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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBIR

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 33,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
024202C

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.

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

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Nepal NEB	2.51
Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	320
German Abitur	3.5
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	31
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	80
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	66
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
India (best 4) State Board	75
India (best 4) Central Board	65
HKDSE	15

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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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.
Study at a university that is top 5 in Australia for graduate skills in Architecture¹.
Get matched with a professional design mentor in your final year.
Get the opportunity to publicly exhibit your work twice a year.
Participate in international and national study tours and field trips.
Learn from practicing, award-winning designers.
UniSA is home to Australia’s only architecture museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawing and photographs.

¹Ranked #4, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Architecture and Built Environment – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.

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.

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

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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 international 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:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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 to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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.