Why study Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture at UOW Malaysia? Enhance your career in the world of built environment design by acquiring a degree in Interior Architecture at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan. This degree program equips you with the knowledge and technical skills required to thrive in the interior architecture industry—facilitating the creation of quality products and services, while developing your ability to engage in multi-disciplinary problem-solving through effective communication. By learning the design process of both interior design and architecture, this program allows students to delve deeper into the creative aspects of built environment design. While grounded in interior design principles, the program builds on them with a deeper technical and architectural focus—integrating project management, cost planning, sustainable materials, and advanced digital tools into hands-on design work. This three-and-a-half-year interior architecture degree mirrors real workplace conditions to strengthen your employability. It’s designed to develop versatile, resilient, and innovative designers equipped for both local and international markets with job-ready portfolios. In Malaysia, the average interior designer salary varies by experience, but skilled professionals with strong portfolios can command competitive compensation both locally and abroad. In addition to technical training, the program offers a two-week international student mobility program to top universities, offering exposure to global academic and cultural exchange. Graduates can pursue careers as Interior Architects in architecture and design practices across Malaysia, or enter private consultation in fields such as residential, retail, workplace, or hospitality design. Our Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture is fully accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)— offering students a globally relevant pathway through one of the leading interior design universities in Malaysia and opening career doors across the architecture & interior design industry. What is Interior Architecture? Interior Architecture focuses on the function, form, and flow of interior spaces from a structural and user-centric perspective. It is a blend of art and science used to design, create, or restore interior spaces within buildings—from offices and homes to commercial and cultural venues. The field also involves adaptive reuse and sustainable innovation, making it a more technical and architectural approach than most interior design courses. What is the difference between Interior Design and Interior Architecture? While there is definitely overlap between Interior Design and Interior Architecture, here are a few distinctions that set them apart: Interior Architecture focuses on structural renovations with architects and interior designers dealing with the technical part of the design process Interior Designers usually work with contractors, technicians and others who are involved with building and/or renovation All Architects including those specialising in interior spaces require professional licensure. Interior designers, depending on local regulations, may also be registered professionals If you’re considering an interior design course in Malaysia, our Interior Architecture degree expands your capabilities through a multidisciplinary focus on design, architecture, technology, and sustainability to prepare you for a wider scope of career opportunities. This program is fully accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) University Award: Program information Highlights Program structure Study route Fee & intakes Entry requirements WHY CHOOSE BUILT ENVIRONMENT & INTERIOR DESIGN AT UOW MALAYSIA? The Built Environment refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity—ranging from homes and parks to neighbourhoods and cities. At UOW Malaysia, our focus is on Interior Design and Architecture, and how design can make environments more sustainable, comfortable, and human-centred. Our program serves students seeking either a creative interior design diploma or a more technical interior architecture degree, offering both depth and flexibility. INDUSTRY STANDARD DESIGN STUDIOS Learn using what the pros use: iMac labs, drafting rooms, 3D modelling tools, 3D printers, photography studios, and much more—everything needed for real-world, industry-standard learning. A ROBUST CURRICULUM WITH EMPHASIS ON MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES AND PROJECT-BASED LEARNING What sets our interior architecture program apart is how it’s delivered—through project-based learning that mirrors real industry practice. Students work on interdisciplinary briefs that integrate principles from interior design courses, architecture, and the broader built environment. They develop practical skills in technical drawing, digital modelling, sustainable materials, and cost planning while learning to collaborate across disciplines. With access to industry-standard tools like iMac labs, 3D printers, and drafting studios, graduates leave with professional, job-ready portfolios fit for careers in interior design or architecture & interior design practices. INTERNATIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE Gain exposure to global design perspectives through international visits. Learn from instructors who are industry professionals, award-winners, and design enthusiasts with Master’s qualifications. UOW Malaysia is the first private institution in the Northern Region to offer a Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons)—an ideal choice for those exploring interior design courses or architecture courses with international relevance. Duration 3.5 years Program Location UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan Core YEAR 1 Design Fundamental Fundamental of Drawing Interior Architecture Project I (Spatial Planning) Writing & Referencing Architectural Technical Drawing Environmental Studies 1 History of Interior Architecture 1 Digital Architectural Drafting (CAD) History of Interior Architecture 2 Building Systems & Structures Materials & Finishes Design Visualization Interior Architecture Project II (Residential) YEAR 2 Interior Architecture Project III (Commercial) 3D Visualization Heritage & Conservation 1 Environmental Studies 2 Heritage & Conservation 2 Interior Architecture Project IV (Heritage Building) Competitions Briefs: Furniture Design Elective (1 subject) YEAR 3 Project Management & Contracts Professional Practice Practical Training Comprehensive Interior Architecture Project I : (Research & Concept for Final Year Project) YEAR 4 Comprehensive Interior Architecture Project II (Final Year Project) Electives Year 2 Elective (Choose 1) Travelling Studio Digital Photography MPU Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban (Malaysian Students) Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2 (International Students) Falsafah dan Isu Semasa Entrepreneurship Integrity and Anti-Corruption Global Social Responsibility Bahasa Kebangsaan A* Notes Bahasa Kebangsaan A is compulsory for all Malaysian students without a credit in SPM Bahasa Malaysia. without SPM Bahasa Malaysia (applicable to students from UEC, O Level, or other equivalent programs) Intake dates 2025 3 February 14 April 9 June 15 September 27 October Estimated fees Local students RM75,165 International students RM90,150 Notes: International students’ fees are not inclusive of EMGS and Performance Assurance Fee Terms and Conditions Apply Academic Qualification GCE A Level : 2 Principal Passes STPM : 2 Principal Passes UEC : 5 Credits Foundation/Matriculation: Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00 Australian Matriculation/Foundation: ATAR score of 55 Diploma : Pass with min. CGPA of 2.00 Notes Pass interview and art test which will be conducted by UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College English Requirement Local Student: Band 3.5 in MUET International Student: Band 5.0 in IELTS; or a min score of 40 (IBT) or 7.5 (Essentials-Online) in TOEFL; or Cambridge English (154); or PTE Academic (47) Notes If English language requirements are not fulfilled, additional English module(s) may be taken at UOW Malaysia. APPLY NOW