Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
3 / 4 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
W250
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Number 9 in the UK
We're the 9th best university in the UK for interior design in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Course summary
- Develop your skills alongside interior designers, architects and engineers
- Produce sophisticated architectural solutions led by contemporary design thinking
- Learn the latest media and 3D technology to communicate spatial and technical information
- Respond to site-specific briefs to design for inclusive and sustainable environments
- Build a unique portfolio and exhibit to industry professionals at our Future Now Festival of Creativity
You’ll become part of an inclusive, and collaborative studio community where you will learn creatively alongside industry specialists. By the end of the course, you’ll have the professional skills and knowledge to start your career in interior architecture and design sustainable spaces for diverse audiences.
Creative UK membership
We are members of Creative UK, which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities.

View our students' work
View our gallery of student work and learn more about the exciting projects they've been working on this year.

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
Watch course leader Tony Broomhead talk about this course.
Based in our bespoke studios, workshops, and digital spaces, you’ll become part of a dynamic and collaborative learning community. Together, you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities, and challenge conventions.
Through our teaching, we unfold your potential to contribute as a creative thinker and doer and apply your knowledge to art practice, culture, society, and life systems. Your learning will be informed by experts in contemporary interior design, architecture and engineering – a versatile approach that provides a detailed understanding of the technical requirements you can apply in a variety of settings.
You learn through:
- Studio practice
- Workshops
- Technical demonstrations
- Group work and collaboration
- Reviews
- Lectures
- Guest talks
- External visits and field trips
We take a holistic and person-centred approach to assessment to support your creative growth while respecting the diverse ways people learn.
Key themes
Using a variety of research and design techniques you’ll learn how to produce sophisticated solutions informed by current design thinking. You’ll be encouraged to nurture your own individual design approach to create environments that blend aesthetics with function. And you’ll learn how to design spaces that champion inclusivity, ergonomics and sustainability.
Through studio-based learning, you’ll engage with various aspects of the industry – exploring real-world issues and gaining an understanding of the challenges facing the profession, both locally and globally.
Using the latest media and 3D technology, you’ll learn how to communicate spatial and technical information.You’ll also develop key vocational skills, such as cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication, allowing you to thrive in a broad range of professions.
Course support
The course develops strategies of attention, empathy, imagination, courage and resilience in the face of an uncertain future. Our course prioritises care as a critical activity – care for global human contexts and for the more-than-human world.
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated personal, academic and career development support, such as:
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones and online resources to help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelancing opportunities and a vast business network to tap into
- Industry-specific employability activities and careers support for up to five years after you graduate
Course leaders and tutors

Tony Broomhead
Senior LecturerTony joined Sheffield Hallam in 2016 and is also a Practice Mentor for the Royal College of Arts
Applied learning
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful.
We do this by developing your expertise in collaboration with the professional creative and cultural sectors, commercial and creative practitioners, commissioners and clients and arts organisations.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements before your final year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Previous students have secured placements with companies such as YourStudio, Mynt Design and Fosters + Partners and have completed placements abroad in Dubai, Melbourne, LA and New Zealand.
Live projects
You'll have the opportunity to take part in live projects each year, working with external partners and real-world briefs on socially-driven community and commercial briefs.
As the course progresses, you’ll collaborate with industry leaders and international partners to experience all forms of interior architecture – from retail and hospitality to cultural and exhibition design.
Previously, students have designed and developed projects on homelessness, theatre, exhibitions, student accommodation and luxury spas – allowing them to make an active contribution to the industry and engage with current issues.
Field trips
In each year of your course you’ll have the opportunity to go on study trips in the UK and abroad. In recent years these trips have included workshops, design exhibitions or visits to practitioners’ studios and museums.
You can further enhance your studies with our optional field trips. Recent international trips have taken students to Berlin, Barcelona and the Venice Architecture Bienne.
You can also apply for funding through the Turing Scheme to support a study exchange or placement outside of the UK.
Networking opportunities
This course benefits from excellent links with national practices and local design agencies that bring valuable industry insight.
Experience guest talks delivered by external practitioners from design practices within the UK and abroad, and build your network with industry leaders such as Building Design Partnership. Collaborate on live projects alongside design practices and clients like Ikea, Siemens, Fletcher Priest, and HLM. Plus, gain recognition through our association with the National Interior Educators Awards.
Competitions and exhibitions
You're supported to develop and showcase your professional creative work and profile by entering national and international competitions such as the RSA Student Design Awards.
The course has seen great success in the national awards, with students consistently recognised across several categories.
At the end of your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work in our annual Future Now Festival of Creativity. Hosted in the city centre, the festival is widely attended – by VIP guests, employers, businesses, influencers, friends and family, and the general public.Alongside this, all our students will curate and exhibit their work on our online Gallery.
Student View
Watch student Missy Render talk about the BA Interior Architecture and Design course at Sheffield Hallam University.
Employability
95% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Future careers
This course prepares you for careers and future study in:
- Interior and spatial design
- Architectural design
- Branding and retail design
- Landscape architecture
- Exhibition design
- 3D computer modelling and visuals
- Related careers in architectural technology and management
Previous graduates of this course work for a range of local and global design companies working across diverse sectors:
- 93 feet
- BDP
- Bond Bryan Architects
- Fletcher Preist
- Fosters + Partners
- HKS
- HLM Architects
- IKEA
- Lister + Lister
- TP Bennett
- Whittam Cox Architects
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Art and Design facilities tour - shared workshops
Take a look around the shared workshops in the Department of Art & Design at Sheffield Hallam University.
Equipment and facilities
You'll have access to a wide variety of facilities across the university campuses – including a 24-hour learning centre, Students’ Union, cafes and eateries, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and more.
You'll be based in a fully equipped and purpose-designed studio, with state-of-the-art facilities including:
- Industry-standard computer hardware
- Virtual reality equipment and software for coding
- Digital design print facilities
- Extensive workshops for soft modelling and prototyping
- Multi-material fabrication workshops – print, wood, plastics, metal, mixed media, casting and ceramic
- CNC equipment including laser cutters, CNC routers (2D and 3D)
- 3D printing (including SLA, FDM, SLS, Metal 3DP)
- Industry-standard spray painting and colour-matching facility
- A photographic studio and creative media centre
360 tour - City Campus
Media Gallery
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112 - 120
This must include at least 64 points from two A levels, or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (to include a relevant subject such as Art or Design). For example:
- BBC-BBB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Merit overall from a T Level Qualification
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or literature at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in an art and design or media related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate
• Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design - pass
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
Portfolio review
If your application is successful, you will receive an email inviting you to submit a link to your portfolio.
The portfolio helps us understand whether we are able to offer you a place on the course you’ve applied for. Your UCAS statement and portfolio provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your creative experience, potential ability and enthusiasm for the course you’ve applied for. Visit our portfolio review guidance.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module will introduce you to:
Interior Architecture and Design and the principles and strategies concerned with transforming existing buildings into new uses. You will establish the fundamental skills required for designing spaces, which you will continue to develop over the degree programme. You will explore design function and the social contexts of design through creative and lateral thinking, theory and making processes. You will learn to express your ideas through freehand and orthographic drawings, model making, digital software and CAD. You will start to understand some of the technical, practical, environmental, social and global principles involved in the making of buildings and interiors.
Indicative content:
You will undertake a series of small design projects and begin to understand some of the key issues that interior designers consider during the design process. Subject skills, knowledge and understanding are progressively and cumulatively acquired, refined and consolidated, and demonstrated by application within projects.
The content of the module will typically include:
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Scale, proportion, colour and texture
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Problem-solving
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Spatial relationships
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Contextual basis of design relating to space, form, volume and proportion
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Communication of ideas through different media
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Group and individual based research, collaboration and presentation
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Practical workshops
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Freehand drawing and sketching, rendering, orthographic drawing, digital software
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Computer Aided Design
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Relevant technical and environmental regulations
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Exploration of tectonics
One or more thematic design project(s) may explore:
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Speculative and narrative design
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Professional communication and representation
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Materiality and use
This is the level 4 work experience module and will enable you to work on an Applied Project.
Module Aim:
This module will develop your:
Knowledge and understanding of spatial strategies as you learn how to organise, plan and design interior space. Exploration of precedent studies from national and international contexts will emphasise the importance of learning from previous good practice to inform future design proposals. Through an applied design project, you will gain work experience as you collaborate with a range of external stakeholders. Through these projects you will develop your knowledge of professional design practice. You will explore how spaces feel, how they are organised and how they might enrich the lives of those experiencing them.
You will undertake a series of small design projects and begin to understand some of the key issues that interior designers consider during the design process.
A UK field trip opportunity may contribute to your wider understanding of design.
Indicative content:
The content of the module will typically include:
- You will work with a client on an Applied Project and gain experience of collaborating with external partners
- Precedent studies will help you to learn from previous examples of good practice to inform future design proposals.
- Strategies for analysing existing buildings
- Strategies for creative thinking and idea development
- Develop a critical awareness of context and place
- Development of a visual language and aesthetic awareness
- 2D & 3D modelling, communication and presentation of ideas/ information using visual, digital, oral and written forms
- Participate in group/ individual design project work
- Practical and theoretical design research
- Presenting design proposals
- Organisation and time management
One or more thematic design project(s) may explore:
- Human centred design
- Speculative and narrative design
- Social Values
- Materiality and use
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This project-based module will facilitate you to collaborate with others to tackle sustainable development challenges creatively. With the support of academics and external stakeholders, you will develop your collaborative, creative, communication, and presentation skills. Through multi-disciplinary project work, you will develop an informed and imaginative response to local and global sustainable development challenges.
Learning will be blended and delivered through teaching, workshops, doing, and independent study individually and in groups.
Indicative content:
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Study and consideration of Sustainable Development
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Exploration and utilisation of collaborative skills
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Exploration and utilisation of design thinking and creative thinking tools
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Project management
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Creative research methods
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Understanding audiences
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Communication and presentation skills
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Working with others, building relationship including with external stakeholders
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Critical thinking and reflection
This module will develop:
Knowledge and understanding of the design, planning and organisation of interior spaces used for hospitality and leisure. You will transform an existing building so that it can be reinvented for a new use and explore strategies for the introduction of new elements into the existing space. For your proposal to satisfy its functional requirements, you will consider volume and form, the proportion, proximity and relationships of spaces and their connection to each other.
An academic piece of writing will relate to your wider design practice, and you will develop professional communication skills utilising a range of media and techniques.
Indicative content:
You will undertake a design project and be introduced to key issues that interior designers consider during the design process.
The content of the module will typically:
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Explore society and engage with design / globalisation / digital cultures
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Interpret contextual factors that inform the design development process
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Develop conceptual ideas whilst establishing a narrative that engages the user’s interest.
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Planning strategies and approaches to determine and organise interior spaces.
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Materials and technologies in relation to building interiors
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Communicate complex spatial issues through diagrammatic, orthographic and freehand drawing and models.
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Design development using studios, workshops and IT.
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Collaboration with subject specialists.
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Discuss and present ideas in a range of settings
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Project management and multi-tasking
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Development of research and writing skills evidenced in your Theory Portfolio.
This is the level 5 work experience module and will enable you to work on an immersive Enhanced Applied Project alongside external stakeholders.
Module Aim:
This module will develop your:
Knowledge and understanding of the design and organisation of interior spaces used for commercial, educational and/or community purposes. Working on an Enhanced Applied Project with significant exposure to external partners, national and internationally, will enable you to respond to live project requirements. Establish methods for translating the client and/or user needs into a range of appropriate spaces. Explore spatial relationships and 3 dimensional spatial compositions to determine the approach towards the new interior.
This module also includes preparation for sandwich placement success including the Applied Diploma. You will be supported to plan and organise an extended period of professional enhancement that will prepare you for professional life.
Indicative content:
You will undertake a design project and explore key issues that interior designers consider during the design process.
The content of the module will typically include:
- Engage in work experience through an Applied live project engaging with a client/s and address their briefing requirements or a competition brief with an external focus.
- Exposure to the work environment through studio visits to design practices
- Autonomy to liaise and negotiate with organisations and clients in order to understand and define the project brief
- A field trip opportunity may contribute to your wider understanding of design.
- Explore society and design / globalisation / digital cultures
- Interpret contextual factors that inform the design development process
- Develop conceptual ideas whilst establishing a narrative that reflects the client’s requirements.
- Planning strategies and approaches to determine and organise interior spaces.
- Materials and technologies in relation to building interiors
- Communicate complex spatial issues through diagrammatic, orthographic, freehand drawing and models.
- Collaboration with subject specialists.
- Understand how designers work, professional bodies and organisations, the role of designers in a commercial or professional context
- Careers Readiness Portfolio (CRP) - Develop the tools and career searching skills that you need to find work in the creative industries and use this to plan and organise an extended period of professional enhancement that will take you beyond the confines of the university as a preparation for professional life (4-year sandwich route).
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module will develop:
Knowledge and understanding of the design and organisation of architectural spaces used for arts and culture developed through contextual and cultural research. You will transform an existing building into a place for public assembly and explore strategies for architectural expansion. For your proposal to satisfy its functional requirements, you will consider volume and form, the relationships of spaces, materiality and regulatory constraints.
You will utilise a range of advanced professional communication techniques to convey your design work, this will be supported by an in-depth piece of academic writing showing your research, design development and knowledge of professional practice in greater depth.
Indicative content:
You will undertake a design project and be introduced to key issues that interior and architectural designers consider during the design process.
The content of the module will typically:
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Analyse society and design / globalisation / digital cultures
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Interpret contextual factors that inform the design development process
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Develop detailed conceptual strategies whilst establishing a narrative that engages the user’s interest.
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Planning strategies and approaches to determine and organise interior and architectural spaces relating to context and program.
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Analyse and understand the possibilities and constraints for the architectural expansion of an existing building.
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Develop detailed information with regards to materials and technologies in relation to architectural spaces.
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Communicate complex spatial issues through diagrammatic, orthographic and freehand drawing and models.
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Design development using studios, workshops and IT.
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Collaboration with subject specialists.
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Discuss and present ideas in a range of settings to diverse audiences.
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Project management and multi-tasking
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Development of research and writing skills evidenced in your Design Report
This is the level 6 work experience module and will enable you to work on a Consultancy, Employer Led Scholarly Research project.
Module Aim:
This module will develop your ability to:
Engage with industry professionals to gain meaningful work experience and knowledge of professional design practice. This is likely to involve consulting external stakeholders as well as collaborating internally with subject specialists and peers to explore diverse perspectives and iterate ideas. Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the detailed design of architectural spaces linked to your personal research and career aspirations. Typically working with a selection of building typologies you will establish methods for translating the client and/or user needs into a range of appropriate spaces. You will develop a design agenda and spatial strategies to determine the approach towards the establishment and realisation of a detailed design proposal. You will expand your career readiness portfolio from previous years in preparation for professional life and utilise a range of communication techniques suitable for presentation at your degree show.
Indicative content:
You will undertake a design project and explore key issues that interior and architectural designers consider during the design process.
The content of the module will typically include:
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Engaging with industry professionals to gain meaningful work experience and knowledge of professional design practice
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Development of a detailed architectural design project engaging with various building typologies.
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Detailed research into society and design / globalisation / digital cultures
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Critical analysis of contextual factors that inform the design development process
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Develop detailed conceptual strategies whilst establishing a narrative that engages the user’s interest.
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Planning strategies and approaches to determine and organise interior and architectural spaces relating to context and program.
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Analyse and understand the possibilities and constraints for the architectural expansion of an existing building.
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Develop detailed information with regards to materials and technologies in relation to architectural spaces.
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Communicate complex spatial issues through diagrammatic, orthographic and freehand drawing and models.
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Design development using studios, workshops and IT.
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Collaboration with subject specialists.
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Discuss and present ideas in a range of settings to diverse audiences.
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Project management and multi-tasking
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Understand how designers work, professional bodies and organisations, the role of designers in a commercial or professional context
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Careers Readiness Portfolio (CRP) – Expand upon and develop the tools and career searching skills that you need to find work in the creative industries
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Preparation of your final degree show exhibition, professional portfolio and online gallery profile.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.