ACCRA

TECHNICAL

UNIVERSITY

Integrity, Creativity, & Excellence

ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Integrity, Creativity, & Excellence

Department of Interior Design and Upholstery Technology

OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Interior Design and Upholstery Technology is part of the Faculty of Built Environment. It has grown to become an integral part of the university’s commitment to advancing technical and vocational education. Its primary goal is to enhance the functionality, aesthetics and sustainability of building spaces through comprehensive education and hands-on training. The department comprises two units: the Interior Design and Upholstery Technology Unit and the Furniture Design and Production Unit.

The programme focuses on cultivating creativity, craftsmanship, and technical skills through a combination of theoretical and hands-on training in furniture design, production techniques, materials science, and ergonomic principles. It also emphasises entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering students to become leaders in their field and to contribute to the economic development of Ghana’s furniture and design industries.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND UPHOLSTERY TECHNOLOGY

The department currently runs the following programmes at various levels:

Master of Technology in Interior Design and Technology;
Higher National Diploma in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management.

1. MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The Master of Technology (MTech) in Interior Design and Technology at Accra Technical University is a professionally orientated two-year postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Interior Design and Upholstery Technology. It is designed to enhance advanced knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities in the field of interior design, with emphasis on design innovation, technological integration, and sustainable spatial solutions. The programme combines creative exploration with scientific and technical principles to prepare graduates for leadership roles in both practice and academia.

Objectives

The MTech in Interior Design and Technology aims:

To develop advanced knowledge and skills in spatial planning, material application, and interior finishing techniques.
To train professionals in the use of digital technologies such as BIM, 3D modelling, and VR/AR for interior design applications.
To promote sustainable and culturally responsive design practices in the Ghanaian and global contexts.
To build capacity for critical thinking, research, and innovation in the interior design discipline.
To prepare graduates for academic, consultancy, and policy roles in the interior and built environment sectors.

Job Prospects

This MTech programme supports Ghana’s national development goals by equipping professionals to make meaningful contributions to the built environment through innovation, sustainability, and research-driven practice.

Graduates of this programme are well-positioned for diverse roles, including:

Senior Interior Designers or Design Consultants
Project Managers in interior architecture and fit-out firms
Facility and Space Planners in commercial and institutional settings
Design Researchers or Lecturers in higher education institutions
Sustainable Design Advisors for NGOs, development agencies, or policy institutions
Entrepreneurs in bespoke interior design and furniture production

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have graduated from any recognised university at the master’s level or have completed any of the following programmes: BTech/BSc, BA, or a top-up programme in Interior Design Technology, Building Technology, Textile Technology, Fashion Technology, Textile Processing, or Fine Arts, with a minimum of Second Class Lower.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE OF THE MTECH IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Year 1 Semester I

Module Code	Course Title	T	P	C
MIDT 501	Theory of Aesthetics and Design	2	0	2
MIDT 503	Space Planning in Interiors	1	6	3
MIDT 505	Interior Design Portfolio	1	6	3
MIDT 507	Interior Design History	2	0	2
MIDT 509	Interior Design Materials & Construction-I	1	12	3
MIDT 511	Comprehensive Interior Design Studio-I	1	12	3
MIDT 513	Design Research Methodology	2	6	3
MIDT 515	Interior Design Workshop / Seminars	2	0	2
	Total

Year 1 Semester II

Module Code	Course Title	T	P	C
MIDT 502	Accessories In Interiors	2	0	2
MIDT 504	Advanced AutoCAD & 3D Visualisation in Interiors	1	6	3
MIDT 506	Marketing Management & Entrepreneurship Development	2	0	2
MIDT 508	Interior Design Materials & Construction-II	1	12	3
MIDT 510	Comprehensive Interior Design Studio-II	1	12	3
MIDT 512	Interior Design Project	1	6	4
MIDT 514	Human Factors in Interaction Design	2	0	2
MIDT 516	Interior Environments	2	0	3
	Total

Year 2 Semester I

Module Code	Course Title	T	P	C
MIDT 601	Training Report	0	27	7
MIDT 603	Logbook inspection	0	21	5
MIDT 605	Presentation	0	9	3
MIDT 607	Interior Design Thesis 1 (Proposal)	1	32	6
	Total

Year 2 Semester II

Module Code	Course Title	T	P	C
MIDT 602	Interior Design Thesis II (Final)	2	32	6
MIDT 604	Sustainable Interiors	2	3	3
MIDT 606	Ergonomics and Product Design	2	3	3
MIDT 608	Elective Furniture Design	1	3	3
MIDT 610	Elective Landscape Design	1	3	3
MIDT 612	Elective Art of Colour & Design	4	9	3
	Total

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, Presentations, Seminars, and Research

Assessment

Assessment of students in a course shall be based on two components: continuous assessment and end-of-semester examination. The continuous assessment will comprise quizzes, classwork, assignments, presentations, case studies, term papers, seminars, coursework, and mid-semester examinations.

During the course, students will be taking 77 credits in total. Additionally, students will be required to complete a supplementary programme comprising a thesis and seminars within one year, totalling thirty-two (32) credit hours. The pass mark for any course shall be 50%.

2. BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The BTech in Interior Design and Technology at Accra Technical University is a practice-driven undergraduate programme designed to equip students with creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills in interior space planning, furniture design, and interior finishing. It integrates theory with studio practice, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and cultural relevance. Students are trained in digital tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, as well as material application and design detailing. The programme prepares graduates to respond effectively to design needs in residential, commercial, institutional, and hospitality environments.

The overarching purpose of the four-year Interior Design BTECH Program is to prepare graduates for work in the design profession. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully enter and engage in the practice of interior design and decorations. Additionally, it will enable graduates to progress academically to higher degrees and professionally by registering with professional bodies and associations.

Job Prospects

To teach the theory and practice of interior design through investigations of space, sustainability, healthy materials, and analog and digital drawing and rendering techniques.
To provide students with an inclusive and stimulating curriculum for the study of design, interior architecture, and media.
To promote dynamic problem-solving processes that incorporate illustrative and “making” techniques that inform and modify design solutions.
To take design studios focusing on residential, retail, workplace, and hospitality interiors, which explore the relationship between interior architecture and decorative arts
To emphasise the relevance of cultural, technical, and vocational significance on design principles.

Job Prospects:
Graduates can work with local authorities and government agencies in planning and renovation projects, real estate developers in property staging and fit-outs, and construction firms on design-build assignments. They are also well-suited for self-employment as entrepreneurs in bespoke interior and furniture design businesses.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess 3 cores from SSS including English, Core-Mathematics and Integrated Science or social studies, and any 3 (Three) electives including; Technical drawing, Graphic Design, Woodwork, Picture Making, Clothing &Textiles, Building construction, Metalwork, Business Management, Chemistry, Elective Mathematics, Painting & Decoration, Leatherwork, Management-In-Living, General Knowledge-In-Art, Basketry, Sculpture, Ceramics, Applied Electricity.

Year 1 Semester I

Course Code	Course Title	T		P		C
BIT 101	Applied Mathematics	2		0		2
ATU101	Proficiency in Information & Communication	2		0		2
ATU 101	Communication Skills I	2		0		2
BIT103	Applied Science	2		0		2
BIT 105	Material Technology	2		0		2
BIT 107	Interior Design Drawing I	1		6		3
BIT 109	Interior Design Principles	1		3		2
BIT 111	Computer Applications for Interior Design I	1		6		3
BIT 113	Workshop Practice	1		6		3
TOTAL			15		21		21

Year 1 Semester II

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 102	Elements of Interior Space	2	3	3
ATU 102	Proficiency in Information & Communication	2	0	2
ATU 102	Communication Skills II	2	0	2
AFS 112	African Studies	2	0	2
BIT 104	Interior Design Drawing II	1	6	3
BIT 106	Interior Design Studio Practice I	1	6	3
BIT 108	Materials & Construction – I	2	3	3
BIT 110	Model Making Workshop	1	6	3
TOTAL		13	24	21

Year 2 Semester I

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 201	Computer Applications for Interior Design II	1	6	3
BIT 203	Interior Design Studio Practice II	1	6	3
BIT 205	Furniture Design	2	3	3
BIT 207	Fabric and Textile for interior
BIT 209	Interior Design Photography
BIT 211	Research Methodology	2	3	3
BIT 213	Materials & Construction – II	1	6	3
BIT 215	History of Interior Design	2	0	2
BIT 217	Critical Thinking and Problem Solving	2	0	2
TOTAL		13	24	21

Year 2 Semester II

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
Industrial Attachment
BIT 202	Internship Report	1	32	9
BIT 204	Log-Book	0	12	4
BIT 206	Presentation	0	18	6
TOTAL		1	62	19

Year 3 Semester I

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 301	Interior Design Studio Practice III	1	6	3
BIT 303	Building Services in Interiors	2	3	3
BIT 305	Interpretation of Drawing	2	3	3
BIT 307	Scheme Detailing (Working Drawing)	2
BIT 309	Furniture Construction and Detailing	2
BIT 311	Materials & Construction – III	2
BIT 313	Lighting and Colour in Interiors	2	3	3
BIT 315	Interior Landscape Design	2	3	3
TOTAL		15	24	15

Year 3 Semester II

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 302	Occupational Health and Safety Management	2	0	2
BIT 304	Interior Design Studio Practice IV	1	6	3
BIT 306	Interior Works Estimation & Costing	2	3	3
BIT 308	Technical Report Writing	2	2	2
BIT 310	Interior Furnishing	2	3	3
BIT 312	Upholstery and Soft Furnishing
BIT 314	Interior Accessories
BIT 316	Project Management and Marketing Technique	2	3	3
TOTAL		13	20	16

Year 4 Semester I

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
Industrial Attachment
BIT 401	Internship Report	1	32	9
BIT 403	Logbook	0	12	4
BIT 405	Presentation	0	18	6
BIT 407	Advanced Research Seminar	2	0	2
TOTAL		3	62	21

Year 4 Semester II

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 402	Sustainable Design (Advanced Design Studio)	1	6	3
BIT 404	Professional Practice for Interior Design	1	6	3
BIT 406	Entrepreneurship	2	3	3
BIT 408	Adaptive Reuse and Recycling	2	3	3
BIT 410	Interior Design Final Project work (Proposal)	1	15	6
TOTAL		9	36	18

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, Presentations, Seminars, and Research

Assessment

Assessment of students in a course shall be based on two components: continuous assessment and end-of-semester examination. The continuous assessment will comprise quizzes, class work, assignments, presentations, case studies, coursework and mid-semester examination.

During the course, students will be taking 152 credits in total. Also, a supplementary shall be observed by students comprising of Project work within one year. The pass mark for any course shall be 50%.

3. TWO (2)-YEAR BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (TOP-UP) IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

This programme is designed for HND graduates seeking to upgrade their qualifications in interior design. It builds on foundational skills by introducing advanced concepts in space planning, sustainable design, digital visualization, and project management. Students gain industry-relevant experience through studio work, research, and practical projects.

The overarching purpose of the two-year Interior Design BTECH Program is to prepare graduates for work in the design profession. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully enter and engage in the practice of Interior Design and Decorations. Additionally, it will enable graduates to progress academically for higher degrees and professionally by registering with professional bodies and associations.

Objectives

The programme seeks to satisfy the following objectives:

1. To teach the theory and practice of interior design through investigations of space, sustainability, healthy materials, analog and digital drawing and rendering techniques.

2. To provide students with an inclusive and stimulating curriculum for the study of design, interior architecture, and media.

3. To promote dynamic problem-solving processes that incorporate illustrative and “making” techniques that inform and modify design solutions.

4. To Take design studios focusing on residential, retail, workplace, and hospitality interiors, which explore the relationship between interior architecture and decorative arts.

To emphasize the relevance of cultural, technical, and vocational significance on design principles.

Job Prospects

Graduates can work with local authorities, government agencies, and real estate developers in design implementation and facility upgrades. They may also serve as design consultants for construction firms or establish their own interior design businesses

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess a Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent qualification in a relevant field within the Built Environment industry, with at least a Second-Class Lower Division.

The following documents must be submitted along with the application form:

HND Certificate or HND Transcript

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE – TWO (2)-YEAR (TOP-UP) IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Year 3 (Year 1) Semester I

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 301	Interior Design Studio Practice III	1	6	3
BIT 303	Building Services in Interiors	2	3	3
BIT 305	Interpretation of Drawing	2	3	3
BIT 307	Scheme Detailing (Working Drawing)	2
BIT 309	Furniture Construction and Detailing	2
BIT 311	Materials & Construction – III	2
BIT 313	Lighting and Colour in Interiors	2	3	3
BIT 315	Interior Landscape Design	2	3	3
BIT 317	Computer Application for Interior Design	1	6	3
BIT 319	Interior Design Principles	2	3	3
TOTAL		18	27	21

Year 3 (Year 1) Semester II

Course Code	Course Title	T	P	C
BIT 302	Occupational Health and Safety Management	2	0	2
BIT 304	Interior Design Studio Practice IV	1	6	3
BIT 306	Interior Works Estimation & Costing	2	3	3
BIT 308	Technical Report Writing	2	2	2
BIT 310	Interior Furnishing	2	3	3
BIT 312	Upholstery and Soft Furnishing
BIT 314	Interior Accessories
BIT 316	Project Management and Marketing Technique	2	3	3
BIT 318	Design Contextual Studies	1	3	2
TOTAL		13	20	18

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, Presentations, Seminars and Research

Assessment

Assessment of students in a course shall be based on two components: continuous assessment and end-of-semester examination. The continuous assessment will comprise quizzes, class work, assignments, presentations, case studies, course work and mid-semester examination.

During the course, students will be taking 119 credits in total. Also, a supplementary shall be observed by students comprising of Project work within one year. The pass mark for any course shall be 50%.

4. THREE (3)-YEAR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN FURNITURE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

The aim of the HND in Furniture Design and Production program is to equip students with a well-rounded education that integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for successful careers in the furniture industry. The program seeks to enhance creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation while providing the technical expertise necessary to meet industry demands and foster sustainable practices, ultimately preparing students for roles as skilled technicians and supervisors in furniture manufacturing and wood processing sectors.

This programme trains students in furniture design, production techniques, joinery, and finishing. Emphasis is placed on ergonomics, sustainability, and market-relevant skills. It blends design creativity with hands-on craftsmanship and manufacturing processes.

Objectives:

At the end of the programme graduates should be able to

Equip students with appropriate creative and innovative skills in furniture design.

Equip students with practical skills in furniture design and Production Techniques.

Equip students with foundational management training tailored to furniture design and Technology, including project management, team leadership, and operational strategies for effective supervision

Equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that empower students to identify challenges in furniture design and Production Technology, enabling them to devise innovative solutions.

Equip students with sustainable Technology practices such as the use of sustainable material and Technology methods.

Facilitate practical learning opportunities through workshops, internships, and collaborative projects with industries.

Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills tailored to the furniture design and Production Technology industry.

Job Prospects:

Graduates are qualified to work with government workshops, local authorities, and real estate developers in furnishing projects. They may also join construction firms or launch their own furniture production and design businesses.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must possess 3 cores from SSS including English, Core-Mathematics and Integrated Science or social studies and any 3 (Three) electives including; Technical drawing, Woodwork, Metalwork Graphic Design, Picture Making, Building construction, Chemistry Elective Mathematics Sculpture, Physics, Leatherwork, Forestry

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