MA in Design (Interior Architecture)

Course details

This programme is designed to provide opportunities for specialisation in the designated field of Interior Architecture. The programme focus is on gaining increasing mastery of creative design problems, advanced professional competence and application within business and team management environments, and making graduates suitable for managerial roles in Design organisations.

This taught programme prepares graduates to work successfully in senior or specialised Interior Architect design positions tailored to industry demand and application. Advanced technical skills gained in the programme also prepare graduates for specialised technical and design positions, providing a competitive advantage. Graduates from this programme are suited to explore self-employment, acting as intra/entrepreneurs the MA qualification will give graduates versatility in business structure and allow for a range of practicable options, appropriate to a sustainable and varied career path.

The module in Business, Management, & Communications has been designed with this specifically in mind. Students will gain an awareness of the requirement to develop new approaches and technologies, raise consciousness of the issues and continue to up/re-skill the design profession in these areas. There is an increasing demand for designers with highly specialised skills, specifically in technological, presentation and design management applications. Substantial changes in legislation regulating the built environment are placing higher demands on the professional competence and Framework  and responsibility of the designer. Complying with Irish Health and Safety and Building Control legislation demands significant specialised skill relating to accessibility, environmentally sustainable design, and delivering interior designs safely.

The MA programme prepares students to implement innovative, advanced interior designs and to specialise their professional practice application. Students also experience the economic advantages of interior refurbishment as opposed to new-build and increase their awareness of more sustainable development by both industry and clients. The MA in Design programme aims to develop interior architects and design professionals who can deliver professional quality products and services from the first day. Professionals who will be confident to “hit the ground running” and take the lead as either a part of a larger team or working on their own as self-employed designers.

Is this course for you?

In addition to learners progressing directly from the College’s undergraduate programme, the MA programme offers an attractive route for related graduates with professional experience in design practices. In particular, it is expected to attract students from interior design or a closely related spatial design discipline such as product and industrial design, or those who have equivalent qualifications or professional experience.

Entry requirements

• Have obtained a minimum of a Hons 2:2 degree in a cognate discipline at level 8. Applicants over the age of 27 can also apply for entry onto the programme on the basis of previously obtained relevant experiential learning.
• Submit a creative or project portfolio, demonstrating design ability commensurate with the demands of the programme.
• Attend an interview with the Faculty Board, demonstrating ability to undertake the programme.