BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year

The BA(hons) Interior Architecture and Design with Foundation Year programme equips students with both the creative vision and technical skills needed to reimagine and revitalise interior spaces. You will learn how to transform environments across diverse sectors, including hospitality, retail, leisure and residential, by blending conceptual thinking with hands-on application. This course focuses on breathing new life into existing spaces, encouraging innovation through design, material exploration and a deep understanding of human-centred environments.

This four-year programme begins with a dedicated foundation year designed to support your transition to undergraduate study. The foundation year provides essential academic and creative skills, ensuring you are prepared for success in your chosen degree. Upon successful completion, you will have the flexibility to transfer to a range of related design courses, should your interests evolve.

The industry-aligned course offers access to excellent facilities and guidance from experienced tutors. Students gain industry-relevant experience through interdisciplinary collaborations and networking opportunities with design professionals and industry partners. This learning approach prepares you for a wide range of design-related careers, equipping you with the skills and connections needed to succeed in the real world.

Birmingham City University is a large and diverse modern university located in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It is known for its strong industry-led approach, exceptional employability outcomes, and state-of-the-art campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various faculties, including Arts and Design, Media, Health, Engineering and Built Environment, Business and Law, among others. Many of its undergraduate courses carry professional accreditation and the teaching staff maintain active collaboration with their respective industries, ensuring students benefit from up-to-date knowledge, real-world insight and practical learning experiences.

BCU provides a dynamic, career-focused educational experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, with strong industry links and a commitment to practical learning and impactful research. BCU equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. The university places a strong emphasis on employability, with courses offering placement opportunities, practice-based project work and real-world engagement, designed to prepare graduates for professional careers.

Candidates should submit a personal statement that explains their interest in the course and relevant educational background, accompanied by a reference from an academic source or employer and a CV highlighting any applicable work experience.

Grade Requirements

• Candidates require 88 UCAS points or an A-level or DMM for a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma.
• Relevant equivalent international qualifications will also be considered·  

English Proficiency

• Candidates from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each component.
• Other equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

For international students enrolling in BA Interior Architecture and Design with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University for the 2025/2026 academic year, the tuition fee is £17690.

At BCU, scholarships and financial assistance are available to recognise academic performance. International applicants should refer to the university’s scholarship portal for current information on awards aligned with their programme.

Graduates of this programme are prepared to pursue a range of careers, including roles such as:

• Interior Architect
• Interior Designer
• Spatial Designer
• Exhibition Designer
• Retail or Commercial Space Planner
• Design Consultant

Candidates interested in this course can apply through UCAS or the university's international application form. For further assistance, contact one of our trained counsellors.