Interior Design (not currently chamber eligible), Bachelor of Arts

Would you like to study interior architecture but don't necessarily need the professional title "Architect"? Then the distance learning program Interior Architecture* at IU International University (IU) is perfect for you. Here you will learn in a digital format how to design the buildings of tomorrow.

The program is currently not chamber-eligible: You acquire professional competencies (career enabling) but are not allowed to carry the protected professional title Interior Architect (profession qualifying). In order to obtain this professional title in Germany, you need to be listed in an architects' chamber. Usually, chamber admission can only be applied for after completing a four- or five-year interior architecture studies with at least two years of relevant work experience. Some regional chambers require additional qualifications. The respective architects' chamber of each federal state decides on the entry in the list. Many chambers currently state that they do not accept applicants who have completed their Bachelor's degree in Architecture through distance learning. Presence-based teaching is still seen as essential. Even expanding with a recognized Master's program currently cannot guarantee admission to an architects' chamber.

Nevertheless, the Interior Architecture* studies at IU have a lot to offer. It is currently the only Bachelor's distance learning program in interior architecture* - state-recognized, accredited, and practical. We collaborate with internationally successful experts in the architecture industry who support you in your professional development.

Although the architects' chamber currently does not allow admission and has reservations about competence transfer in online teaching: the state accreditation shows that our study format is equally suitable for acquiring the necessary competencies. We focus on innovative teaching methods: students learn with physical models, create everything from hand sketches to digital images, and interact with each other and with the lecturers - but all online.

The long, at least 6-year training as an interior architect* is just one way into the industry. With IU's Interior Architecture* studies, many career opportunities are open to you: whether in an office or in public service, you can find and practice your own focus as a designer, developer of constructive details, or in construction projects - even without chamber admission. If this aligns with your personal goals, then our distance learning program is right for you.

These are the requirements for the Bachelor Interior Architecture*

With your Bachelor's in Interior Architecture, you can work, for example, in a planning office, in the field of shop design, or in industry.

In order to be admitted to the part-time distance learning program Interior Architecture* at IU International University, you must either hold a high school diploma (general university entrance qualification), a technical college entrance qualification, or a subject-related university entrance qualification.

In addition, you can also study Interior Architecture* without a high school diploma. To be admitted to the IU distance learning program without a high school diploma, you must have completed an advanced training course, such as becoming a State-Certified Business Economist, or hold a master craftsman's certificate. You can also be admitted if you have completed a vocational training and worked full-time for at least 3 years after completing this training.

These are the study contents in the online study program Interior Architecture*

This Bachelor's degree at IU consists of approximately 32 modules, which you will take and complete over the course of 6 semesters of regular study time. Each module is worth 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination performance such as a term paper or an exam. In total, you will earn 180 credit points from module to module and from semester to semester.

The typical course schedule for the full-time study program in Interior Architecture* looks as follows:

• Semester 1: Design: Fundamentals and Building Theory, Design: Surface – Body – Space, Representation: Fundamentals, Representation: Photography and Video, Introduction to Academic Work, Perception Theory
• Semester 2: Project: Material – Form – Object, Representation: Model Making, Representation: Plastic Design – Nature Studies, Design Fundamentals: Seeing and Understanding, Fundamentals of Building Materials, Surveying with BIM
• Semester 3: Project: Room Experiment, Representation: Temptation – Color – Light, Architectural History and Styles, Collaborative Work, Building Construction – Architectural Fundamentals, Private and Public Building Law
• Semester 4: Design: Spatial Function Theory, Project: Furniture Design – Ergonomics and Construction, Project: Color – Light – Space, Experiencing Architecture: Individual Excursion, Project: Building Construction, Procurement and Contract Management
• Semester 5: Elective Module A, Interior Architecture and Society, Architecture and Design Theory, Refurbishment: Construction and Material, Cost and Schedule Planning
• Semester 6: Elective Module B, Intercultural and Ethical Skills, Building Technology, Bachelor's Thesis

What makes the Bachelor's program in Interior Architecture* at IU special are the numerous opportunities to specialize in areas of interest and professional fields in the elective module area.

For the first specialization, you can choose from these exciting modules: Remodeling and Refurbishing, Exhibiting and Staging, Functional Buildings, Extreme Type of Space.

For the second specialization, you can choose one of these study modules: Remodeling and Refurbishing, Exhibiting and Staging, Functional Buildings, Extreme Type of Space, Building Information Modeling, Smart Building, Sustainable Building.

How flexible is the standard study time in the distance learning program Interior Architecture*

At IU International University, in the part-time distance learning program, you can choose one of 3 study models:

• In full-time study, the standard study time is 6 semesters or 36 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Full-time study in Interior Architecture* is particularly suitable for those who are not working or work only a few hours per week.
• In part-time study I, the standard study time is 8 semesters or 48 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time study I is suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
• In part-time study II, the standard study time is 12 semesters or 72 months. You can extend the standard study time by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time study II is particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your profession alongside your distance learning program.

By the way, you can also take a semester off during your studies at no additional cost.

How does the online study program at IU work?

A study program that adapts to your life: In the online study program at IU, you learn flexibly and digitally whenever and wherever you want to learn.

In the Interior Architecture* distance learning program at IU International University, there is no attendance requirement – you learn continuously from home, in the library of your choice, or wherever you can learn best.

You can take your modules and courses whenever you want. This way, you can usually put together your study plan and semester structure flexibly on your own.

Central to IU distance learning are your interactive learning scripts. You will receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as PDFs and for tablets. Through the smart IU Learn app, you have access to the scripts for your Interior Architecture* studies as well as scripts from all other distance learning programs at IU.

Through myCampus, the online campus of IU, you also have access to additional materials, such as videos. You exchange ideas with your lecturers and fellow students, for example, in virtual live formats, such as interactive lectures.

And exams? You can take them as online exams if you prefer. You can take an online exam around the clock once you feel sufficiently prepared for the study material. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the numerous IU exam centers throughout Germany.

*currently not Chamber of Commerce approved