Interior Architecture

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Photo of house for Interior Architecture course
Photo of house for Interior Architecture course
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40*
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 860
Entry Requirements
431 Points in 2023 (round 1) and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Anne Rogers

T: +353 (0)21 433 5977

Email: (email)

Overview

Interior architecture is specific to a building’s interior. It stands at the intersection of architecture, design of the built environment, sustainability, and conservation. Unlike interior design, it is architecture within the confines of an existing building. As such, the course requires a level of technical competence to compare with that of the architect, as the responsibilities to the client and community are similar.

This course examines contemporary practice in interior architecture and teaches you about our architectural heritage, how buildings work, and how to create high quality spatial experiences. It involves the design of interiors of buildings, their layout, fitting, furnishing and decoration, and the preparation of all technical drawings and written documentation necessary for the carrying out of the work.

The work of interior architectural design includes domestic, commercial, leisure, retail, educational, healthcare and cultural interior projects. Interior architectural design encompasses many types of interiors and utilises accompanying skills.

At MTU, interior architecture covers the spectrum of industry specialisms. It involves the initial design and plan for use to accommodate a changed purpose, or a significantly revised design for adaptive reuse of the building shell. It considers structural adaption, sustainable redevelopment strategies, use of light, air movement, ventilation, horizontal/vertical circulation, and servicing. The practice of interior architecture responds to multiple user needs and a wider social responsibility.

The core of this programme is the design studio where skills in design and representation are integrated with mastery of content from other modules. The emphasis is the development of strong design and analytical skills in a studio-based environment.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

The core of the learning experience takes place in the studio through interior architecture design projects and the application and integration of knowledge and skills explored in lecture modules.

The focus of the year 1 studio is simple spatial design and design of domestic scale interior space including the exploration of the processes used to create interior architecture.

Modules include History (western architecture and design and key buildings), Technology and Materials while skills developed include communication, graphic techniques, sketching, drawing, model making, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

Note: Typically 36-40 class places are allocated between MT 860 and MT 760.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

This course qualifies graduates to work in architectural practice, interior architecture, and interior design firms, and allied disciplines in the capacity of an architectural designer with a developed area of focus and expertise or in entry management positions.

The graduate will be proficient in interior planning, spatial design and the materiality of complex interior schemes that involve multiple floors and mixed uses. The graduate is also oriented to commercial architectural practice with a strong understanding of sustainable design. The graduate will be able to develop designs and their attendant working drawings, and will deal with contractors, suppliers, and local authorities. The graduate may also select self-employment after a suitable period of practical experience.

  • Private practice
  • Commercial
  • Government organisation
  • Local authority

Progression

Further Studies

Attractive postgraduate opportunities at Master’s and PhD level in allied disciplines are available in Ireland and abroad.

Question Time

There is currently no accreditation process available in interior architecture in Ireland.

Approximately 50% of time is devoted to studio and project work.

Formal work placement (minimum of five weeks) is an integral element of the course and takes place in year 3. The placement programme will familiarise the student with work practices and procedures and provide them with the opportunity to observe the practical application of theoretical knowledge gained on their programme.

The placement is supported by a member of academic staff in MTU together with a workplace mentor. The aim of the industry placement is to introduce the student to structured employment in a relevant work sector and to develop the student’s understanding.

Interior architecture includes aesthetic design of all interior aspects of a building. Architectural technology can be described as the technical design of the whole building.

This programme is designed to graduate candidates who will practice in interior architecture which includes interior design.

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