MA Interior Architecture and Design
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Key information
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MA
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
The MA Interior Architecture and Design programme embraces both interior design and architecture. It combines a hybrid of activities, creatively blending the application of practical skills, research, and technology to develop designs that offer tangible solutions to current socio-economic issues and sustainability.
The course is aimed at students from art, design and architectural backgrounds. It offers a range of studio projects, specialist subjects and cross-disciplinary theoretical courses. Ultimately, it'll give you the chance to develop your own project, along with concepts that test and challenge perceived norms.
The MA Interior Architecture and Design degree is taught at our Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels.
Course length
The full-time Interior Architecture and Design masters course starts in mid September and lasts one year. The course can also be taken part-time over two years.
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Course content
Year 1
Much of the programme has been designed to be academically valuable and industry relevant, yet also cater for each individual students own project development.
Key to this are four different strands that run through the programme:
- Design Studio: Through Interior Design Practice and Expertise 1 and 2, and the final project students have an opportunity to develop their designs iteratively in a stimulating studio environment and culture, borrowing and applying elements from other courses below. These two courses contain projects and briefs designed to challenge established norms and practices.
- Sustainability and Technology: Through subjects such as Design technology and innovation and Sustainable Design and Management students gain a clearer insight into the potential of technology and need for sustainability, in practice.
- Context and research: Through two dedicated Research Methodologies courses students benefit from a greater sense of where their own practice and project is located, and learn improved ways to conduct their own critical research and analysis.
Programme structure:
Semester 1
- Interior Design Practice and Expertise 1
- Research Methodologies 1
- Design Technology and Innovation
Semester 2
- Interior Design Practice and Expertise 2
- Research Methodologies 2
- Sustainable Design and Management
Semester 3
- Final project
Assessment
The assessment policies for this course incorporate a range of assessment types, with a specific emphasis on formative assessment, self-evaluation, debate and peer critique in all courses.
Summative assessment types include coursework, examinations, collaborative and individual problem based projects and a self-directed Masters project with dissertation.
Learning and teaching
The overall approach in the course is centred around each individual learner, and their personal projects, with core information delivered via tutorials, lectures and embedded during seminars.
Key methods, theories and techniques will be introduced and discussed. Technical skills will be developed throughout each course and through independent practice.
Courses are designed to enable students to undertake a mixture of activities, often involving cross-disciplinary, and long distance international collaboration
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 9152 | 4576 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 19056 | 9528 |
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.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
The programme attracts students primarily from an art, design, and architectural background, and expects that each student develop their own project, and concepts, that test and challenge perceived norms or patterns.
You should hold a good (first or second class) Honours degree or its non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university. In addition, work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration as part of the application process.
Applications are made by completing an online application form. Please upload the following documents as part of your application:
- A copy of your degree(s) certificates and relevant transcripts
- A portfolio of past design work
- A CV
- If required, proof of English language
English language requirements
If you are from a country that is not on the UKVI majority English-speaking country list, you are required to provide proof of English. Please refer to the English language requirements webpage for details of evidence that we accept. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Pre-sessional English courses are available for applicants at the Edinburgh Campus to improve on English language usage and study skills. Please note that completion of pre-sessional courses are not a guarantee of admittance.
Why Heriot-Watt?
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Health and wellbeing
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Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.