A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as interior design, interior architecture, architecture, landscape architecture, product design or 3D design.
You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should include:
completed interior, architectural, spatial or landscape projects undertaken individually or as part of a group (please note that you should state your involvement in the group projects)
evidence of hand drawing, sketching, model making, orthographic drawing and rendered visuals
engagement with materials and detailing
work demonstrating a range of research methods and lines of enquiry
development work, demonstrating the iterative design process, as well as finished projects.
Selection will be made on key criteria:
research: what has generated your design ideas and what methods did you use to support this?
conceptual ambition: what are the big ideas driving your work? How are you questioning current design thinking ?
development: how have you developed those ideas in your project work through the iterative design process?
resolution: how have projects been resolved and communicated?
awareness: what do you consider interior, architectural and spatial design to be, and where does your work sit within the discipline?
evidence of exploring interior, architectural and spatial design through a number of media including hand sketching, model making, 3D visualisations
If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.
(*Revised 1 October 2019 to reflect changes in the CV and personal statement submission process.)
As part of your portfolio, you are encouraged to include a personal video, no more than 2 minutes long, talking about your best piece of work.
As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement and CV. Your personal statement should include why you want to study at ECA and what you feel you would contribute to the programme.* You may also be invited to interview via phone or Skype.
For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
The main aim of this programme is to support you in establishing your own definitions and approaches to the diverse and controversial subjects of interior, space, and design. Addressing current spatial, interior and architectural theory, alongside the development of creative design projects, you will develop the skills needed for you to practice that definition.
The programme covers the study and design of interior spatial solutions in relation to a wide range of public and private environments. We will encourage and support you in investigating your own innovative design solutions. You will explore the design potential of existing buildings and find new uses for old or redundant spaces through the design of contemporary insertions. We use the city of Edinburgh as a focus for our projects, and define interiors in the context of the city.
Working on projects of varying scale and complexity, you will develop your interior practice within a professional context supported by engagement with relevant industry codes; but at the same time, innovative and abstract design solutions are encouraged.
Working with our experienced staff, you will be required to take charge of the direction of your coursework, and undertake self-directed study. On completion of the course you will be expected to produce a reflective body of work summarising your journey and development as a Master of Interior, Architectural and Spatial Design.
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Running over three consecutive semesters, this programme integrates practical studio work with theoretical and written studies, including professional practice elements, to prepare you for employment in the industry or further academic study. The aim of the programme is to encourage and support postgraduate students who wish to explore interior, architectural and spatial design as a means of expressing ideas and opinions.
Semesters 1 and 2 are both split into three courses of 20 Credits. In semester 1 these are divided between design practice and theoretical studies within the field of design. In semester 2 you will undertake further design and theoretical courses, but also have an elective choice. For this elective element you are encouraged to undertake a course outside of interior design to develop your design thinking beyond interiors, and to gain valuable experience in a related field.
The final semester consists of a single 60 credit course in which you are required to reflect upon and summarise your experiences on all courses, in relation to your interior paradigm. Within this third semester you will also be required to engage with an exhibition project, to showcase your work in progress, either in Edinburgh or as part of the Interior Educators Free Range Show in London. At the end of this semester you will demonstrate this learning through the production of a critically reflective and professionally produced portfolio.
Both design and theoretical projects are based in historic or significant buildings in Edinburgh, often in need of regeneration, or important to communities and the wider city. You will be required to engage with these sites through a variety of research and analysis methods to support your iterative design process, and theoretical development.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
We have a strong track record of graduates working in interior design and architectural practices both here in the UK and overseas, or setting up their own businesses. Graduates have also gone on to undertake further academic study at masters or PhD level around the world.
