Master of Design (Interior Architecture)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
Program Code
DMSP
SATAC Code
4CM131 (Internal)
4CM208 (Internal)
4CM220 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus
Successful completion of a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study, and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
Applicants who have completed a Master of Architecture are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in a related discipline are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
Applicants who have completed the four year Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of South Australia are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
Related design disciplines include: interior architecture; interior design; furniture design; architecture.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Architecture and Built Environment – Skills Development Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Architecture and Built Environment (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
3Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
4UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
With a focus on design research, theory and practice, this degree will prepare you for a career as an interior designer. It will also provide you with an advanced understanding of the innovative, changing world of design.
A major focus of this degree is on design research, and you will complete an individual research-based project where you will be required to critically review, analyse, identify, and propose solutions to complex design challenges. You will also study the development and application of research processes and, in conjunction with industry, will be given the opportunity to work on creative projects, developing skills in writing project proposals and presenting information.
A focus on practical, hands-on learning also means you will not only gain the skills and knowledge needed to design stimulating, sustainable and visually appealing interiors but also the confidence to embark on real-world projects. You may have the opportunity to complete an industry placement as part of your studies.
Advanced Standing
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor (Honours) degree in the same specific discipline may be eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
Applicants who have completed a 4 year Bachelor degree in Interior Architecture at UniSA are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.
Applicants must submit a portfolio of work, curriculum vitae and a written statement of intent.
2 years- SATAC CODE 4CM131
1 year- SATAC CODE 4CM208
By studying the Master of Design (Interior Architecture) you will develop an advanced and comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of designing and maintaining interior environments that are environmentally responsive and socially adaptable. You will also graduate with a sound knowledge of research methods.
During your first year you will complete multi-disciplinary core design courses, advanced research methods, an introduction to sustainable design, business practices, and your choice of electives. During your second year, you will undertake a yearlong project resulting in a professional standard presentation/exhibition.
This dynamic, highly creative degree offers a unique blend of hands-on experience and solid theoretical knowledge, ensuring you graduate with the tools needed for a successful career in this competitive field.
UniSA boasts purpose-built studio spaces and five floors of impressive workshops that feature state-of-the-art digital equipment. In addition to these world-class on-campus facilities, you will also benefit from:
Our teaching staff have extensive professional design experience, so the curriculum is industry-relevant and mostly practical in nature. You will also work alongside world-class researchers in design1.
This is a nested degree, which means that if for whatever reason you decide you want to exit the master degree before completion you may be eligible to graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Design.
It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
This master's degree consistently records high graduate employment rates. You could find work in architectural practices, interior design practices, building companies, other organisations supplying the design and building industry, such as corporate furniture suppliers and architectural practices, or public relations and marketing organisations. Careers to consider:
Applying to study with us:
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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.
As a design student, you will have access to:
I’m passionate about increasing awareness of Indigenous knowledges and providing expansive opportunities for students to engage in the educational process.
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.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hear about studying interior architecture at UniSA.
Leading academics talk about art, architecture and design at the University of South Australia.