Interior Architecture - Cork
Interior architecture involves the design of interiors of buildings, their layout and space planning, fitting, technical and structural resolution, furnishing and decoration, and the preparation of all technical drawings and written documentation necessary for the carrying out of the work. The design work of interior architecture includes domestic, commercial, leisure, retail, educational, healthcare and cultural interior projects. Interior architectural design encompasses many types of interiors and utilises accompanying skills.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
3 years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Score the necessary CAO points and meet Leaving Certificate Minimum entry requirements
5 Subjects
Subjects O6/H7 5
Subjects H5 0
Maths Grade O6/H7
English or Irish Grade O6/H7
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirements may be satisfied by the results of more than one Leaving Certificate. The minimum entry requirements may be varied for non-standard applicants and holders of QQI-FET awards.
2nd Chance Maths Exam
Some students who apply for MTU courses may not achieve the required entry standard in Maths through the Leaving Certificate examination. For such applicants, the University offers a second chance to reach the required entry standard through a MTU Maths Exam.
This second chance facility allows applicants (depending on their results in the MTU Maths Exam) to gain entry to courses with an Ordinary Leaving Certificate Maths entry standard and (with a higher level of performance) courses with a Higher Leaving Certificate Maths entry standard.
Common Bonus Points Scale for Higher Level Maths
A bonus of 25 points is awarded to applicants who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level (HL) Maths.
Formula:
All students presenting H6 or above in HL Maths will have 25 points added to their score for Maths.
The six highest subject points scores will then be counted to achieve a cumulative points score, as is normal practice. The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for points purposes. Consequently, if HL mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.
Foundation Maths
A minimum grade of F2 in foundation level Maths fulfils the minimum entry requirements in Maths for the following programmes
MT 571 BA in Early Childhood Education and Care
MT 574 BA in Social Care
MT 654 HC in Arts in Hospitality Studies
MT 655 HC in Arts in Culinary Studies
MT 971 BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care
MT 974 BA (Honours) in Social Care
Maths is not required for entry to:
MT 575 BA in Community Development
MT 572 BA in Early Childhood Education & Care
MT 820 BA (Honours) in Contemporary Applied Art (Ceramics, Glass, Textiles)
MT 821 BA (Honours) in Fine Art
MT 822 BA (Honours) in Photography with New Media
MT 823 BA (Honours) in Visual Communications
MT 931 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Electric Guitar
MT 932 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Electric Bass Guitar
MT 933 BA (Honours) on Popular Music - Keyboards
MT 934 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Drums
MT 935 BA (Honours) in Popular Music - Voice
MT 936 BA (Honours) in Music
MT 938 BA (Honours) in Musical Theatre
MT 939 BA (Honours in Theatre and Drama Studies
Although not a requirement, if an applicant achieves a minimum grade of F2 in foundation level Maths, this grade is recognised for entry and CAO points are awarded as follows: F1 = 20 points, F2 = 12 points.
Full details of the minimum entry requirements for courses are outlined on the relevant course webpage. Applicants are advised to check the relevant subjects, tests, portfolios, and dates very carefully. In particular, there are early assessment procedures for some courses.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Holders of the LCVP apply in the normal way through the CAO. Points are awarded on the same basis as for the Leaving Certificate. The link modules ‘subject’ may not be used to meet the minimum entry requirements.
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
The LCA subjects do not meet the minimum requirements for entry to MTU full-time courses. Holders of Leaving Certificate Applied qualifications may wish to proceed to a FET-QQI course and in turn apply to third level on the basis of their FET-QQI award.
Careers / Further progression
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are qualified to work in architectural, interior architecture, and interior design practices, as well as in related fields, taking on roles as interior architectural designers.
The work of an Interior Architect is diverse, rewarding and increasingly in demand. With your ability to create inspiring interior spaces, along with your knowledge of materials, technical skills and professional practice, you will have access to a range of career opportunities, including positions in:
• Private or commercial architectural practices
• Retail or leisure companies
• Housing development firms or associations
• Local authorities
• Government departments
Our graduates are highly employable due to their specialist knowledge, and many have advanced to senior roles in industry. After a suitable period of practical experience, our graduates are also prepared for potentially establishing their own practices.
Further Studies
After completion of the 3 year Level 7 programme with minimum 50% overall grade, you can progress straight onto the Level 8 Honours Degree programme in Year 4.
Further information
September 2026
40
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Overview
Interior Architecture at MTU is a unique design programme which offers students a creative, technical and professionally focussed approach to an increasingly important and valued area of specialisation within the built environment.
The programme is taught in the award-winning Architecture Factory facility by lecturers who are highly experienced in architectural and interior practice, and many of whom are also active researchers.
Interior Architecture is a specialism of architecture that focuses on transforming and enhancing existing buildings. As climate change becomes an increasingly important focus in architecture, Interior Architecture plays a pivotal role in preserving and reimagining existing structures rather than building anew, or designing sustainable solutions within newly constructed structures.
As part of this programme, you will learn how to design the interior spaces that we live, work and learn in - from inspiring homes, retail experiences and leisure environments to places of learning, healthcare facilities and cultural spaces.
Interior Architecture at MTU has three core strands of learning:
• Design
You will explore the creative design process involved in developing high quality interior spaces. This will include learning about the design histories and theories of the interior, and how each design project responds to unique client and user needs alongside wider societal responsibilities.
• Material and Technical Knowledge
You will learn about construction materials and technologies to allow you to develop technically proficient design proposals. This will include learning how materials, structure and construction techniques come together to form a coherent and expressive design.
• Professional Practice
By preparing for professional practice and gaining practical experience through work placements, you will deepen your understanding of the contemporary industry and develop as independent, critical designers and future leaders. Interior Architecture is a dynamic and growing field, and our department is well-connected to the industry at regional, national, and global levels.
• The Department of Architecture
Interior Architecture at MTU benefits from its position in the Department of Architecture, which also runs programmes in Architecture and Architectural Technology. With approximately 300 students and 18 staff members, the department fosters a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. The department is at the forefront of research and teaching in the built environment, specialising in areas such as Environmental Design (e.g. Adaptive Reuse) and Social Design (e.g., Universal Design).
What will I study?
First Year at a Glance:
• Interior Architecture Studio: introduction to simple spatial design; processes that are commonly used to organise and support study; research, analysis and studio design projects
• Graphics: introduces you to the core of communication skills appropriate for a career in interior architecture; construction industry drawing conventions and techniques in order to clearly communicate design proposals
• Technology & Materials: introduction to building technology; construction systems, components, and relevant building regulations principles
• Architectural History & Design Theory: explores the foundations of western architecture examining the spatial, formal and structural components of key buildings and interior design.
Anne Rogers
T: +353 (0)21 433 5977
E: anne.rogers@mtu.ie