BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year
About this course
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year is a design degree centred on spatial planning, architectural adaptation, and the creation of interior environments. Core topics include Research Methods, Engineering Design, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. This four-year programme incorporates a compulsory foundation year, after which students can choose to transfer to related undergraduate courses. The foundation year establishes core competencies through compulsory modules such as Professional and Academic Development, Design Techniques, Design Disciplines, Presentation Techniques, and Place and Space and Objects. Year 1 introduces foundational spatial concepts through Manipulating Space, Transforming Space, Twentieth Century Design Cultures, and Design Devices. Year 2 advances technical capabilities via Transforming Space 2 and Design Communication, with optional study available in Collaborative Practice and Live Project. The final year concludes with advanced study in Design Integration and a sustained Major Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 80 UCAS Tariff points / CDD (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 80 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects accepted but Design, Surveying and Planning preferred. Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Construction, Planning, Built Environment subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 80 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD) Welsh Baccalaureate: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass overall Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Pass overall
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 55 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 1%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 12%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 9%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 9%
- Design occupations: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 630 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 12%
- West Midlands: 55%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional and Academic Development
- Design Techniques
- Design Disciplines
- Presentation Techniques
- Place and Space and Objects
- Manipulating Space
- Transforming Space
- Twentieth Century Design Cultures
- Design Devices
- Transforming Space 2
- Design Communication
- Collaborative Practice
- Live Project
- Design Integration
- Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University do next?
79% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is CDD at A level. The average entrant had 62 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.