Architecture and Design Scotland

OverviewProgramme contentEntry requirementsFees & scholarships

Overview

The MA Interior Architecture and Design explores the emerging symbiotic relationship between ‘interior design’ and ‘interior architecture’ in comprehending, crafting, and implementing innovative interior spaces. There is currently a divide between what we regard as ‘Interior design’, and what we regard as ‘Interior architecture’. However we feel that there is an on-going convergence of both fields, and that an opportunity exists to fuse together the most influential elements of both; the creativity, process, and design thinking of designers, with the science, knowledge, and pragmatism of architecture.

The programme aims to fuse key aspects of both fields, to prepare graduates to enter and lead an evolving design industry. Heriot-Watt University is well known as a leader in STEM education and research and as such we aim to consider and combine the role of both science and design in informing interior architecture and design. Students are educated through a variety of studio projects, specialist subjects, and cross-disciplinary contextual and theoretical courses.

The programme attracts students primarily from an art, design, and architectural background, and expects that each student develop their own project, and concepts, that test and challenge perceived norms or patterns.

Programme duration

• MA - 1 year
  This is a one-year programme consisting of three semesters (two taught, and one by research and supervision)

Programme content

Much of the programme has been designed to be academically valuable and industry relevant, yet also cater for each individual students own project development.

Key to this are four different strands that run through the programme:

• Studio: Through Design project 1 and 2, and the final collection students have an opportunity to develop their designs iteratively in a stimulating studio environment and culture, borrowing elements from other courses below.