Bachelor of Interior Architecture
University of South Australia
About
With a focus on design research, theory and practice, this degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in the creative interior architecture industry.
The curriculum is closely aligned with industry and you will learn about and gain practical experience in interior design practice along with furniture design and placemaking.
There is also the opportunity to better understand the principles of project management through a choice of electives.
Real-world experience is a major focus and during your fourth year you will be paired with an industry mentor who will support you as you prepare to transition into the workforce.
During your second and third year you will undertake work placements.
Structure
Course name | Area and cat no | Units | Reference | Rules |
---|---|---|---|---|
Course name | ||||
FIRST YEAR | ||||
First Semester (Study Period 2) | ||||
Design Studio (Foundation) | ARCH 1034 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
Interior Architecture Construction Principles | BUIL 1019 | 4.5 | ||
Design, Culture and Environment | ARCH 1021 | 4.5 | ||
Second Semester (Study Period 5) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studies | ARCH 1031 | 4.5 | ||
Interior Construction and Materials | BUIL 1020 | 4.5 | ||
Second Semester (Study Period 6) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 2 (Materials and Practices) | ARCH 1035 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
SECOND YEAR | ||||
First Semester (Study Period 2) | ||||
Theory of the Modern Interior | ARCH 2056 | 4.5 | ||
Digital Representation | COMP 2029 | 4.5 | ||
First Semester (Study Period 3) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 3 (Multi Media) | ARCH 2047 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
Second Semester (Study Period 5) | ||||
Interior Detailing | BUIL 3005 | 4.5 | ||
Digital Documentation | COMP 2016 | 4.5 | ||
Second Semester (Study Period 6) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 4 (Detail) | ARCH 2057 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
THIRD YEAR | ||||
First Semester (Study Period 2) | ||||
Interior Architecture Workplacement 1 | ARCH 2058 | 0 | Note(s): 1 | |
Interior Architecture Research Studies | ARCH 3057 | 4.5 | ||
Professional Management | ARCH 4016 | 4.5 | ||
First Semester (Study Period 3) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 5 (Multidisciplinary) | ARCH 3047 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
Second Semester (Study Period 5) | ||||
Interior Technologies | ARCH 3059 | 4.5 | ||
UniSA Creative Elective | 4.5 | Note(s): 2 | ||
Second Semester (Study Period 6) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 6 (Workplace Environments) | ARCH 3058 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
FOURTH YEAR | ||||
First Semester (Study Period 2) | ||||
Interior Architecture Workplacement 2 | ARCH 3060 | 0 | Note(s): 1 | |
Interior Architecture Research Studies Advanced | ARCH 4007 | 4.5 | ||
University-wide Elective | 4.5 | Note(s): 2 | ||
First Semester (Study Period 3) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 7: Atmospheres | ARCH 4011 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
Second Semester (Study Period 5) | ||||
Design Studio Research | ARCH 4051 | 4.5 | ||
UniSA Creative Elective | 4.5 | Note(s): 2 | ||
Second Semester (Study Period 6) | ||||
Interior Architecture Studio 8: Advanced (Social Sustainability) | ARCH 4012 | 9 | Note(s): 3 | |
FOURTH YEAR (Honours) | Note(s): 4 | |||
First Semester (Study Period 2) | ||||
Interior Architecture Workplacement 2 | ARCH 3060 | 0 | Note(s): 1 | |
AAD Research Methods | VSAR 4003 | 4.5 | Note(s): 4 | |
AAD Research Practices | ARCH 5052 | 4.5 | Note(s): 4 | |
AAD Honours Research Studies 1 | VSAR 4008 | 9 | Note(s): 4 | |
Second Semester (Study Period 5) | ||||
AAD Honours Research Studies 2 | VSAR 4009 | 9 | Note(s): 4 | |
AAD Honours Research Studies 3 | VSAR 4010 | 9 | Note(s): 4 |
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
Assumed Knowledge
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Learning outcomes
This degree will see you graduate with the confidence and practical capabilities needed to succeed in this competitive field. You will:
- gain a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of design, and through valuable hands-on projects and industry placements you will also gain practical knowledge and skills that will see you transition with ease into the workplace
- gain an understanding of industry trends – delve into the world of workplace design, as well as the expanding field of furniture design with hands-on experience in the production and fabrication of furniture
- apply design processes and strategies to a range of interior architecture projects, many of which are professional projects with real clients; alternatively you may choose to complete workshop-based courses where you can create furniture prototypes.
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
There is a large practical component to this degree. Work placements throughout your studies mean you will gain valuable practical experience while building a network of industry contacts. In your fourth year of study you will be matched with a design mentor who will support you during your final year and as you prepare to transition into the workforce. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.
Your career
This degree consistently records high graduate employment rates. You could typically find work in architectural practices, interior design practices, building companies, or other organisations supplying the design and building industry, such as corporate furniture suppliers. Careers to consider:
- interior designer: design, document and manage the implementation of interior spaces
- event designer: oversee and direct the overall look and visual appeal of an event
- furniture designer: develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients, and build sample models for either mass produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces
- project manager: manage the design process, liaising between client, consultants and builders
- design manager: work within major organisations developing and delivering design strategies to enhance the organisations brand and business strategies
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.
As an interior architecture student, you will have access to:
- dedicated design studios
- Australia’s only Architecture Museum
- digital and traditional workshops
- specialised computer suites
Institution
