Introduction to Built Environment Professional Practice
Interior Architecture with Foundation Year
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Full-time
Four year
September 2023
In a nutshell
Finding imaginative and sustainable uses for buildings in our space-constrained cities, is a key challenge for interior architects and designers. Become part of the solution to this vital urban challenge with our unique Interior Architecture degree.This foundation year pathway is designed to help you build a strong foundation of knowledge in key design and built environment principles so you're ready to progress and succeed on the full BSc (Hons) Interior Architecture degree.
This pathway is an excellent route if you want to study the full honours degree, but don't meet the direct entry requirements. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress on to the full honours degree where you'll join a vibrant multidisciplinary community, learning alongside architects, architectural design technologists, building surveyors, construction managers and quantity surveyors.
Throughout the course, you'll develop your professional skills to ensure that you are working to the standards recognised by interior architecture/design professional bodies. With our industry-focused learning approach, you’ll visit local projects and receive live industry briefs that enhance your real-world knowledge and understanding.
Start your study journey
Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying Interior Architecture with Foundation Year, explore our facilities and meet the course team
You will:
- Develop competence in essential areas of built environment professional practice
- Build technical, analytical and problem-solving skills, ready to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Interior Architecture degree
- Gain hands-on experience using built environment-focused IT equipment and software
- Build your confidence by strengthening team working, communication and study skills
This is for you if...
You’re passionate about buildings and architecture and want to develop and shape the built environment
You want to study interior architecture but don't meet the honours degree entry requirements
You're returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction
All about the course
Foundation Year
The introductory foundation year will build your understanding of situations and solving problems in the built environment. With a focus on progression, the foundation year introduces the core practical and communication skills you will need to succeed at an advanced study level.
Once you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will progress on to our full BSc (Hons) Interior Architecture degree.
BSc Honours Degree
For a further three years of study, you will explore a range of technical and architecture-focused modules that look at design principles, heritage, preservation and the management of building regeneration.
You’ll focus on architectural spatiality and studio-based activities in your first year, then you will explore how to design according to performance criteria and conceptual frameworks in year two with an optional overseas study visit. Bring it all together by applying all your knowledge in a final interior architecture project to present at our annual degree show.
Learn more about the course modules in the section below.
Learning Experience
With our enviable location at the heart of buzzing central Manchester, our expert academic team draws on close industry partnerships with architecture, engineering and construction sectors, to bring you guest lectures, networking opportunities and local architectural projects that will support your knowledge and skill progression. Through live briefs and guest lectures, you’ll graduate excited and inspired, ready to help change our environment for the better.
Based at our green Peel Park campus, we use fascinating action and studio-based learning experiences to ensure you study in an inspiring engaging way. You’ll have the opportunity to tackle live briefs, sketch ideas and make models as you fill your Instagram feed with impressive local architecture. Receive an immersive, rewarding experience at Salford where you can showcase your design skills at our degree show.
This module will introduce you to the range of sectors and professions involved in the built environment sector. You will also gain an understanding of the role of the different professions, and begin to explore the concept of health and safety in industry.
Introduction to Design Practice
The aim of this module is to provide you with an appreciation and understanding of architectural design and the factors that influence it. You will gain an understanding of architectural design in the context of the overall building procurement process, and be introduced to the role of ICT as an essential tool in built environment professional practice. Through this module you will begin to develop your expertise in commonly used built environment design representation software applications.
New
Introduction to Building Science
This module will introduce you to many of the reasons why we need buildings. It introduces and examines how we design buildings to both passively and actively modify the internally created built environment. The concept of whole building Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is introduced in relation to thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustic comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with the goal of instilling an understanding in the learner as to how aspects of good building design promote occupant comfort and wellbeing. Via an understanding of the physical properties of construction materials, basic scientific principles and building engineering services, you will gain an understanding of buildings in use, not just buildings under design or in construction.
New
Introduction to Digital Built Environment
The module is to introduce the concept of digitalisation in the built environment industry and allow you to apply different digital technologies. It will also introduce you to building materials and structure.
IT and Study Skills
This module is designed to equip you with a set of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that ensure the student is likely to be successful in their chosen route of academic study on a course within the School of the Built Environment. You will develop the ability to understand what and how they are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning.
Professional Practice Project
This module introduces the process of client/architect/engineer design briefs, and particular specifications in relation to a building’s internal environment, with particular attention paid to the specification of thermal, visual, acoustic and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) design variables. Building on the theory learned in the Introduction to Building Science module, this module moves on to the design and practical application of environmental design criteria based on the previously developed understanding of environmental comfort.
You will research into, and select, various design variables during the creation of project Room Data Sheets (RDS), used by engineering consultants to design passive and active approaches to the creation of an optimum internal environment for occupant comfort and wellbeing. The module then moves on to the determination of actual environmental conditions in numerous rooms and spaces in a variety of building types via the physical use of measuring equipment. By comparing theoretical and actual design values, you will then undertake observations and Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) surveys to determine real occupant opinions and perceptions as to their working environment, with the goal of assessing those areas of design with poor feedback and the proposal of corrective measures.
Interior Architecture Design Studio 1A
You will be introduced to architectural design thinking through the understanding of the inter-relationships between people and their immediate environment in place making.
New
Construction Technology in Architecture 1
This module will introduce you to construction technology and building fabric design by focussing on principles of architectural structures using natural processes as exemplar. It explores what structures and systems mean in architecture and the environment, and introduces principles, including structural equilibrium, and the techniques of assessment of stress and deformation in simple elements. Common materials, assemblies and construction techniques used to achieve safe, environmentally sound tectonic strategies will be explained and exemplified with particular emphasis on the principles, elements and techniques of domestic architecture.
Design Representation and Modelling
You will be introduced to the concept and techniques of drawing, modelling and alternative forms of representations of architectural design. The module will develop your ability to interpret and produce 2-D and 3-D architectural representations (e.g. plans, sections, elevations, axonometric and perspective projections) and models (e.g. analogue, physical and digital).
History and Theory of Architecture 1
You will be introduced to the canon of western architectural history and its underlying ideological assumptions. It locates the major practices and sites of western architecture in a wide visual and cultural context and critically examines its relevance to the practicing architect today.
Interior Architecture Design Studio 1B
You will develop your interior and architectural thinking and appreciate the implications of the inter-relationships between people, the environment and place making through the development of a building design of a low to medium level of complexity.
New
Construction Technology in Architecture 2
This module builds on your introduction to structure, materials and fabric by introducing you to the challenges for the built environment of the Climate Emergency, and by introducing principles of Environmental Design, Systems and Services. The module will discuss building physics and a building’s fabric, and how its environmental services and systems need to be combined to provide physiological, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. It will also introduce the need to attend to the physical and psychological health, safety and wellbeing of the occupants and the welfare of those making and maintaining buildings when making design decisions. You will consider how principles of responsive design (both passive and interactive) can be utilised in relation to the principles, elements and techniques of sustainable design of domestic architecture.
New
Interior Architecture Design Studio 2A
This module will further develop your understanding of, and ability to apply, the principles of interior and architectural design, with specific reference to the re-use and redevelopment of existing buildings.
Principles of Sustainable Built Environments
You will develop a comprehensive recognition and understanding of global and local principles of sustainability in the built environment. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the relationship between sustainable design and construction processes and their social, environmental and economic impact. This module will also provide you with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in the design, procurement, and construction of sustainable built environment.
History and Theory of Architecture 2
You will gain a broad understanding of the history and theory of architecture focused on the examination of the histories of modern architecture.
New
Design Studio 2B: Performance Modelling and Integrated Design
This module comprises the further development and formation of an iterative architectural design methodology. It builds on the integrated Design approach introduced in Design Studio 2A and further develops this via the notion of performative and performance-based design. Through the module you will undertake projects for public use and design buildings of moderate complexity and further your abilities to contribute to the creation of place in urban, peri-urban or rural contexts. In addition, you will also you will gain the skills and ability to deploy digital technologies such as BIM and Computational Design in the development of design alternatives in a further development of your and ability to apply the principles of architectural design, in relationship to the structural, technological and environmental requirements and deepen your understanding of an iterative and integrated building design process.
New
Construction Technology in Architecture 3
This module further develops your understanding of technological innovation in architecture integrating the parallel strands of Structure and Services introduced to you in year 1 through two core themes central to Building Fabric Design: Design for Climate and Sustainability and Design for Human and Life Safety. Through these themes you will develop competencies in more advanced construction techniques, systems and assemblies for non-domestic buildings, and through this you will extend and develop your technical vocabulary and grasp of building physics and building fabric design for more complex building forms in terms of scale, multiple storeys, and for medium as well as long clear spans.
New
Multi-Disciplinary Design Project
The multidisciplinary module allows you to engage in a multidisciplinary practice-based environment and gain an insight into industrial practice. Utilising a real-world scenario you will work collectively to communicate a project solution to a panel of assessors through varying forms of media. This module is supported with a series of industrial guest speakers to offer real-life practices, procedures, technologies and communication techniques.
New
Interior Architecture Design Studio 3A
You will develop, research and explore an interior architectural proposal in the context of a complex design project. You will apply the necessary skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into your design proposition. You will expand your design research methods to include (fine) art practices, in particular those which focus on the development of spatial interventions.
Re-creating the City - Re-use and Regeneration
You will explore the theme of regeneration and application of architecture practice in the regeneration of cities and urban environments.
Practice Management and Law
This module aims to prepare you for industry practice by equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of the profession of interior architecture. You will develop an understanding of the role of the interior architect in society. You will learn about the management of the construction industry, the role of the architectural practice and responsibilities of each within the regulatory legal context within which interior architecture operates.
New
Interior Architecture Design Studio 3B
You will apply and test your interior architecture design skills in the context of a complex design project. You will develop the skills, competencies and understanding of a selected range of theoretical, technical, cultural, historical and professional issues, and the ability to integrate them into their designs.
Ideas and Issues in Interior Architecture
The aim of this module is for you to develop your design thinking and appreciate the implications of the inter-relationships between people, the environment and place making through the development of an interior design intervention of a medium to high level of complexity.
Design Research Project
You will learn to write and deliver an extended and coherent study on a design related topic. On completion, you will demonstrate competency in research skills in support of future learning development. This module will help you to develop the skills of reflective practice through engagement with contemporary architecture and urbanism.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
As an Interior Architecture student you will learn in our carefully designed architecture studios provide an inspiring environment to develop ideas, work collaboratively and share best practice.
We also have workshops which house high specification equipment, including laser cutters and 3-D printers, to help you bring your ideas and concepts to life.
Industry collaboration and research
When you start this degree with Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.
Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global built environment issues and challenges.
Discover how you are part of something bigger.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
This course is designed to help you to develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly-employable. As well as gaining an introduction to architecture and the built environment, you will also build key IT, study and presentation skills and develop your team work and project management skills during your studies.
Once you progress to complete the full BSc (Hons) Interior Architecture degree, a wide range of exciting career opportunities will be open to you. Interior Architects are highly valued in many sectors and work widely throughout the creative industries. You may be working within an architectural practice (i.e. Foster and Partners, Benoy, Gensler, MHA Architects, Mason Gillibrand Architects etc.), a retail and experience design agency (i.e. Household, Brinkworth) or within the hospitality, workplace and exhibition design arenas. You may also specialise in lighting design and consultancy (i.e. Arup, Buro Happold).
FURTHER STUDY
You might find you want to learn more about the built environment, so we offer a range of specialism postgraduate study options to help you take your career and interests even further. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount.
MSc BIM and Digital Built Environments
MSc Real Estate and Property Management
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for certain characteristics in each applicant. Having these characteristics will not only help you to fulfil your academic potential, but they are also essential if you want a successful built environment career.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
64 UCAS points
A level
64 UCAS points, typically two grade Cs
BTEC National Diploma
MPP (BTEC Extended Diploma), MM (BTEC Diploma).
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Foundation Degree
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Access to HE
Pass in Access to HE Diploma - minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points
Scottish Highers
64 points from Higher Level
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 points from Higher Level
European Baccalaureate
Please contact Admissions for further information.
International Baccalaureate
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Other Qualifications
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
Please contact Admissions for further information.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.