Interior Architecture & Spatial Design

Why study this course?

The Interior Architecture and Spatial Design (IASD) course gives you the opportunity to be part of a challenging and rewarding experience, both in terms of your personal development and for your vocational aspirations. With its combination of visual communication, spatial design awareness and professional practice skills, together with your development as a questioning individual, your enthusiasm and endeavours will make your vision a success.

Our curriculum engages with real local, regional and global issues through which we seek innovative spatial, sustainable and technical solutions. IASD provides students with an appreciation for and an understanding of place making. We work with light, material and surface qualities to propose places that have distinctive atmospheres.

The structure of our IASD course enables students to develop challenging design solutions that benefit society as well as contributing to their broader understanding of interior architectural design as a professional pathway.

UON’s Design Studies subject area was ranked 16th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS)*

Our Interior Architecture and Spatial Design course has been successful in the 2026 Guardian University Guide as part of the Graphic Design subject grouping:

Ranked 10th for Satisfied with Teaching for Graphic Design**

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027***.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost****, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Calculations are based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the average positivity score across all NSS questions for this subject area across all modes and levels at UK Universities
✱✱ Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Graphic Design Subject table, filtered by Satisfied with Teaching
✱✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information
✱✱✱✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information

Course Modules

STAGE 1:
• Design Project 1 (Compulsory)
• 3D Computer Aided Design 1 (Compulsory)
• Design, Construction and Detailing 1 (Compulsory)
• Design Theory, Context and Practice 1 (Compulsory)

STAGE 2:
• Design Project 2 (Compulsory)
• 3D Computer Aided Design 2 (Compulsory)
• Design, Construction and Detailing 2 (Compulsory)
• Design Theory, Context and Practice 2 (Compulsory)

STAGE 3:
• Dissertation (Compulsory)
• Final Major Project (Compulsory)
• Minor Design Project (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Studio based design critiques

• Written assessments.

Through your final year you will be assessed continually, culminating in a major exhibition of your design work.