Study Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 66.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 66.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
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Degree overview

Shape the way people live, work and thrive in built environments.
Learn how design influences, impacts and improves how people live their lives.
Gain valuable workplace experience when you complete an industry placement.
Get matched with a professional design mentor in your final year.
Study at the No.1 university in South Australia for Graduate Careers in Architecture¹.
Balance study with work and life commitments when you study selected courses in intensive six-week blocks.
Learn from practicing, award-winning designers.
Get the opportunity to publicly exhibit your work twice a year.
Participate in international and national study tours and field trips.
UniSA is home to Australia’s only architecture museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawing and photographs.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in design is ranked world-class².
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities³, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 Architecture and Built Environment – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic
Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
²Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

With a focus on design research, theory and practice, this degree will prepare you for a rewarding career in the creative interior architecture industry.

The curriculum is closely aligned with industry and you will learn about and gain practical experience in interior design practice along with furniture design and placemaking.

Real-world experience is a major focus, and during your fourth year you will be paired with an industry mentor who will support you as you prepare to transition into the workforce. During your third and fourth year, you will undertake work placements.

What you'll learn

This degree will see you graduate with the confidence and practical capabilities needed to succeed in this competitive field. You will:

gain a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of design, and through valuable hands-on projects and industry placements you will also gain practical knowledge and skills that will see you transition with ease into the workplace
gain an understanding of industry trends – delve into the world of workplace design, as well as the expanding field of furniture design with hands-on experience in the production and fabrication of furniture
apply design processes and strategies to a range of interior architecture projects, many of which are professional projects with real clients; alternatively you may choose to complete workshop-based courses where you can create furniture prototypes.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Design Studio (Foundation)	ARCH 1034	9	Note(s): 3
Interior Architecture Construction Principles	BUIL 1019	4.5
Design, Culture and Environment	ARCH 1021	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 5)
Interior Architecture Studies	ARCH 1031	4.5
Interior Construction and Materials	BUIL 1020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 6)
Interior Architecture Studio 2 (Materials and Practices)	ARCH 1035	9	Note(s): 3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Theory of the Modern Interior	ARCH 2056	4.5
Digital Representation	COMP 2029	4.5
First Semester (Study Period 3)
Interior Architecture Studio 3 (Multi Media)	ARCH 2047	9	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 5)
Interior Detailing	BUIL 3005	4.5
Digital Documentation	COMP 2016	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 6)
Interior Architecture Studio 4 (Detail)	ARCH 2057	9	Note(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Interior Architecture Workplacement 1	ARCH 2058	0	Note(s): 1
Interior Architecture Research Studies	ARCH 3057	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
First Semester (Study Period 3)
Interior Architecture Studio 5 (Multidisciplinary)	ARCH 3047	9	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 5)
Interior Technologies	ARCH 3059	4.5
Professional Management	ARCH 4016	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 6)
Interior Architecture Studio 6 (Workplace Environments)	ARCH 3058	9	Note(s): 3
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Interior Architecture Workplacement 2	ARCH 3060	0	Note(s): 1
Interior Architecture Research Studies Advanced	ARCH 4007	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
First Semester (Study Period 3)
Interior Architecture Studio 7: Atmospheres	ARCH 4011	9	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 5)
Design Studio Research	ARCH 4051	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 6)
Interior Architecture Studio 8: Advanced (Social Sustainability)	ARCH 4012	9	Note(s): 3
FOURTH YEAR (Honours)			Note(s): 4
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Interior Architecture Workplacement 2	ARCH 3060	0	Note(s): 1
Research Methods (Creative)	CREA 4004	4.5	Note(s): 4
Research Practices (Creative)	CREA 5001	4.5	Note(s): 4
Honours Research 1 (Creative)	CREA 4001	9	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 5)
Honours Research 2 (Creative)	CREA 4002	9	Note(s): 4
Honours Research 3 (Creative)	CREA 4003	9	Note(s): 4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Aboriginal Cultures
Aboriginal Cultures	HUMS 1035	4.5
Communication and Reciprocity	COMM 2060	4.5
Caring for Country	ENVT 1017	4.5
Event Management
Foundations of Event Management	TOUR 2009	4.5
Eventful Cities and Event Leveraging	TOUR 2012	4.5
Service Management in Tourism, Events and Hospitality	TOUR 2011	4.5
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Creativity and Innovation	BUSS 2066	4.5
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	BUSS 2085	4.5
Small Business for Professionals	BUSS 2040	4.5
Gallery, Library, Archives and Museum (GLAM)
UO Introduction to the GLAM sector - Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums	HUMS 1058	4.5
UO Innovative Curatorial Studies	HUMS 2042	4.5
UO Narrating Objects, Art and Archives	HUMS 3052	4.5
Cultural Studies
Understanding Popular Culture	HUMS 2045	4.5
Introduction to Cultural Studies	HUMS 1054	4.5
Everyday Cultures Now and Then	HUMS 2037	4.5
Construction Management
Introduction to Construction Management	BUIL 1007	4.5
Introduction to Contract Administration	BUIL 2019	4.5
Construction Materials	CIVE 1003	4.5
Drawing
Alternative Drawing Processes	VSAR 2046	4.5
Life Drawing	VSAR 2049	4.5
Drawing for Product Design	GRAP 1022	4.5
Materials
Etching and Intaglio Printmaking	VSAR 2057	4.5
Textiles: Fibre and Structure	VSAR 2023	4.5
Ceramic Vessels	VSAR 2078	4.5
Communication and Media
Public Relations Theory and Practice	COMM 1057	4.5
Professional and Technical Communication	COMM 1065	4.5
Content Creation for Media	COMM 2079	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students progress through the program by years. With the permission of the Program Director, students may carry one course failure only (other than a Design Studio or Interior Architecture Studio) forward to the next year.

2. Any variations to the sequence of study requires approval from the Program Director

3. This program requires students to purchase additional materials at their own cost as part of their Program Materials Kit. Information regarding the program kit will be provided to students during their Program Orientation and should be purchased at the earliest opportunity.

4. Students are not permitted to enrol in two Design Studios or Interior Architecture Studios concurrently.

Notes

1. 120 hours of work experience placements shall be undertaken in Years 3 and 4 as part of Interior Architecture Workplacement 1 and 2. Other prior work experience of comparable duration may be used as the basis for assessment of this component with the permission of the Program Director. Fourth year honours students may either enrol in ARCH 3060 or may elect to embed work integrated learning and research as an alternative at the discretion of the DBIR Program Director.

2. Students are required to complete three electives and are encouraged to select from the electives list below. The streams are designed to extend and expand abilities in core and cognate areas of the curriculum and to provide scope for individual development in particular areas of interest. Electives may be studied in any Study Period (1 - 7), not necessarily as specified in the above program schedule. Students who have a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or more and wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available in the electives offered in any one study period may choose either a research or project-based individual elective with the approval of the Program Director. If none of the listed electives are suitable or of interest, students may choose any University-wide elective from any discipline.

3. Each interior architecture studio will require students to demonstrate an ability to integrate strand course areas of the program into the design process.

4. Students with an overall GPA of 5.0 or above at the end of the third year of the program of study will be invited into the 36 unit honours strand. Students who take up the honours option will take the five honours courses in place of their final year of the program.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

projects
presentations
essays and reports
online quizzes

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Interior Architecture

This dynamic degree is the ideal introduction to the creative world of interior design.

Our Bachelor of Interior Architecture offers a blend of hands-on experience with solid theoretical knowledge, ensuring you graduate with the tools needed for a successful career in this competitive field. Learning will be further enhanced when you:

work with community groups on real-life projects in Australia and overseas
gain valuable workplace experience with an industry placement
are matched with a design mentor who will support you as you complete your studies and prepare to embark on your transition into professional practice
have the opportunity to benchmark your work nationally and internationally through publicly exhibiting your work twice a year
have the opportunity to join study tours and field trips, where you will visit international and national design practices, exhibitions and significant interiors
take part in the annual inFORM program, where you have the opportunity to be involved in a range of activities that enable you to apply your practical, theoretical and philosophical knowledge to professional design practice.

Real-world connections

There is a large practical component to this degree. Work placements throughout your studies mean you will gain valuable practical experience while building a network of industry contacts. In your fourth year of study you will be matched with a design mentor who will support you during your final year and as you prepare to transition into the workforce. UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Study Interior Architecture at UniSA

Hear from Clare about her journey studying Interior Architecture at UniSA.

Career outcomes

Your career

This degree consistently records high graduate employment rates. You could typically find work in architectural practices, interior design practices, building companies, or other organisations supplying the design and building industry, such as corporate furniture suppliers. Careers to consider:

interior designer: design, document and manage the implementation of interior spaces
event designer: oversee and direct the overall look and visual appeal of an event
furniture designer: develop design concepts, experiment with different materials, liaise with clients, and build sample models for either mass produced furniture prototypes or one-off exclusive pieces
project manager: manage the design process, liaising between client, consultants and builders
design manager: work within major organisations developing and delivering design strategies to enhance the organisations brand and business strategies

Professional accreditation and recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible for Graduate Membership of the Design Institute of Australia. The Bachelor of Interior Architecture does not confer qualifications in Architecture and the South Australian Architectural Practice Act legislation (2009) restricts the use of the title `Architect' to those registered by the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia.

Industry facts

Employment for interior designers in Australia is projected to increase by 19.1 per cent by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

The architectural services sector in Australia is projected to grow and reach $7.1 billion in annual revenue by 2020¹.

¹IBISWorld’s Architectural Services market research report 2017

Employment for architects, designers, planners and surveyors in Australia is projected to increase by 17,000 (16.8 per cent) by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an interior architecture student, you will have access to:

dedicated design studios
Australia’s only Architecture Museum
digital and traditional workshops
specialised computer suites

Your program director

Interior design fundamentally deals with how the built environment effects people, how they work, play, learn, heal and live; our program distinguishes itself through its balance between practice and theory and learning through doing and making.

Mr Andrew Wallace

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Andrew Wallace

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

Studying at UniSA has been a good experience and the City West Campus is going through a renovation at the moment, which is very inspiring for an interior architecture student. Facilities such as classrooms, lecture theatres and the Jeffrey Smart Building are all very good and have the latest technologies.

Eduardo Sanz

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Eduardo Sanz

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

The highlight of my studies was a study tour to Italy and Denmark. It was an incredible experience, not only in terms of the sights and places, but in the friendships forged between the group.

Coby Costi

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Coby Costi

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

Hear from UniSA graduates and Designers/Directors of Enoki, Susanna Bilardo and Judd Crush, about their experiences studying Interior Architecture and Design at UniSA and how it has helped them reach their career goals.