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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design at Northampton covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
BA (Hons)
Award
–
Years
Part-time
Study mode
Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
Location
About this course
Learn from industry professionals on the University of Northampton From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Design, and creative and performing arts graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Architecture, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Design Project 1Compulsory40 credits
Module details
This module enables students to research and apply established working practises, concepts and principles through a variety of design tasks. Interior architecture and spatial design projects will include all aspects of the design process, and aim to develop critical and practical skills with an understanding of contextual and technical considerations.
- 3D Computer Aided Design 1Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to use appropriate computer software as an aid to design. Students will appreciate the difference in approach between manual and computer aided design (CAD) and acquire the skills to produce both two-dimensional 'lay-out' drawings and to generate three-dimensional models.
- Design, Construction and Detailing 1Compulsory40 credits
Module details
Developing an understanding of construction detailing at human scale is a key principle when considering the design of 3-Dimensional environments. Through drawing, modelling and design projects students are introduced to design skills and processes that inform and support idea generation, development and refinement, and communicate outcomes to different audiences.
- Design Theory Context and Practice 1Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Designing for the built environment requires knowledge and understanding of historic, environmental, social, and economic factors. Investigating, combining, and applying knowledge effects the design process. This introduction explores contemporary design practice based on historical precedence and focuses on understanding of the role of the design professional in wider real-world context.
Year 2 4 modules
- Design Project 2Compulsory40 credits
Module details
This module enables students to research, explore and develop design practices, concepts and principles through a variety of design based projects. Project tasks are drawn from contemporary commercial and social contexts and professional design practice. Emphasis is placed on innovative critical thinking in response to context, user and communication requirements.
- 3D Computer Aided Design 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
Building on previous experiences students explore relationships between 2D and 3D CAD whilst investigating more complex built environments. Experimenting and developing skills, knowledge and understanding between industry standards convention drawings in 2D; creative sketch concepts using 3D CAD & Drawing Packages; Rendering packages and applying a crossmedia approach for presentations.
- Design, Construction and Detailing 2Compulsory40 credits
Module details
Building on knowledge you will research, explore and apply understanding of construction and material technology through a series of three-dimensional design problems that involve both large scale architectural intervention and smaller installations. Learning will be through observation, precedent studies, drawing and making. Assignment outcomes link directly to 3DD2009 assignment briefs.
- Design Theory Context and Practice 2Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module encourages the development of personal research interests and lays the ground work for the Level 6 Dissertation in encouraging students to independently identify suitable research subjects, sources and develop a research methodology. Lectures, seminars and research tasks focus on current and developing sustainable and ethical approaches and practices.
Year 3 3 modules
- Minor Design ProjectCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Developing and strengthening skills and knowledge explored in level 5, you will undertake a sketch scheme project where you will define and resolve functional, aesthetic and technical issues within a real-world scenario. Project briefs are externally set by outside agencies such as the Royal Society of Arts Student Design Competition.
- Final Major ProjectCompulsory80 credits
Module details
Developing and strengthening skills and knowledge explored in level 5, you will undertake a sketch scheme project where you will define and resolve functional, aesthetic and technical issues within a real-world scenario. Project briefs are externally set by outside agencies such as the Royal Society of Arts Student Design Competition.
- DissertationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Students negotiate a research project that is relevant to Interior with an outcome in the form of a 5000 word written/visual dissertation. During tutorials students develop skills at written communication: academic research, analysis and development; exploration through a range of knowledge bases, culminating in the ability to present cohesive ideas.
Integrated Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in Design and Creative ArtsCompulsory40 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course is taught by industry professionals and focuses on interior architecture and spatial design. You'll typically start with foundational design skills through drawing, making and critique, alongside architectural history, theory and construction principles. As you progress, you'll move into more complex design briefs informed by context, users and regulation, whilst building digital representation skills including CAD and BIM. In your final stage, you'll usually undertake a major design project and explore professional practice, how architects work, contracts and ethics, drawing on specialisations such as RIBA Part 1, sustainable design, urban design and digital tools. Throughout, you'll develop a portfolio of work.
Who it's for
This course suits those seeking to develop expertise in interior spaces and spatial design whilst balancing other commitments, given its part-time structure. It's designed for students ready to engage with both theoretical foundations and practical application in the field of architecture.
Careers & job market
Across Architecture courses nationally, 89% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,500–£28,000 (15 months post-graduation), rising to £20,825–£29,400 after three years and £24,650–£34,800 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes rather than university-specific guarantees. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Spatial Design is delivered part-time at the Waterside Campus, University of Northampton, in English. The University of Northampton is a UK degree-awarding body recognised nationally; it holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Published entryBBC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
2026 entryLive availability check
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
total borrowing, course length not published
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Architecture graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £22,000 – £31,000 | 240 |
| 3 years after | £21,000 | £8,000 – £28,500 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £23,500 | £17,000 – £33,000 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 240. Cohort 2021-22.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in architecture · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Architecture nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£26,000
£23,500 – £28,000After 3 years LEO
£21,000
£20,825 – £29,400After 5 years LEO
£23,500
£24,650 – £34,800national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,500 – £36,000
National figures for Architecture graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Architecture courses at the same study level.
This course £23,500Peer median £29,000Middle 50% £27,000–£34,500
5th percentile
Compared with 228 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Architecture graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
89%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Architecture courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled89%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Architecture graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Architecture practices
- Property developers
- Local-authority planning
- Construction firms
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Architecture graduates.
Architecture Design Lead EMEANeko HealthArchitecture Director - Data CentresAECOMArchitecture Managing Consultant: Consumer & Manufacturing GrowthAstro Studios, Inc.Architecture Lead on Equipment ManagementAirbusArchitecture - Senior Solutions Architect - IT1Parkdean Resorts UK LimitedArchitecture Managing Consultant, Consumer & ManufacturingPA ConsultingLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Architecture, building and planning across the UK
Students67,475
Aged 25+33.9%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Architecture right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Design, and creative and performing arts graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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