Who is the Bachelor’s programme in Interior Architecture / Interior Design suitable for?
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Interior Architecture / Interior Design at the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is aimed at individuals who have a creative affinity for design and wish to work in international, interdisciplinary teams on innovative spatial concepts. The target group includes school leavers with university entrance qualification who are passionate about interior architecture, spatial planning and design, and who are seeking a practice-oriented academic education in English. The programme is particularly interesting for applicants who aspire to later registration with the Chamber of Architects and place value on an international, project-based study environment.
Which formal admission requirements must you meet?
To apply for the Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture / Interior Design, you need one of the following formal qualifications:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
- A foreign educational qualification that is recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur or Fachabitur in accordance with the requirements of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) (e.g. IB Diploma, GCE A-Levels, US High School Diploma with corresponding additional qualifications)
- English language skills at at least B2 level (CEFR), to be demonstrated through tests such as TOEFL ITP (min. 543), TOEFL IBT (min. 74), IELTS (min. 6.0), Cambridge FCE (min. B2), PTE Academic (min. 59), IB Diploma with English as a subject or German Abitur with English as the language of instruction; the certificate must not be older than two years
- A digital portfolio (PDF) with at least 10 individual design works in accordance with the portfolio guidelines of the degree programme
If your qualification is not directly recognised, a successfully completed year of study at a recognised university or attending a Studienkolleg with an assessment test may be required. Applications are only possible if all formal criteria are met and a study place is available.
You should have a strong interest in spatial design and design processes. Creativity, openness to new solutions, interest in interdisciplinary teamwork and willingness to communicate in English are central personal prerequisites. Basic knowledge of representational techniques, an experimental approach and curiosity about culturally and socially changing living environments will support your success in the course. Self-motivation, self-organisation and the ability to give constructive feedback are particularly important in the project-oriented working environment.
What content can you expect in the Interior Architecture / Interior Design degree programme?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme Interior Architecture / Interior Design at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, you will develop skills in the creative planning, design, and realisation of interior spaces. You will learn to design spatial concepts for different usage requirements, think user-oriented, and develop sustainable as well as innovative design solutions. The curriculum includes:
- Fundamentals of spatial design and interior architecture
- Materials science and interior construction
- Visualization techniques, including drawing, model making, and digital representation
- History and theory of interior architecture and design
- Technical aspects such as building services, lighting, and acoustics
- Interior architectural design projects (from concept to implementation)
- Research methodology and academic work
- Communication and presentation of design ideas
- Collaboration in interdisciplinary teams
During the course of your studies, you will strengthen your ability to develop complex spatial concepts independently or in teams and to adapt these to different social and cultural requirements.
How is the Interior Architecture / Interior Design degree programme structured?
The programme lasts six semesters (three years) and follows a project-based, student-oriented approach. The lessons are conducted exclusively in English. In the first year, you will establish the fundamentals in design principles, materials science, construction, and visualisation. In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge through more advanced design projects and technical expertise, such as lighting and building technology. In the third year, you can expect an interdisciplinary project with students from related subjects, a practical semester (internship), and the Bachelor’s thesis including a design project on a self-chosen topic.
- Practice-oriented teaching by experienced international lecturers
- Working on real projects and with external clients
- Project work individually and in groups
- Career-preparatory internship in Germany or abroad
- Graduation with Bachelor’s thesis and design project
Small groups and intensive supervision support you throughout the entire study period.
What career opportunities and fields of work open up after graduation?
As a graduate of the Bachelor’s degree programme Interior Architecture / Interior Design, you will have practical skills that enable you to enter numerous professional fields. Typical areas of employment include:
- Interior architecture and architectural firms
- Design and communication agencies
- Cultural institutions such as museums or galleries
- Production design for film, television, and theatre (e.g. stage and set design)
- Kitchen, bathroom, and furniture studios as well as furniture manufacturing
- Retail, gastronomy, office, and residential space design
- Self-employed and freelance work in the field of interior and design
The degree programme is designed so that, after gaining relevant professional experience and fulfilling the legal requirements, you can qualify for registration with an architects’ chamber. Thus, after meeting state-specific conditions, the professional title “Interior Architect” is attainable.
Where is the location for this degree programme?
The programme takes place at the central campus of Berlin International University of Applied Sciences in Berlin. The university is located near the Spree river in the Charlottenburg district and is easily accessible by public transport. The international orientation of the campus offers you access to a multicultural environment and a network of students and lecturers from over 92 countries. Berlin’s creative scene provides practical impulses and diverse cooperation opportunities.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The tuition fees for the Interior Architecture / Interior Design degree programme are €745 per month for students from the EU – corresponding to €4,470 per semester or €26,820 for the entire duration of study. For international students from outside the EU, the payment per semester is €4,640. Additionally, you should plan for living expenses in Berlin (e.g. accommodation, food, transport).
- Installment payment of tuition fees possible
- Various scholarship programmes are available
- Options for study financing through education loans and funding
Timely financial planning can facilitate your start to the degree programme.
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