ARCH4003
15 credits
This module introduces architectural design and explores how it is influenced by the philosophies, methods, and technology of the fine arts. The course combines...

Explore how buildings and spaces are conceived and designed, developing creative and technical architectural skills.
Our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture course is part of the School of Architecture, blending creative design with critical thinking. While some modules are shared with Architecture, Interior Architecture focuses on designing from the user's perspective; considering how people experience and move through space.
You’ll explore real-world issues through live projects with local clients and develop unique ‘furnitecture’, designs that sit between furniture and architecture. Rooted in both the rich traditions of architectural theory and the dynamic, emerging field of interior design, the course encourages bold ideas and hands-on experimentation.
With over 20 years of experience and as a founding member of Interior Educators, we’re proud to offer a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Based in Oxford, you'll have access to world-class buildings for inspiration and study.
Explore our students’ work and see what you could create.
Design at a scale between furniture and architecture, shaping materials and space with originality and imagination.
Learn to develop design briefs by translating social and cultural needs into clear and meaningful design parameters.
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
Our university-wide language programme is available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| UCAS tariff points | 128 |
| Contextual offer tariff points | 104 |
| A-level | ABB |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | DDM |
| International Baccalaureate | 32 |
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Applicants will need to provide a portfolio (eg sketches, freehand/technical drawings, life drawings, 3D models, paintings, photographs). Please read our portfolio guidance notes.
On application you will be given instructions on how to upload a digital version of your portfolio.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The interviewer will look for evidence of motivation, general creativity and breadth of interest, and will expect to be shown work which demonstrates creative ability of some kind. Any such work may be presented, including art work where no formal course has been followed.
| Fee types | 2026/27 | 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| Home full-time | £9,790 | £10,050 |
| Home part-time | £1,220 per single module | £1,255 per single module |
| International full-time | £18,250 | £19,300 |
Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
For further information please see our tuition fees FAQs.
Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
This course teaches you how to respond to many human and cultural needs. Design through practice is a key part of interior architecture.
In your first year, you’ll learn about the essentials of designing in 3D, and in context and to scale. You’ll also discover how to come up with a design brief and practise representational techniques such as architectural orthographic drawing and model making.
In Year 2, projects often involve designing a new pavilion, private interior spaces and how to reuse existing building fabric.
And in Year 3, you’ll work on a comprehensive project focused on sharpening your professional skills. You’ll also write a dissertation on a specialist subject of your choice.
The three-year full-time course is centred on the design studio.
You will learn about:
We place importance on learning from each other. You’ll generate and develop ideas in our open studio culture.
Design studio culture involves:
We will equip you with the latest architecture insights and knowledge. You will have the opportunity to take part in 'live' projects within the community.
Related subject teaching includes:
Teaching methods include:
| Contact hours | Total workload | Timetabled |
|---|---|---|
| about 15 hrs a week | 1,200 hrs a year | Mon–Fri, 09:00–18:00 |
Assessment is 100% coursework.
Assessment methods include:
ARCH4003
15 credits
This module introduces architectural design and explores how it is influenced by the philosophies, methods, and technology of the fine arts. The course combines...
ARCH4006
15 credits
This module provides an essential foundation in architectural technology, covering construction, structures, environmental science, and sustainable design. It...
ARCH4001
30 credits
This module is structured around a series of design exercises aimed at introducing the core principles of architectural design.. You will engage in both...
ARCH4004
15 credits
You will gain knowledge about how architecture is influenced by different factors, such as cultural and intellectual theories, and technologies. You will also...
ARCH4002
30 credits
In this module, you will explore the intricate interplay between a specific architectural design and its contextual surroundings. You will learn to analyse...
ARCH4005
15 credits
This module is designed to expand your comprehension of architectural history and theory. Delivered mainly through lectures, it introduces pivotal architectural...
Field trips in the UK are offered each year in addition to site visits in local exploration of the rich architecture in Oxford and London. Field trips and site visits are enjoyable and offer an opportunity to experience architecture at first hand with tutors and peers.
Field trips and site visits are optional and additional cost to the course fees.
This degree gives you the skills and knowledge you’ll need for employment in an architectural practice, design office or a fabrication and manufacturing workshop. Some of our students are now working for practices including Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Foster + Partners.
But this isn’t your only career option. With the skills in communication, leadership and teamworking you’ll have developed, you could go on to a career in:
One of our recent graduates is using the knowledge and experience they gained on the course and applying this to their work in environmental psychology.
You may consider continuing with interior architecture at further study or postgraduate research. Or use the knowledge you’ve gained to take on postgraduate study in a related discipline.
Our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, so module availability and course structures may vary from what is listed here. On rare occasions, we may also need to make updates to our course programmes after publication; for full details, please visit our changes to programmes page (opens in a new tab)