Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
It’s what’s inside that counts.
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Design to improve people's lives through the interior environments they inhabit.
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
4 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) at UNSW is a four-year full-time degree that will prepare you to improve peoples’ lives through the interior environments they inhabit.
As a graduate of Interior Architecture, you’ll work in a design discipline that focuses on interior environments as integral parts of our cities, including all aspects of their spatial, social and material assembly. Interior architecture and interior design share common ground but differ in their scale and extent of three-dimensional space making. While interior architecture includes the manipulation of the spatial, material and structural elements of a space, such as walls, floors and staircases, interior design focuses on the planning and detail of individual rooms.
Supported by our open and inclusive Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), you’ll join a uniquely interdisciplinary community. As you would in the workforce, you’ll collaborate with students and professionals across the built environment disciplines to develop creative solutions that respond to current societal, functional and aesthetic challenges. You’ll gain the knowledge and career focused experience to design these solutions from the scale of individual rooms to the scale of cities.
Key features
The key features of this degree will see you explore interior architecture through theory and practice, preparing you for diverse and successful careers. These include:
- Design Studios
- Design Communications
- Interior Materiality
- Construction and Structures
- Aesthetics
- Functionality
- Environmental Sustainability
- Technical Drawing and Model Making
- History, Culture and Theory
- Professional Practice
- Planning
- Design Research
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Collaborate and learn through unique interdisciplinary programs
- Establish networks through our strong industry links and partnerships
- Study a degree that is recognised, and a member of the Interior Designer/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA)
- Become eligible for membership with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI)
- Increase your employability through an honours level outcome and optional progression into the Master of Architecture
- Option to Minor in Computational Design, Construction Management, Industrial Design or Landscape Architecture.
- Study at a Built Environment School that ranks 33rd in the world and 4th in Australia (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
- Prioritise career success – UNSW won the Australian Financial Review’s Most Employable Students Award in 2020
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 50 university (QS World University Rankings, 2021)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
- Access global study and work opportunities
Program Code
3256
CRICOS Code
088833J
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
423400
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192
Indicative Enrolments
440
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
2021 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2021 A levels
13
2021 IB Diploma
29
2021 Lowest ATAR
70.1
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- 2021 Lowest Selection Rank
The 2021 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. - 2021 A levels
The 2021 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate. - 2021 IB Diploma
The 2021 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2021. It is to be used as a guide only. - 2021 Lowest ATAR
The 2021 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
- 2021 Lowest Selection Rank
Alternative entry pathways
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW School of Built Environment, we recognise your creative potential. With BE Portfolio Entry, you can submit a portfolio of your best creative work to showcase your talent and boost your chance of admission. Learn more about BE Portfolio Entry.
UNSW also offers a number of other alternative entry schemes to support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore your alternative entry options
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Pathway programs
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more about UNSW Global.
UNSW offers a number of other alternative entry schemes which could support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore alternative entry options.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) is a four-year program consisting of 12 core courses, 8 design practice courses and 8 electives courses.
The program includes:
- 12 Core courses
- 8 Design practice courses
- 2 Interdisciplinary courses
- 2 Open elective courses (choose from within UNSW School of Built Environment or other schools)
- 2 Built Environment elective courses (choose from within UNSW School of Built Environment)
- 2 General Education Courses (choose from other faculties)
Honours
This is a four-year embedded honours degree. Through your final-year of your Honours program you’ll deepen your knowledge of interior architecture by delving further into your design practice through a self-directed project.
You’ll graduate with and advanced skills and an extended project that will set you apart as you kick-start your career.
Minor
You can also choose to minor in one of the following areas with courses taken in the third and fourth years of the program.
- Computational Design
- Construction Management
- Industrial Design
- Landscape Architecture
Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard four-year, full-time study plan for the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours).
First year
- 2 Design Practice courses
- 4 Level 1 Interior Architecture core courses
- 2 Level 1 Built Environment core courses
Second year
- 2 Design Practice courses
- 5 Level 2 Interior Architecture core courses
- 1 Level 1 Built Environment core course
Third year
- 2 Design Practice courses
- 1 Interior Architecture Core Course
- 4 Elective, General Education or Interdisciplinary Courses
Fourth year
- 2 Design practice courses
- 3 Elective, General Education or Interdisciplinary Courses
See our sample degree structure, or for full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
If you want to study this degree as a pathway into UNSW’s Master of Architecture, the program structure will differ slightly in the third and fourth years and should include:
Third year (pathway to Master of Architecture)
- 2 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Design Studio courses
- 2 Bachelor of Architectural Studies Core Courses
- 1 Interior Architecture Core Course
- 2 Elective, General Education or Interdisciplinary Courses
Fourth year (pathway to Master of Architecture)
- 2 Design Studio courses
- 1 Bachelor of Architectural Studies core course
- 2 Electives, General Education or Interdisciplinary courses
See our sample degree structure for the Master of Architecture Pathway.
Studying this degree will prepare you to build a career that influences lives for the better by designing and improving interior spaces. You’ll graduate with the confidence, connections and unique career-ready experience to turn creativity and critical thinking into real-world solutions.
UNSW graduates are renowned for their employability and go on to successful and diverse careers in roles and areas listed below, and more.
Potential careers
- Professional designer in architecture and design practices
- Private consultant, specialising in residential, retail, workplace or hospitality
- Corporate interior designer specialising in multi-storey residential, retail, hospitality, medical, hotel or exhibition design
Accreditation
When you graduate you'll be eligible for membership with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI).
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to apply?
2021 Indicative First Year Fee
$7,950*
Commonwealth Supported Place, Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.
2021 Indicative First Year Fee
$41,040*
2021 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$172,240*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
Our scholarships help you achieve your potential and enhance the university experience. Scholarships reward academic achievements and encourage international mobility, diversity and equity.
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Top 50WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2020.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
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