Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
Undergraduate
CUR-IAH-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Gain the advantage with research-informed design skills
Design beautiful and sustainable interiors. With honours, the fourth year bolsters your design skills as you delve into applied design research. Work on real projects. You’ll build strong industry connections to step directly into the workforce.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 23 Feb 2025,
- 25 May 2025,
- 24 Aug 2025,
- 23 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 30
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
About this degree
On successful completion of this program the learner will be able to:
- Identify, explain and apply the disciplinary concepts in interior architecture
- Develop creative practices and ways of building knowledge that are critical and reflective
- Evaluate and synthesise information from various sources across multiple disciplines to inform the responsive processes related to the design and experience of interior architecture
- Select and use effective and appropriate visual, spoken, written, graphic and technical communication techniques appropriate for academic and professional environments
- Use a range of available technologies appropriate to interior architecture
- Adapt and respond to new ways of learning and global interaction to develop a self-directed approach
- Develop awareness and sensitivity around community and its role in Interior Architecture with particular attention to context and global differences in perceptions and interpretations of concepts and practice
- Recognise and understand cultural diversity in particular indigenous perspectives and knowledges. Respect individual human rights and include concepts of social sustainability, social equity and cultural diversity into interior architecture
- Work independently and collaboratively demonstrating relevant professional and ethical practices
This program replaces both the Bachelor of Arts (Interior Architecture) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture).
Interior designers, as qualified professionals in Interior Architecture, design quality environments for a diverse range of users and functions. They coordinate the design and construction of building interiors including commercial, workplace, hospitality, medical, gallery, and retail environments. In addition, interior designers may be involved with more transient environments and the associated displays for trade fairs, exhibitions, museums, and public events. Their skills and knowledge are also utilised for adaptive reuse of existing buildings and conservation of significant sites. Interior designers require skills and understanding in all aspects of design, including technical knowledge of interior construction, equipment and building systems. They must also exercise ability in communication and administrative skills. The degree also provides a sound basis for more specialised careers and study in areas such as furniture or set design, education and/or research.
In order to complete this program, students are also required to complete at least 80 hours' work experience in the industry before graduation.
Once you have been admitted to the program, you will choose a Specialisation (or Minor) in a discipline area complementary to Interior Architecture. You can select from one of the following specialisations:
- Construction Management - Develop an understanding of the principles and processes surrounding building construction and management, specifically focusing on low and high rise construction, building surveying and construction contracts.
- Planning and Geography - Learn about key concepts and approaches for understanding cities as cultural landscapes, including urban and regional planning principles, governance, social geographies of cities, geographical analysis, and spatial experience at an urban scale.
- Animation and Game Architecture - Learn the fundamentals of animation and game design, such as techniques for 3D modelling and animation, development of creative and compelling visuals, and the use of motion graphics and game related technologies. This specialisation connects closely with architectural presentation techniques and the creation of inspiring built environments.
- Digital Design Specialisation - Ideal for people who are interested in gaining fundamental skills and knowledge in Web and UX Design. This specialisation can boost students' employability by developing digital design problem solving skills and deepening understanding of how to create engaging digital experiences.
- Architectural Technology Specialisation - Designed exclusively for Interior Architecture or Interior Design students, develops understanding of the built fabric and structures surrounding the interior including sustainability practices, building science and digital fabrication.
Bachelor Degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications. The honours component prepares students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.
Recommended study pattern
The degree has been designed in sequential progression and students are expected to complete subjects in Level order. You must complete any prerequisite subjects required.
The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.
Once you have been admitted to the degree, you will be required to select a Specialisation from the list. Your Specialisation consists of 4 subjects in a discipline area complementary to Interior Architecture. Please refer to the Description for details of the available Specialisations.
You can download an enrolment planner via the Link below that will allow you to determine the recommended sequence of enrolment based on the study period in which you commenced your enrolment:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) (Honours) enrolment planner (XLS)
Subjects will not be offered in every study period and may not be available at the time that you wish to study them. If you wish to enrol in a part-time load then please select one unit from the two listed for each study period.
Award requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture)(Honours), students must complete a total of 30 subjects comprised of:
- 23 core subjects ; AND
- 3 research subjects – including 2 double subjects; AND
- 4 specialisation subjects – the Specialisation must be selected from the list provided. Please refer to the Description for details of the available Specialisations.
The following requirements must also be met for this degree:
- Completion of at least 80 hours of relevant work experience before completing the degree
- Students who fail a core subject twice may be terminated from the degree
- No more than 10 Level 1 subjects can be completed as part of the degree
- This degree must be completed within 10 years
Exit points
Students who have successfully completed 24 subjects may also be eligible to exit the degree earlier and apply to receive the Bachelor of Interior Design, which is an approved Exit Award for this degree.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin Connect through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2025:
The Construction Management Specialisation has undergone a major change in 2025.
- CME309 Construction Contracts and Law (retired in 2025) has been removed from the structure. Students who have completed CME309 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- CME103 Introduction to Management in Construction has been removed from the structure. It was an alternate core in this specialisation. Students who have completed CME103 prior to 2025 will have it counted towards the degree/specialisation.
- Effective 2025, CME106 High-rise Construction will now be a core subject.
- CME203 Specialised Construction and CME205 Building Information Management and Modelling have been added as alternate core subjects.
Should students have any other questions, please contact Curtin University at 1300 222 888 or Curtin Connect atAsk Connect | Curtin University.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$9,552
Indicative total fee $38,208
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Single subjects
Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this degree. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend starting subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjectsContinue to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
With the exception of six open enrolment subjects, this is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
The restricted Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture) degree program has six open enrolment subjects which students may enrol into without having to submit an Application Form (provided all subject pre-requisites are met). These subjects are: APC100, BIA140, BIA170, BAS115, BAS140, and BAS145.
Students who successfully complete two of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100) AND meet English language competency may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission for admission to the program provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria. See Entry Requirements below for more details.
Students who successfully complete four of these open enrolment subjects (of which one must be APC100) may apply under the Academic Eligibility category for admission to the program provided they have satisfied other eligibility criteria. See Entry Requirements below for more details.
- Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)
- Successful completion of two of the following recommended six open enrolment subjects APC100, BIA140, BIA170, BAS115, BAS140, and BAS145 (of which one must be APC100) and separate English language proficiency is required OR
- Successful completion of four OUA full degree level subjects at pass level, of which one must be APC100. (This satisfies English language competency requirement.)
- Tertiary Entrance Ranking 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
- English language proficiency
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Study method requirements
Students are required to undertake 80 hours of experience in industry prior to the completion of their degree. The work experience must be in approved professional roles relevant to the degree.
Students can contact Course Coordinator for more information at interiorarchitecture@curtin.edu.au.
Software Requirements - Students will require access to Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop). Curtin provides access to students each SP when they are actively enrolled in a subject requiring such software.
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.
Career opportunities
Interior designers are employed within the broad field of interior architecture in roles across industries where they can apply specific design expertise, including residential, hospitality, retail, workplace, and well-being. Graduates may find work within interior design and architecture practices or as independent interior design practitioners and consultants. They may also become specialists in heritage and conservation, furniture design and lighting, indoor comfort, event and exhibition design, styling, design writing, colour theory and immersive design.
Professional recognition
This degree is recognised by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Interior Designers | $75K to $93K | Up 45.8% |
Degree FAQs
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As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
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Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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