Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)

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We’re redefining the architecture of the inside.

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

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) at UNSW is a four-year full-time degree, where you’ll learn how to improve the interior environments in which we live, work and play.

Through a combination of creative thinking and making, you’ll study and work within a design community that collectively reimagines and reshapes the interior environments within our homes, workspaces and cities.

From the manipulation of the spatial, material and structural elements of a space to exploring interior architecture through theory and practice – you’ll graduate with the confidence and work experience you need to take the next step in your interior architecture journey.

Key features

Local and international opportunities
Beyond having access to global study and work experiences, you’ll also get the chance to establish strong and lasting networks through our substantial industry links, partnerships and world-class alumni connections. Not only will your degree be recognised by the Interior Designer/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA), you’ll become eligible for membership with the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI).

A future focus
Our graduates are renowned for their employability and go on to enjoy successful and diverse careers. You’ll have the opportunity to explore interior architecture through both theory and practice, thanks to industry leads in the classroom from week 1 of your degree. Placements and internship opportunities are offered in the senior years of the degree along with global learning opportunities with a range of industry, community and exchange partners.

A collaborative environment
As a member of our open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community, you’ll join uniquely interdisciplinary changemakers and innovative thinkers. Make the most of our collaborative approach to build relationships with classmates and professionals across built environment disciplines. Working together you’ll build career-focused experience, designing real and creative solutions to societal, functional, and aesthetic challenges.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included while you study
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 top 40 in the world and 4th in Australia (QS World University Rankings, 2023)

Program Code

3256

CRICOS Code

088833J

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

423400

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

192

Indicative Enrolments

440

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

70.35*

The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.

The 2023 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.

The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2023 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.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)

Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined. 

Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission 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

TAFE Admission Pathways

If you’ve completed a qualification under a relevant TAFE Training Package, you can receive credit transfer for up to 48 units of credit (UOC) into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours). Please see here for the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) TAFE Pathway Study Plan.

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:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC

Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.

Admission pathways

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 whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

What will I study?

Tailor this degree to your interests and talents – you’ll deepen your knowledge of interior architecture by delving further into your own design practice through a self-directed project. This will allow you to graduate with advanced skills and an extended project.

Importantly, you won’t just graduate with an honours level outcome, you’ll have the opportunity to increase your employability even further through an optional progression into the Master of Architecture.

Consisting of 12 core courses, eight design practice courses and eight electives courses, enjoy the structure and support that helps you set the foundation of your learning, and later the flexibility to choose subjects and courses that speak to your passions and future goals.

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’re thinking about continuing onto the UNSW’s Master of Architecture, the program structure will 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.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

More than just a foot in the door or an entry point towards landing your first job, this degree will prepare you for a career that positively influences lives for the better by enabling you to design and improve the interior spaces others inhabit and call their own.

Graduate with the confidence, connections and career-ready skills to turn your creativity and critical thinking skills into real world solutions as you build a career that enhances the everyday experiences of your community and beyond.

Potential careers

Professional designer (in architecture and design practices).
Private consultant (specialising in residential, retail, workplace or hospitality). 
Corporate interior designer (specialising in multistorey 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 start your application?

Apply now

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 start your application?

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,300*

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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$41,475*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$172,755*

*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 here.

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

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Explore Scholarships