Master of Interior Architecture - MIA

Summary

Build your expertise and improve your career prospects with advanced study of interior architecture.

Become a specialist in spatial experience design by studying a Master of Interior Architecture at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Reimagine the places we live, work, play, eat, shop, exercise, and learn.

Through your studies you will make a difference to people's wellbeing and create a better future through the innovative design of interior spaces.

You'll examine how design can affect the way people experience, interact with, and move through an interior. Performance, identity, mood, and the physical comfort of a structure will influence your creative solutions to improve and transform the built environment.

Learn through a combination of taught courses and a self-directed, design-led research thesis or portfolio.

International recognition

The University’s Master of Interior Architecture programme is internationally recognised through affiliation to the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) and the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA).

Careers

As an Interior Architecture graduate, you might work as a specialist within an interior design or architecture firm, or in the interior division of a large, multidisciplinary design company.

You might also work as an exhibition designer, stage or screen set designer or retail designer. Other jobs may include lighting designer, furniture designer or environmental designer. You might also make a career in teaching or research.

What you'll study

In your first year, or Part 1, you'll complete seven taught courses—six are compulsory and one elected. You'll learn to successfully apply design strategies through all stages of the design process. Focus on technologies and materials and examine history, theory and criticism in interior architecture. You'll also learn about professional practice including your legal and ethical obligations.

You'll also complete a research-based advanced design project. During this you'll learn to identify questions and explore processes, and develop effective presentation methods to communicate your research findings.

Research year

During the second year, or Part 2, you'll complete a research portfolio or thesis under supervision from academic staff in the School.