Key information
This postgraduate masters programme provides those with a background in art, design and architecture with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to address interior architecture and design problems in an innovative, sustainable and socially conscious manner.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- Postgraduate MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Start date
- September, January
- Next intake
- September
Our MA Interior Architecture and Design is designed for those with art, design, and architectural backgrounds. The postgraduate master’s programme provides you with a creative blend of practical skills, research, and technology to develop designs that offer tangible solutions to current socio-economic issues and sustainability.
You’ll study Interior Architecture and Design through a range of studio projects, specialist subjects and cross-disciplinary theoretical courses and will give you the chance to develop your own project and concepts that test and challenge the perceived norms. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to understand and explore interior architecture and design from a creative, theoretical, and practical perspective with emphasis on innovation, technology, and commercial relevance.
MA Interior Architecture and Design will allow you to understand the concepts, principles and theories of specialist design issues to help meet your individual professional aspirations. You’ll develop the practical expertise and apply intellectual awareness to address interior architecture and design issues, problems and scenarios in an innovative, sustainable and socially conscious manner.
The programme offers specialised courses in interior architecture tectonics, tools and technology; design thinking and innovation; sustainable design and management; interior architecture communities, engagement and practice; and research methodologies. You’ll apply your learned skills, techniques, and knowledge to undertake your final project and fine-tune your expertise within the industry.
Upon completion of the programme, you’ll be able to effectively approach and explore interior architecture and design and communicate ideas critically and effectively to a wide range of individuals and organisations, through professional visual, written, and verbal communication.
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by our Fashion and Textiles faculty and staff, whose work covers many key areas including:
- Smart Nanotextiles – Nanofibres and Nanoyarns
- Fashion Technology
- Fashion Sustainability
- Design Innovation
- Printed Textile Design
- Medical Compression Design
- Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Management
- Brand Management and Marketing
- Garment Making and Pattern Cutting
Course content
September Intake
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Interior Architecture Tectonics, Tools and Technology
- Design Thinking
- Sustainable Design & Management
Mandatory January
- Interior Architecture, Communities, Engagement, and Practice
- Research Methodologies
Optional January
- Design Technologies
- Business Enterprise
Mandatory May
- Final Project
January Intake
Year 1
Mandatory January
- Interior Architecture, Communities, Engagement, and Practice
- Research Methodologies
Mandatory September
- Interior Architecture Tectonics, Tools and Technology
- Design Thinking
- Sustainable Design & Management
Optional January
- Design Technologies
- Business Enterprise
Mandatory May
- Final Project
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Student testimonials
Shida's story
Graduate, Interior Architecture and Design MA
See moreWhen it came to choosing where to pursue my Master’s, I knew I wanted more than just a prestigious name, I wanted a program that truly resonated with my passion for sustainability in design. That’s when I discovered Heriot-Watt’s MA in Interior Architecture and Design, and its focus on combining creative thinking with real-world impact immediately drew me in. It was everything I had been searching for.
Teaching staff
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,864 | £5,432 |
| International | £20,456 | £10,228 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Alumni Discount - 20% fee discount
A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses for all Heriot-Watt alumni who have previously been registered for one year or more on a Heriot-Watt degree programme.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in interior design or architecture. Engineering degrees may also be considered.
You should include a portfolio demonstrating your skills in Auto Computer Aided Design and creativity of interiors, floor plans and elevations as part of your application.
In addition, extensive work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration, please include your CV as part of your application.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
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