Course Description:
Programme Description
The Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design & Architecture is an advanced, practice-led programme designed to develop highly competent interior designers capable of working across complex spatial environments including residential, commercial, hospitality, cultural, healthcare, exhibition, and landscape-related design contexts.
The programme integrates creative design thinking with technical proficiency, architectural awareness, and professional visual communication. Students progress through a structured sequence of design studios and supporting modules that develop their ability to analyse, conceptualise, and resolve spatial challenges at increasingly advanced levels.
A strong emphasis is placed on experiential design, spatial composition, materiality, lighting, user experience, and contextual responsiveness. The programme also develops advanced skills in drawing, digital modelling, rendering, and professional presentation.
The final stage of the programme focuses on independent design development and portfolio preparation, ensuring students graduate with a comprehensive, industry-ready body of work.
Who Is This Programme For?
This programme is designed for:
- Graduates of interior design, architecture, or related design disciplines
- Practicing designers seeking advanced professional development
- Individuals with foundational design knowledge aiming to enter the interior design profession
- Creative practitioners transitioning into spatial and environmental design fields
- Applicants seeking progression to Master’s-level study in design or architecture
The programme is suitable for learners who are creative, analytical, and capable of independent studio-based learning.
Programme Aims
The programme aims to:
- Develop advanced interior and architectural design competence across multiple sectors
- Strengthen conceptual thinking, spatial reasoning, and design innovation
- Enhance technical drawing, CAD, and digital visualisation skills
- Develop expertise in materials, lighting, composition, and environmental design
- Build professional communication and presentation capabilities
- Prepare students for industry practice or postgraduate academic progression
- Produce a comprehensive professional portfolio demonstrating design competence
Programme Structure (Course Outline)
Pre-requisites
Foundation Stage (Diploma Year 1)
Interior & Architectural Design 1 – Residential Spaces (EQF 4)
Fundamental principles of residential design, space planning, technical drawing, and visual communication.
Interior & Architectural Design 2 – Office Design (EQF 5)
Workplace environments, ergonomics, branding, spatial organisation, and functional planning.
Intermediate Stage (Advanced Diploma Year Two)
Interior & Architectural Design – Commercial Space (EQF 5)
Retail and commercial interiors, brand identity, customer experience, and spatial storytelling.
Interior & Architectural Design – Coffee Shop & Restaurant Design (EQF 6)
Hospitality design focusing on atmosphere, circulation, branding, and user experience.
Advanced Stage Modules: (Post Graduate Diploma Year 3)
Perceptions & Expressions (EQF 7)
Advanced visual communication, drawing, layout composition, and conceptual representation.
Interior & Architectural Design – Exhibition Design (EQF 7)
Temporary architecture, experiential design, lighting systems, branding, and event environments.
Hospitality & Hotel Space Design (EQF 7)
Hotel interiors including guest rooms, public areas, operational planning, and luxury experience design.
Hospital Interior Design (EQF 7)
Healthcare environments focusing on wellbeing, safety, functionality, and evidence-based design.
Community, Cultural & Leisure Space Design (EQF 7)
Public and cultural facilities including recreational, educational, and social spaces.
Capstone Modules (Level 7)
Final Project – Integrated Design Thesis (EQF 7)
An independent, research-led design project demonstrating full professional competence from concept to final presentation. Includes spatial planning, technical development, visualisation, and presentation.
Professional Interior & Architectural Design Portfolio (EQF 7)
A supervised portfolio development module focused on curation, refinement, and professional presentation of academic work. No formal teaching content; delivered through tutorials, critiques, and one-to-one supervision.
Teaching & Learning Methods
The programme is delivered through:
- Studio-based design practice
- Design critiques and reviews
- Lectures and seminars
- Technical workshops (CAD, modelling, rendering)
- Case study analysis
- Independent research and design development
- One-to-one supervision (advanced stages)
- Portfolio development sessions
Assessment Strategy
Assessment is continuous and project-based, including:
- Design studio projects across all levels
- Technical drawings and documentation
- Concept development and research work
- Visual communication and presentation boards
- 3D modelling and rendering outputs
- Final integrated design thesis
- Professional portfolio submission
Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Independently design complex interior and architectural environments
- Apply advanced spatial planning and conceptual design strategies
- Integrate materials, lighting, furniture, and environmental systems effectively
- Produce professional technical drawings and visual presentations
- Work across residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and cultural sectors
- Communicate design intent at professional industry standards
- Develop a comprehensive portfolio for employment or postgraduate study
- Demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency
Final Note
This programme is structured to align with EQF Level 7 expectations, preparing graduates for professional practice in interior design and architecture or progression to Master’s-level study.
