Bircham International University

What you'll study

The degree requires 130 academic credits. Composition includes a minimum of 40 general education credits (which may be transferred), and 60 BIU-earned academic credits in Interior Design delivered 100% through textbooks and written reports. Each BIU earned credit equals one US semester credit (15 learning hours) and two ECTS credits (30 study hours). Students complete subject reports (typical report length 20–35 pages) to demonstrate comprehension and application.

• Core and elective subjects (each listed subject = 3 academic credits): 201IDE Interior Design Resources & Materials; 202IDE Decorative Elements; 203IDE Planting & Recreational Design; 204IDE Architectural Environmental Integration; 205IDE Construction Materials & Assemblies; 206IDE Architectural Structures; 207IDE Concrete Design & Construction; 208IDE Steel Design & Construction; 311IDE Wood Design & Construction; 312IDE Building Acoustics & Illumination; 313IDE HVAC System Design; 314IDE Building Design; 315IDE Residential Design; 316IDE Commercial Spaces; 317IDE Architecture Design; 318IDE Landscape Design; 421IDE Ergonomics; 422IDE Domotics; 423IDE Interior Design; 424IDE Landscape Architecture.
• Additional optional modules across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities may be approved by the Distance Learning University Education Board (examples given in materials include sustainability, visual & graphic design, web design and others).
• Bibliography and required textbooks are included in the programme fees; reports are written to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge (EQF Level 4) and applied problem solving (EQF Level 5) through case studies and practical examples.

Entry requirements

Admission is open to adults over 23 years of age. A minimum of 30% of the programme's total credits must be transferred from previous education and/or validated from professional experience to gain admission. Bircham also allows transfer of general education credits (minimum 40) and may validate up to 20% of the total credits from professional and life experience.

Career prospects

Course content targets the skills needed to design and plan interiors for private residences, offices and a variety of commercial spaces (hotels, bars, banks, retail, public facilities), and covers technical systems such as HVAC, acoustics, illumination and building assemblies. Graduates can apply these competencies in roles such as interior design practitioner, space planner, residential or commercial design consultant, or in related positions where knowledge of construction details, materials and systems integration is required.

Scholarships & funding angle

The programme fee model is published per-credit and includes textbooks, study guides, assessment, diploma and transcript. Bircham offers payment plans on request (examples include up to 36 monthly installments) and recognizes transferred credits and credits validated from professional experience, which can reduce the number of BIU-earned credits required and therefore lower cost and study time.