technology, materials and finishes, project management, lighting design, sustainable practices, and interior history and theory. Studio-based learning is a hallmark of the program, emphasizing hands-on experience, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Students often have opportunities to engage with industry partners through internships and design projects, fostering professional connections and practical skills.

The program is structured to build progressively from foundational design and technical courses to advanced projects, culminating in a final year where students showcase comprehensive interior design solutions. The university places an emphasis on innovation and sustainability, integrating current industry trends and technological advancements into the coursework. Graduates of the Interior Architecture program are equipped to work in various sectors, including architecture firms, interior design consultancies, project management companies, and governmental agencies. They also gain transferable skills such as visual communication, digital modelling, critical thinking, and project coordination that are valuable in many related fields.

UNSW’s dedicated facilities support the program, providing access to state-of-the-art design studios, computer labs with advanced design software, and material libraries. The program often incorporates interdisciplinary learning, connecting students with other faculties such as architecture, engineering, and arts, to expand their perspective and versatility. Upon completion, graduates receive a bachelor's degree that qualifies them for registration or licensing as interior architects or designers, depending on regional requirements. The program aims to develop creative, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious professionals who can contribute meaningfully to shaped environments. With a robust blend of theoretical underpinning and practical exposure, the Bachelor of Interior Architecture at UNSW prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the built environment industry worldwide.