MA Interior Architecture / Interior Design

Overview The MA builds directly on a BA in interior architecture or interior design, deepening the specialist knowledge and practical skills you gained at undergraduate level. The programme emphasizes creative and responsible design thinking so you can develop independent solutions to complex problems in interior architecture and interior design. Located in the dynamic urban context of Berlin, the course is delivered entirely in English and is tailored for international and domestic graduates seeking advanced professional training.

What you will learn You will explore how interiors relate to the built environment, technology, art and a range of geographical, social, sociocultural and political contexts. The curriculum aims to broaden your professional perspective so you can understand your responsibilities as an interior architect working at local and global scales. Graduates are expected to leave with an advanced, practice-oriented understanding of interiors and the ability to apply design skills and theoretical discourse to challenging, real-world briefs.

Teaching environment Study takes place in a practice-driven, supportive setting where an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors encourages students to build on prior knowledge and expand their professional horizons. Being based in Berlin also gives access to a lively design scene, cultural institutions and networking opportunities that can enrich studio projects and professional development.

Entry & professional requirements (concise)

• Applicants should hold a BA (or equivalent) in interior architecture or interior design.
• The programme is taught exclusively in English (proficiency in English will be required).
• In Germany, “Interior Architect” is a protected title; to use it you must hold the relevant BA and MA degrees and register with the local Chamber of Architects.

The programme unfolds over two years with a clear progression from taught studios and electives to independent, research-led work. In the first year you engage in multiple design and research tasks, including an advanced visualisation course and two intensive, real-world design charrettes. These fast-paced studio experiences are designed to replicate professional practice and encourage you to use and refine the full spectrum of your design, presentation and problem-solving abilities. A set of design and technology electives in year one lets you deepen specialist skills in areas you choose.

In the second year you continue with further design and research projects and take the Theory and Communication elective to strengthen critical thinking and presentation skills. The final semester is devoted to two capstone projects: a Master’s thesis and a Master’s design project on topics you select yourself. These culminating pieces require you to integrate your visualisation, technical and research competencies, producing substantial, independent work that demonstrates mastery of interior architecture/interior design methods and thinking.

Key modules and components

• Advanced Visualisation class
• Two real-life design charrettes (intensive, practice-oriented studios)
• Design and Technology electives (specialisation options)
• Theory and Communication elective
• Master’s thesis (research-based capstone)
• Master’s design project (design-based capstone on a self-chosen topic)

Learning outcomes you can expect

• Confident use of advanced visualisation and presentation techniques
• Ability to undertake fast-paced, collaborative design tasks that mirror professional briefs
• Deeper technical knowledge in selected design/technology areas through electives
• Strengthened critical, theoretical and communication skills for articulating design decisions
• Capacity to conduct independent research and produce an integrated master’s thesis and design project that demonstrate professional-level competence and a focused personal agenda—useful for portfolios, further research, or professional practice.

Graduates leave prepared for professional practice in interior architecture and interior design, equipped to lead or contribute to complex projects that require technical competence, research skills and contextual awareness. The programme's emphasis on advanced visualisation, real-life design challenges and a final Master’s thesis/design project helps students build a strong professional portfolio and the practical experience valued by design studios, consultancies, cultural institutions and multidisciplinary teams.

As Interior Architecture is a protected profession in Germany, holders of the relevant BA/MA degrees can pursue registration with the Chamber of Architects to obtain the formal title of “Interior Architect,” which may be required for certain professional roles and responsibilities within Germany.