Course summary
Interior Architecture merges competences between architecture, interior design, and social science. Its fluid approach permits for a shift of focus from the design of ‘objects’ (buildings and furniture) to an evaluation of the 'subjective' experience of the users. As the ‘spatial art of environmental design’, Interior Architecture refers thus to the process by which the interiors of buildings and public spaces are designed to support human activities, in a range of crafted environments that maintain a sustainable relation with the communities they serve. Although the ability to design is not necessarily required for admission in this programme, each successful applicant must demonstrate an awareness of design consequences as evaluated in ‘real’ environments through a portfolio of social research work.
Modules
Compulsory modules Spatial Qualities: History and Theory (20 credits) Spatial Qualities introduces definitions, issues, aspirations, and experience of ‘space’ in modern times. Students will choose a specific interior space, and provide an historical and critical assessment of its design and experiential qualities, in relation to contextual and cultural conditions. Affordance: Practices of Social Space (20 credits) Affordance aims to broaden and enhance students’ awareness of spatial environments as effective social spaces, Lectures in related fields provide a multidisciplinary approach and focus on spatial conditions for the advancement of social and cultural cohesion. Students will have the opportunity to develop a critical and self-reflective practice by compiling a social strategy for design. Design Variables: Technology & Experience (20 credits) Design Variables give students the opportunity to develop appropriate strategies and methodologies for exploring materiality, fabrication, construction, and environmental performance – in order to determine meaningful design propositions based around the body inhabitation of space. The focus is on learning from precedents and applying knowledge to specific design propositions. Furnitecture: Research and Design (20 credits) Furnitecture [furni(tures) + (archi)tectures] focuses on a new design concept that describes multi-functional structures that operate at an intermediary scale between furniture and architecture. These flexible structures have the ability to augment and transform habitable and working spaces, and to influence and broaden conventional patterns of use by creating innovative environments. A series of research and design briefs will analyse furnitectures from a variety of contexts, to define the design requirements necessary for specific end-users and functional purpose. Social Space: Research and Design (40 credits) Social Space provides the opportunity to understand the primary functions and working dynamics of interior architecture in the wider field of practice, including developing design strategies, and addressing social and functional requirements in response to requirements emerging from the analysis of existing building conditions, and viable strategies for alternatives. Students will practice a range of methodologies for contextual design, to articulate an individual research and design report at professional level standard, in response to design briefs. Research Methods and Design (10 credits) Research Methods aims to advance student’s knowledge and understanding of methods available to undertake appropriate academic research for the dissertation. It presents a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods and provides a forum for debate about research. Dissertation: MA Interior Architecture (50 credits) The MA Interior Architecture Dissertation is the synthesis of critical approaches and writing techniques acquired in the master, applied to a sustained individual design research related to a specific social space within its cultural and physical context. Students are expected to produce the final dissertation by combining images and text to support their arguments to the highest possible standards of written and visual presentation. Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Assessment method
A holistic approach to design specifications articulates the professional curriculum in the MA Interior Architecture, with an emphasis on critical methodologies of social evaluation and performance. To ensure that students from different academic and professional backgrounds are equally able to perform in the course, upon agreement with staff students can tailor submissions to suit their personal abilities and graphic style. Students’ submissions include site survey and analysis, written and photographic essays, seminar papers, project work and presentations, and workshops and design simulations. The assessment methods aim to test not only knowledge but also skills in research, analysis, and design awareness, in relation to five core attributes: Academic and Research Literacy, Professional Competence, Critical Self-Awareness, and Active Citizenship.
How to apply
International applicants
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components. OR An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements Admission to the programme will normally be open to applicants who fulfil either of the following requirements: hold a minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2), or an equivalent overseas qualification from a recognised institution, in either a design-related discipline (e.g. interior design, interior architecture, architecture or product design) or in a environmental-oriented discipline (e.g. applied sociology, environmental psychology or human geography). submit a portfolio of research and design work which will be requested after a valid application has been submitted. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, either in person or via a digital platform.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components. OR An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
The University's standard English language requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £17350 | Year 1 |
| England | £9150 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9150 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9150 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9150 | Year 1 |
| International | £17350 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
Provider information
Oxford Brookes University
Gipsy Lane
Headington
Oxford
OX3 0BP