Interior Architecture / Interior Design

Interior Architecture / Interior Design is a practice and application-oriented programme that aims to equip its graduates with the professional skills required for conceptualising, planning and realising spaces and the alteration of building interiors. The programme aims to communicate skills and knowledge so that creative and responsible solutions to tasks in the fields of interior design and interior architecture can be independently applied. The graduates should be able to manage tasks by comprehending space as a whole, and utilise their knowledge on the interrelatedness of the built environment, space, light and the human being. The main field of work is foreseen as spaces, furniture, and fittings, as well as objects within the realm of interior space.
Due to the changing profile and complexity of the profession, as well as the international target group of the university, the programme focuses on a broad basic training to acquire professional knowledge and skills to approach projects systematically using the key qualifications of interior design.

The teaching methods of the programme take the personal development and diversity of the students into consideration. Besides lectures, didactic tools are selected based on the principle of facilitating independent learning processes in interactive and task-based learning environments, such as e-learning, experimental, and practice-oriented teaching formats, as well as interdisciplinarity. This is to guarantee optimal results in learning and individualise excellent teaching at Berlin International. This teaching concept lays the foundations for optimal conditions for studying, as well as for future professional activities, as it aims to stimulate enthusiasm for the job while orienting itself towards the demands of the market and society.

The teaching concept of the Bachelor's programme lays great importance on project work in the studies. This is essential and desirable, as this prepares interior designers best for future occupations. Specific courses integrate interdisciplinarity in teaching. The programme is practice-oriented, and building diverse partnerships with businesses is of value to the faculty. This is also perceived positively by students, as it increases their chances in international markets. Besides the practice-oriented profile, artistic and scientific training is also essential to the programme. The design and development of interior design concepts is perceived to be a symbiosis of applied sciences and artistic creation.

The speciality of the Interior Architecture / Interior Design program at Berlin International lies in its objective of sensitising students to the understanding of the usage and meaning of space for different cultures in varying international contexts. The international orientation of BI provides students with possibilities in study trips, exchange programmes and internship possibilities abroad, specifically through already established campuses within the BAU Global Education Network. Students can experience international and multicultural environments and meet communities of students, scholars, and future fellow colleagues, preparing them for a complex working atmosphere.

Educational organisation

The Interior Architecture / Interior Design study program at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is divided into different stages. Semesters one and two form the basic study period.
The basic study period constitutes the introduction to the studies.

The basic study period gives the students a first orientation into the studies and introduces them to the basics. It consists of the modules Design Basics, Technique 1, Visualisation 1, and Theory 1. In addition, General Vocational Practice (GVP) complements the curriculum of the basic study period with a total value of 5 ECTS. General Vocational Practice includes elective courses.

The main study period lasts four semesters (third to sixth semester) and contains modules that expand the basis of the foundation introduced in the basic study period. In the main study period, the percentage of programme-specific courses is understandably higher. The main study period consists of the Design Project Studies, Technique 2, Visualisation 2, Theory 2 and Technique 2 modules as well as three pools of departmental electives (Wahlpflichtfächer), an internship, and the Bachelor's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

A study abroad period is not obligatory for students of the Interior Design programme at Berlin International. Since BI is a part of the BAU Global Education Network, study abroad experiences at other BAU universities or campuses in Istanbul, Washington DC, Rome, Hong Kong, Silicon Valley or Toronto are encouraged.

Internships

An internship of approx. 10 weeks (15 credits) is to be completed by the end of the fifth semester. Programme advisers and a staff member at the Internship Office will assist students in finding an appropriate internship in Germany or abroad.

Forms of assessment

The Interior Architecture / Interior Design program at Berlin International - University of Applied Sciences comprises 180 ECTS. Examinations vary and include written and oral tasks, as well as a Bachelor's thesis. Details are described in our module handbook.

Course objectives

Interior Designers work with spaces, which might vary from residential spaces to event spaces, theatre and film sets, public spaces, and exhibition spaces. The Interior Architecture / Interior Design program at Berlin International prepares students for their future careers through perfecting their creative and professional skills by equipping students with all tools they need in order to design space and to be able to communicate their design ideas in any given context.
Creative and critical thinking, problem-solving skills, adaptability, an international outlook, interdisciplinary experience, and intercultural competence are of special importance for all programmes of the Faculty of Design, including Interior Design.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL 537 (paper-based), 74 (Internet-based), IELTS 6, FCE B. If the applicant's English skills are not sufficient at the point of application, an English language preparatory course (one to two semesters) may be taken at BI.

Academic requirements

• Abitur, Fachabitur or international equivalent (check ANABIN country-specific regulations or consult us)
• English language skills

If English language skills are not yet advanced enough, an English language preparatory course is offered.

Enrolment fees

A one-time application fee of 100€ for EU Students and 250€ for non-EU Students

Costs of living

Approx. 700-800 EUR

Job opportunities

Berlin offers ample opportunities for a wide range of student jobs. German language skills are an advantage.

Funding opportunities within the university

Berlin International offers a scholarship programme for excellent students. Three university-internal scholarships are offered to students of the Bachelor's programme in Business Administration: one 50% scholarship and two 25% scholarships. Applications for scholarships are possible after a letter of acceptance has been received. For more information, please check our homepage or contact the Student Affairs Office.
http://www.berlin-international.de/en/admission

Arrival support

Arrival support can be organised if needed.

Services and support for international students

International students are assisted by our Students Affairs Officer with general, non-academic issues. An Internship Office assists students in finding fitting internship possibilities in Berlin or elsewhere (also internationally). Due to our excellent staff-student and professor-student ratio, each student will have the opportunity to receive help and assistance in academic and non-academic matters, if required. Cultural events and trips to get acquainted with Berlin and Germany are organised by the BI team. If students choose to live in the apartments provided by the university, English-speaking staff are available.

Accommodation

Accommodation in single or double, fully equipped student apartments can be arranged. The building complex is situated in a quiet and safe residential area in southwest Berlin. The apartment building is well connected via the public transport system to the main campus and to all parts of the city. English-speaking staff are available.