The programme has been constructed in such a way that the choice of courses and their placement within the course of study should present a natural progression. The courses vary in the extent to which students are challenged aesthetically and conceptually as opposed to technically and functionally. Some courses have a theoretical and academic approach, while others allow students to learn through practical experience.

During the first academic year, students will acquire basic knowledge and skills within the key subject areas. The focus will be on learning key concepts and relevant theory and gaining a general understanding of key subjects and their role in a professional context. In addition, students will be introduced to information gathering, source criticism and methodology. Early on, emphasis will be placed on the use of digital tools in both the preparation and presentation of technical drawings.

During the second academic year, there will be a stronger emphasis on developing students’ reflective abilities. Students will acquire the ability to integrate disciplines into a cultural and societal perspective. In addition, they will be able to reflect on and develop independent learning and attitudes towards communication and creativity, as well as solve relatively complex tasks, individually and as part of a team.

During the third year of the programme, students will put their knowledge and skills into practice by means of specialisation and a significant amount of independent work. In the fifth semester, students remaining at Kristiania will study the discipline’s theories in depth and complete a practical design project with an academic theme of their own choosing. A limited number of students will qualify for an supervised professional training with selected partner companies or for a study exchange at an approved educational institution abroad. Students will, as an introduction to the practical bachelor’s thesis, complete a theory-based preliminary project. At the start of the sixth semester and as preparation for the thesis, students will acquire knowledge of scientific methods, methodology and research problems, which builds on the course from the first semester. The programme concludes with an independently planned and completed theory- and practice-based bachelor’s thesis, which in total is worth 22.5 credits.

One academic year lasts 10 months and comprises 60 credits. The Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture is a full-time course. Students are expected to spend an equivalent number of hours on their studies as they would working in a full-time job, i.e. approximately 40 hours per week. The workload involved in a course worth 7.5 credits is estimated to be around 200 hours. The balance between teacher-led tuition and independent work is explained in each course description.

Courses in the first academic year
During the first semester, students are introduced to the subject of design in a higher education setting. The aim of this semester is to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical basis to complete interior projects at University College level. Instruction in the use of digital drawing tools is given, but at the same time, the ability to observe and apply academic reasoning is also developed.

The second semester is a continuation of the first, with students pursuing a more in-depth study of the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject area. This semester aims to develop and expand on students’ understanding of the programme’s academic elements and to prepare them for undertaking more complex and technical interior projects. Sustainability and universal design are rendered visible in concrete solutions.

Courses in the second academic year
During the third semester, students specialise in various key aspects of the interior architecture field. Theories relating to project management and corporate responsibility are taught. The theory from these courses will form the basis for the practical courses with a commercial and interdisciplinary focus. In addition, students will gain deeper insight into professional and ethical occupational practice by conducting a complex project.

The fourth semester starts with an elective course. This is followed by two courses with a focus on restoration, building preservation and the green economy in commercial interiors.

Courses in the third academic year
In the fifth semester, students will select a specialisation at Kristiania (Option A). A limited number of students may qualify for an internship with a selected partner company (option B) or for a study exchange at an approved education institution abroad (option C). Option A will be completed at Kristiania, option B at a business and partially at Kristiania and Option C will be completed entirely away from Kristiania. Students may select/apply for only one option. Learning outcomes will vary depending on the student’s chosen option and, for that reason, are merely a guideline for what will be achieved upon completion of the course.

The sixth semester begins with a summary and re-contextualisation of methods to provide students with a more detailed understanding of how these can be actively and independently applied as an incorporated part of the design process. The programme concludes with the final bachelor’s project, in which students will translate their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills into a large practical examination project with associated written work.

Bachelor’s thesis
In this final assignment, students should demonstrate that they are capable of in-depth study and of applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the programme. They will undertake a larger design project of their own choosing, resulting in a practical design solution and written piece linking the solution to the theoretical subject matter.

Maturity in the process, the ability to see a consistent thread within a longer work and the ability to work effectively individually or as part of a group of a maximum of two people, displaying academic, human and social diversity are essential.

Study program BIN

Bachelor in Interior Design