Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education Architecture & Interior Design for Adults
Course Code: P293037
Key Information
Course type:
Higher Education
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Start Date:
07 Sept 2026
Duration:
1 year
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
£6,335.00

Shape the future of architecture and interior design on Certificate of Higher Education Architecture and Interior Design course, delivered by City of Portsmouth College, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.
This one-year course, equivalent to the first year of university, provides a fantastic insight into the design and theory of architectural and interior design.
Here at City of Portsmouth College, you’ll develop creative and technical skills in sustainable design, model-making, CAD, and real-world design briefs, gaining insight into the theories and histories that shape the built environment. With access to expert tuition and strong industry links, you’ll learn to design functional, beautiful spaces that enhance people’s lives.
After completion, you can progress to higher-level study or careers in architecture, interior design, urban planning, and beyond, with the skills to adapt to an evolving industry.
The course comprises four units:
- Design Communication and Portfolio (40 credits)
- Design Fundamentals (40 credits)
- Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern (20 credits)
- Technology and Environment: Exploration (20 credits)
Please note: this course isn’t currently open to EU or International students.
UCAS tariff - 80 points, which can be achieved with A Levels (CDD), Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (MMP - must be in an art and design subject), T Level (Pass with C or above in the core) - Merit), Access to HE Diploma in relevant subject.
For full entry requirements visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/certhe-architecture-and-interior-design
Please note: Applicants without a relevant subject or experience will be asked to provide a portfolio in support of their application.
To give you the best possible chance of successfully completing your qualification, 100% attendance is expected for the duration of the course.
The course is assessed through a range of methods including portfolio.
A Certificate in Higher Education is a nationally recognised qualification and is also the equivalent to the first third of an honours degree.
You may choose to continue your studies straight into Year 2 of a degree course in Architecture or Interior Design at the University of Portsmouth or you may choose to pursue an architecture assistant apprenticeship route.
Future employment opportunities and additional training/education routes include: Architect, Architectural Technician/Assistant, Interior Designer, Interior Designer Assistant, Junior CAD Technician, Design Coordinator, Visualisation Specialist or a Set Exhibition Designer.
The creative industry generates around £125 billion annually and is one of the eight "growth-driving" sectors in the UK's industrial strategy. Creativity is highlighted as a critical skill for future careers with 73% of organisations valuing creative thinking as a top priority for innovation and problem-solving.
As a partnership higher education programme, all applications and the payment of fees must be made through the University of Portsmouth. Fees shown in the Key Information above are those set for the current academic year and may be higher in 2026-27. According to Government information, they are likely to be approximately £6,525.
Whilst fees can be paid directly by the individual student or by an employer sponsor, all UK higher education students can access loans to cover full tuition fees, provided they have not had similar financial support previously, as well as maintenance loans for living costs, depending on their personal financial circumstances. Loans must be repaid once you finish your course and are earning above a certain threshold. However, some students will also be eligible for additional grants, that do not require repayment, such as for learners with disabilities (Disabled Students’ Allowance), children (Parents’ Learning Allowance), or those on low incomes.
Students will generally make an online application for government student finance online through Student Finance England with advice on the process being accessible through both the College and the University.
Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education Architecture & Interior Design for Adults
You may also be interested in
Related Features
Event 11-02-2026
February Open Event
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open event, from 4.30-7.30pm on Wednesday, 11 February.
NEWS 12-11-2024
Living la vida
A group of visual arts, media and film students are back from a fabulous four-day trip to Madrid. Their visit took in the Ikono Gallery, a tapas meal at Fatigas Del Querer, a flamenco performance, the Prado museum, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Museo Nacional Centro Arte Reina Sofia.
NEWS 17-09-2024
The sun shone for our glorious graduates
Glorious sunshine graced the stunning surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral for our 2024 graduation ceremony. A total of 22 adult learners were there with their families and friends to mark the successful completion of their higher education courses.
NEWS 19-12-2025
Prizes galore for Sixth Form's star students
Hard work, exceptional results, team spirit, going the extra mile and leading by example are all attributes of the winners of this year's City of Portsmouth College Sixth Form Awards.
NEWS 17-12-2025
City of Portsmouth College winter closures
All City of Portsmouth College campuses officially close for the winter break at lunchtime on Friday 19 December, reopening for lessons on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
NEWS 16-12-2025
Lively mock election at City of Portsmouth College ends in historical first-ever tie
Clapping, booing, insightful questions and bold statements – and an historic tie – were all part of the picture at City of Portsmouth College’s annual A level Politics Mock Election at Sixth Form Campus.

