BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture

Interior architecture courses
Type
Undergraduate
Duration
3 Years Full-Time
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Full-Time
Campus
Dublin
NFQ Level
8
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Course Overview

Demonstrate your creativity, technical ability and problem-solving expertise

If you are looking for a well-respected, challenging Interior Design course with an included focus on architecture in Dublin, this is the course for you.

Why study Interior Architecture at Griffith College?

This degree programme has been designed in response to an increased demand for employees with specific skills relating to Interior Architecture including spatial planning, design detailing, technologies, problem-solving and visualisation techniques and presentation skills. The course takes students through the fundamentals of visual culture, building science and design principles and equips them with practical studio skills.

Students are required to take part in in-depth research, apply knowledge of building technology and regulations, organise and manage project solutions, and communicate their designs using digital design programmes. Graduates of this programme leave with extensive experience in creating, analysing and interpreting project briefs. They will be able to problem-solve complex design issues and work independently and in groups to find solutions.

  • A rigorous, in-depth course programme will teach you to create, design, problem-solve and act professionally in all related working environments.
  • Gain extensive experience in creating, analysing and interpreting project briefs, skills which will enable graduates to problem-solve complex design issues and work independently and in groups to find solutions.
  • The practical nature of this Interior Architecture course will make you industry ready, creatively and technically equipped to propose innovative solutions and problem-solving expertise within the built environment.
  • Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
  • Use dynamic architectural modelling software like Revit, AutoCad 3-D, AutoCAD, as well as traditional communication tools such as model making and free-hand drawing.
  • Develop advanced skills in space planning; design detailing, materials selection and specification
  • This programme is validated by the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA) and the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI).
  • 100% continuous assessment means learners do not need to sit written exams.
  • The calibre of work produced by the Design Faculty has been recognised numerous times through industry awards and exhibitions.

Course Highlights

  • Interior Design Internships - Design students have had internships with HJ Lyons and Jonathan Adler N.Y.C. to name just a few.
  • Field Trips - Experiential learning is an important part of our courses, therefore most modules have class trips as a part of their curriculum. Previous trips have included London, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Paris, Bilbao, Barcelona, and Venice.
  • Industry links - During the course you’ll be taught by practising architects, designers, and art historians, ensuring that the faculty maintains strong industry links.

Questions? Have a look at our FAQ section.

Intake Dates

The next intake for this course will be:

  • September*

*subject to sufficient numbers

Are you applying through the CAO?

Read our CAO Guide for everything you need to know about applying through the CAO!

Course Codes

  • Dublin: GC489

What our students say?

Julie McGrath

I always had great interest in design but didn’t know where to start. After a lot of research, I chose the Interior Architecture course at Griffith. The course covered a huge amount of topics and prepared us well for what to expect in the industry. The faculty also provided great support and encouraged us to submit projects for recognised awards which helped in advancing my career. After completing the 3 years, I secured a full-time job as an interior architect. Looking back I'm really glad I did this course and would highly recommend it.

JULIE MCGRATH
BA INTERIOR DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE, 2017 IDI OVE ARUP AWARD WINNER
Gerry Triyadi

This course really helped in advancing my career. With the assistance of the faculty, I secured an internship every summer in Dublin, including an internship at IKEA. And when I completed my degree, I secured a full-time job as an interior architect. I’m so glad I did this course and would highly recommend it.

Gerry Triyadi
BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture

Course Details

On completion of this course, students will have advanced skills in space planning, design detailing, materials selection and specification. They will gain insight into the social implications of design and understand at a deeper level how design and community interact in the real world.

Year One

This module enables learners to apply their learning to Interior Spatial Projects. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip them with creative design solution skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in two (2) projects.

This module advances the learners’ skills in Bitmap and Vector Graphics applications such as Adobe Illustrator. The learners are also taught how to combine work in 2D, 3D and Photoshop to illustrate designs on graphic layouts.

This module presents two-dimensional drawings using pencil and ink, architectural drawings, axonometric drawing, written script by hand and an appreciation of graphic layout that supports the correct intent of relevant documentation.

This module enables the learners to identify and evaluate the key stylistic periods of interior design from ancient to modern times and decoration periods on contemporary practice.

This module covers the role and application of ergonomics in the design of interiors and basic knowledge of the different elements of a building acting as an interrelated system.

This module enables learners to apply their learning to Interior Spatial Projects. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in two (2) projects.

This module teaches the learner to creatively apply the architectural 2D drawing tool, AutoCAD. They will learn how to set up projects, drawings sheets and draw plans, sections, elevations and detailing.

This module addresses the requirements of the Technical Guidance Documents Part B, K and M in the design of interiors, the basic legal responsibilities of a designer of interiors and Designer Risk Assessments when completing Interior Design projects.

This module covers traditional and modern elements of building construction, provides detailed knowledge of materials and finishes used in designing Interiors, furniture and fittings and ethical, social and community implications in sustainable, responsible and inclusive design in construction.

This module provides a common core of design culture and theory taken by all learners on the design undergraduate programmes. While the learning outcomes are the same no matter which of the programmes you are following, your output from this module will reflect the media and approaches of your chosen programme. This module brings together students from all undergraduate programmes to give you the opportunity to engage in analysis of your own and others’ ideas in a challenging and creative environment. Learners will be introduced to the ways in which the contemporary design context and theory inform design practice. It will introduce them to ways in which designers engage with ideas, encourage the learner to explore your own work through critical reflection on the debates and practices of design and see the applicability of these to your own discipline. You will explore the significance of context in relation to the movements after Modernism and appraise different contributions to modern architecture and design. The module prepares learners critically and theoretically for the thesis in the final year of their honours degree.

Year Two

This module enables learners to examine and present their design ideas as a cohesive and successful interior design project using the integration of regulations, CAD and demonstrative skills. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in two (2) projects.

This module uses Revit to construct basic 3D models in the built environment and of interiors, to produce 2D documentation and to render a proposed design.

This module presents the basic knowledge of the design, manufacturing and sourcing process in relation to furniture including concept creation, development and detailing. The learners will create drawing details for a selected piece of furniture as appropriate for costings and subsequent manufacture. The learners will also attain basic knowledge of social, community and ethical issues such as sustainable, responsible and inclusive design with regard to furniture and history of modern furniture design.

The Design Futures module has been designed with the intention of accommodating emerging methodologies, knowledge and skills, which are developing as a response to the increasing complexity of contemporary culture and design practice. In this module, we will explore how practice is informed by context and theory. This module can be taken by students from all of the design programmes. The learning outcomes are the same regardless of the discipline of design you are following, the learners' output from this module will reflect the media and approaches of your programme’s disciplines and subject areas. There will be opportunities for the learner to critically analyse, debate and address key current issues and debates associated with design as they relate to their discipline-specific practice. The module is designed to challenge and develop your ability to critically reflect upon competing concepts and contemporary debates associated with design and related creative practices, as well as their impact within local and global contexts.

This module covers the nature and role of marketing in a design business. They will learn to identify the environmental variables, segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing mix for a creative brand, and create a marketing plan.

This module advances the learners’ ability to realise cohesive and successful interior design projects using the integration of regulations, CAD and demonstrative skills. Learners will develop and design one project, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. This module content is implemented in one(1) project.

This module advances the learners’ skills in Revit to construct complex 3D models in the built environment and of interiors. Learners produce 2D documentation and light and render their proposed design.

This module presents traditional and modern elements of building construction considering the use of materials, services and building techniques in new and existing buildings. They will learn to apply basic requirements of the Building Regulations, best practice ergonomic and accessible design, Health and Safety and other legislation to the design of construction details. They will communicate Interior construction design detailing effectively in drawings and notation. They will be introduced to detailed knowledge of the design, construction and specification of Interiors including development and detailing.

This module presents lighting design, its history, evolution and modern applications. The learners will obtain knowledge of practical solutions to the lighting design of a given environment through the creation of drawings and schedules.

This module addresses key factors to be considered when starting a small business, entrepreneurial theories, business concept through planning a feasibility project and a lean start-up style canvas and customer analysis.

Year Three

This module enables learners to balance the integration of detailed design theory and advanced technical skill. It creates opportunities for learners to take individual design responsibility of their process and their product. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. This module content is implemented in one(1) project.

This module enables learners to use BIM software to collaborate within a team when constructing complex 3D models in the built environment and creating families and components.

This module presents principles of conservation of existing building fabric, historic building context and the boundaries between conservation work and interior design, appropriate level of planning, detailing and materials selection; and familiarity with the statutory requirements guiding the work with protected structures, and the ability to describe the impact of new designs on the existing historic interiors.

This module advances the learners’ critical writing abilities and research skills. It enables them to analyse a project in terms of its ideology, methodology and concept. Learners manage archival sources and their contents, appraise ideas and relate them to the designs and works of others. They gain an advanced understanding of the context and language of design theory, and its practical application, and present and compile an academic thesis on a specialist area within the practice of interior architecture.

This module enables learners to balance the integration of detailed design theory and advanced technical skill. It creates opportunities for learners to take individual design responsibility of their process and their product. Learners will develop and design one final project, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in one (1) project.

This module gives learners specialised skills in 3D visualisation, import and linked 3D models from other cad packages. Skills in 3D Max and VRay to rendering photo-realistic images of 3D models to include the creation of daylighting and materials.

This module advances the learners’ strategy for sustainability in their project work, addressing the philosophy and ethos behind sustainability, the need for sustainability, construction and use of the built environment, the value of a formulated approach to sustainability, suitable material selection and sustainable construction alternatives in the design of interiors.

This module enables learners to select Interior materials based on their structure, properties, performance and characteristics. It addresses the structure, properties, performance and characteristics of Interior materials, the necessity for consulting a structural engineer on structural aspects, and the strategy for structural support appropriate to project work.

This module addresses legal aspects relating to business, the role and functioning of businesses, its social and political role, project management the value and principles to organise, plan and manage a design project, the legal and professional environment and associated requirements relevant to the built environment, role of professionals within the context of the building industry.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

All applicants for this course must submit a general art and design portfolio.

Portfolio Requirements:

All applicants to this programme are required to submit a general art and design portfolio, demonstrating creativity and observational drawing skills through the development of creative project work. Our portfolio guidelines are available here, and we recommend watching this helpful video for information on what to include in your portfolio.

Please upload your portfolio using this platform: here

All candidates are required to upload a digital portfolio. Before you begin, you will need a CAO Application Number or a Griffith College application number so please make sure you have made an application to the CAO or to Griffith College (as appropriate) for one of our Honours degree programmes.

Deadline: Candidates will have the opportunity to select an assessment date when uploading their portfolio. You must upload your portfolio by your chosen date. If you are unsure of how to upload your portfolio, follow the steps in this instructional video.

  • Friday 24th February 2023
  • Friday 31st March 2023
  • Friday 28th April 2023
  • Friday 26th May 2023
  • Friday 30th June 2023

If you have a query or you require further information about submitting a portfolio, please contact [email protected].

Advanced Entry:

Level 5 holders:

Candidates with a Level 5 qualification who obtain 3 distinctions and 5 passes (plus a portfolio) may be eligible for entry onto year 1 of this course. Candidates under 23 years of age still need to apply through the CAO. Mature students can apply directly here.

Level 6 holders:

Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in a related discipline may be eligible for advanced entry onto this course. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant transcripts and a portfolio of work in support of their application. Pending the strength of the portfolio, candidates may be eligible for entry onto year 1 or year 2 of this programme.

All candidates with a Level 6 qualification, regardless of age, will need to apply directly here.

*Please note, advanced entry applications are assessed on a case by case basis and offers are made at the discretion of the faculty.

English Language:

Applicants from countries where English is not the first language will also be required to provide evidence of sufficient English language abilities.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.

For more information on any of the above, please contact [email protected].

How to Apply

CAO Applicants / Applicants under 23 years of age:

Applicants under 23 years of age on 1st January the year the course begins must apply through the CAO system. Please consult the CAO website for details on key dates for applications. 

Applicants under 23 years old on the 1st January the year the course begins must submit a copy of their Leaving Cert results. Candidates will need to have obtained a minimum of two subjects at grade H5 and four subjects at grade O6/H7. These results must include a language (English or Irish) and either Maths or Art. 

Candidates with equivalent grades from FETAC colleges and those holding awards including BTEC qualifications will also be considered.

CAO course code: GC494

Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):

Applicants who are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January the year the course begins, may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility.

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.

Tuition Fees

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

EUR 6,450.00

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin 

Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Direct Debit Scheme

Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

You’ll have an extensive knowledge of spatial planning, visualisation, and CAD technology as well as experience with project briefs and project management upon completion of this course.

You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.

Career Progression 

Through the BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture, you will have gained valuable design experience, built a strong foundation of creativity, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:

  • Interior Architecture
  • Own Design Practice
  • Residential Interior Designer
  • Retail Store Designer
  • Film and Set Designer
  • Hospitality Designer
  • Exhibition Designer
  • Office Designer
  • Facilities Space Planner
  • CAD Technician
  • 3D Visualizer
  • Material Consultant
  • Interior Project Director
  • Interior Design Project Manager

Ready to take the next step?