Our programme integrates design work with theoretical and written studies to examine, question and develop design and thinking in the context of interior, architectural and spatial design. Students undertake a number of core and elective courses throughout the programme, and are required to define their own practice within this field as a means of expressing ideas and opinions. The programme is full time and runs over three consecutive semesters from September to August.
What you will study
Each year we use a different site in Edinburgh as a focus for design projects, and as a test bed for thoughts and opinions. We combine this with briefs that address current industry issues. You will progress your work using a variety for research methods, design iteration and presentation of solutions through relevant techniques. Your individual direction of development will be supported by self-reflection and by discussions with staff and peers.
This programme will require you to look at interior, architectural and spatial design through a number of lenses, and by means of your own innovative design responses to projects, you will find new uses for existing spaces at a variety of scales. Projects require you to work both in groups and individually, on varying aspects of research and design. In the third semester students are also tasked with formulating a way to disseminate their work in progress. This may take the form of a theoretical proposal or a physical display.
Expanding your knowledge
You’ll be encouraged and required to focus on the aspects of interior, architectural and spatial design that you find interesting or personally relevant, and take charge of the direction of your coursework in the context of the given site and briefs. Through your choice of electives you will also have the opportunity to work with students in other programmes throughout the University. You will be expected to develop your existing skills in drawing and presentation, both manually and digitally, to innovatively explore and present your responses to the various lenses through which you will examine interior, architectural and spatial design.
Staff use their research to inform teaching, and as part of the programme you will belong to the Interior Lab – what we refer to the wider family of staff and students involved in the programme including alumni, undergraduate interior design and PhD students. This unique initiative provides a series of events throughout the year which you are encouraged to attend, including lectures and talks by various industry professionals, as well as alerting you to exhibition and events of interest run by outside agencies.
For assessment, MA students produce a comprehensive body of practical and reflective written work in relation to their core and elective courses, that demonstrate their individual development as a master.
