Interior architects shape the spaces in which we live our lives, combining aesthetics with philosophy and function.
The Interior Architecture and Design degree at Lincoln takes a multi-disciplinary approach. It positions the subject between the academically rigorous profession of architecture and the fast-paced world of contemporary visual culture and design.
The course provides students with the opportunity to develop their practical design knowledge within specialist studios. It is taught by staff who are active professionals and researchers such as Tonia Warsap and Rosie Elvin.
Students can explore the disciplines within the design industry and building technology methods while developing their own creative, individual styles. Their studio learning is enhanced by a programme of lectures and seminars which aim to provide a thorough education in the social and historical context of architecture.
During the course, there are opportunities for students to gain practical work experience for real clients and building developments, including placements with a wide range of interior design and architectural practices.
How You Study
Three-dimensional thinking is the focus of the first year and it is explored through a variety of media. Students are challenged to consider how the design process works and begin to use the skills of planning and modeling. The history and theory of architecture and design are also examined, providing students with the chance to contextualise their practice with a solid theoretical understanding of the subject.
In their second year, students are introduced to the concept of social relationships and the responsibilities and challenges that face interior architects. In their third year, students are required to complete an individual comprehensive design project in an area of personal interest, demonstrating the skills they have acquired as a designer. Professional practice is emphasised at this stage, supporting students to develop the skills necessary for careers in the industry.
Modules are presented in two streams: the design process and the research process. The design process incorporates conceptual, technical, and professional knowledge areas, as well as conception development, resolution, and communication. The research process stream focuses on design theory and contextual material, enabling students to develop research skills.
Working in a studio-based environment, students can develop and evolve their skills through stimulating briefs and live projects exploring space, light and structure. In parallel to the studio sessions, students engage in computer-based tutorials where they build their skills-based knowledge. Theoretical principles are taught in a lecture/seminar environment, interior architects and designers are communicators and it is important that they are able to research, formulate opinions, and develop topical insight.
Contact Hours and Reading for a Degree
Students on this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in-studio sessions, seminars, or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. Some courses offer the opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.
It is still the case that students read for a degree and this means that in addition to scheduled contact hours, students are required to engage in an independent study. This allows you to read around a subject and to prepare for lectures and seminars through wider reading, or to complete follow-up tasks such as assignments or revision. As a general guide, the amount of independent study required by students at the University of Lincoln is that for every hour in class you are expected to spend at least two to three hours in an independent study.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Modules
First Year
Design Process 1.1: Fundamentals and Skills (Core)
Design Process 1.2: Application and Communication (Core)
Design Process 1.3: Consolidation and Agency (Core)
Research Process 1: Principles and Concepts (Core)
Second Year
Design Process 2.1: Strategy and Concept (Core)
Design Process 2.2: Space and Technology (Core)
Design Process 2.3: Technical Resolution (Core)
Research Process 2: Methods and Perspectives (Core)
Design Process 2.2 B: Space and Technology (Exchange Option) (Option)†
Design Process 2.3B (exchange option for returning students) (Option)†
Research Process 2 B: Methods and Perspectives (Exchange Option) (Option)†
Study Period Abroad - Design (Option)†
The Placement Year (Option)†
Third Year
Interior Design Process 3.1: Strategic Definition and Brief (Core)
Interior Design Process 3.2: Concept and Design Development (Core)
Interior Design Process 3.3: Technical Design and Communication (Core)
Research Process 3: Design Exegesis (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Formative assessment takes place in the studio with continual feedback during studio sessions.
Summative assessment includes practical examinations and verbal and visual presentations which take place at the end of each module. Feedback is normally provided within 15 working days.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
"My time on the course was invaluable, as I not only learnt about the design process, but also acquired crucial skills in design practice."
Alex Uney, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design graduate
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Features
Studio Culture
Practical studio culture is in place at the University of Lincoln and as well as striving to provide a stimulating and creative environment, this way of working aims to prepare students for their future careers in architecture and design. It also allows students the opportunity to take responsibility for how they develop a space, explore their own visual style, and engage with other students and staff. The studios are open plan and students have 24-hour access. Each year group is designated an area, and each student has space in this area. The School encourages students to engage with the studio environment and work with peers.
Live Projects
Students have the opportunity to work on live projects. For example, students worked with YMCA Lincolnshire and the design fee was used for the end-of-year show.
Alumni Visits
Our graduates return to campus to give presentations on working in the design industry, applying for jobs, and life after University.
Additional Resources
Students are currently provided with free access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk software, as well as Lynda.com for the duration of their studies.
Specialist Facilities
By instilling in our design students a thoughtful and critical approach to the way they think about design and apply their creative skills, we aim to prepare them to be leaders in the creative industries.
The University of Lincoln has a comprehensive range of facilities designed to provide a supportive environment for creative practitioners. Students have regular access to workshops, labs, studios, and industry-standard equipment, as well as highly knowledgeable technicians. This environment can help students to develop their knowledge and skills and complements our purpose-built design studios.
Student Sucess
Final-year Interior Architecture and Design students have won the BIID Student Design Challenge 2019. The challenge, hosted by the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), involved teams from eight institutions working on a design brief without the use of digital tools or platforms. Teams were asked to design a zero-waste supermarket and café focusing on the principle of the circular economy.
The winning team included students Ellie Taylor, Chloe Sell, Molly Crawford, Hannah Cooper, Lexi Calton, Danielle Jensen, and their Programme Leader Tonia Warsap.
Portfolios
Applicants will be invited to submit a digital portfolio of work. Please carefully select and edit your work to produce an exciting, creative, and representative portfolio that informs us about your skills, interests, and ambitions. Your portfolio may include (but not exclusively) examples of observational drawing, design project work, painting and sculpture, textile works, design development drawing, photography, model-making, use of color, perspective drawing, and technical drawing. We would like to see a collection of 15-20 pieces of your work.
Portfolio Tips
A title on the main design work which explains the project will assist us to understand your work (plus titles and approximate dates)
Order your work logically, for example chronologically or by theme
Feel free to include anything that isn't quite finished or is a work in progress, if you feel it shows your experimental and innovative development
Please photograph/document any large examples to describe the scale
Please title your work with your full name and UCAS number
Career Opportunities
Interior Architecture and Design graduates have gone on to careers in various areas of the discipline, working in a wide range of interior, architectural, or design practices nationally and internationally. Some choose to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree.
