Program Overview

Interior Design BA (Hons)

Overview

Interior Design as a discipline is incredibly diverse, and this is reflected in our practice-based design studio ethos which celebrates inclusivity, collaboration, and peer learning.

On this course, you’ll work with clients to imaginatively create or manipulate interior spaces, to design something beautiful and fit for purpose. You’ll develop the design and technological skills you need to graduate ready to progress into industry. Understand the role of sustainability in design, and apply biophilic design which promotes individual health and wellbeing in the interior environment.

You’ll hear from design professionals in lectures, work on live industry projects, and undertake essential work placements at design companies, ready for your career. Recent destinations have included Dowdeswell Estates, Neptune, and Wren Kitchens. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Europe on a residential field trip with options including exploring creative interiors in Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Copenhagen.

Study Style

Integrated foundation year

You’ll work on client-led briefs exploring spatial design, architectural design, decoration, interior styling, textile and surface design, print, colour theory, and the role and responsibilities of the designer to wider communities, challenging your views of what Interior Design is and might become. A commitment to sustainability and the circular economy underpin all of our teaching – it’s our compass point – and during your studies, you will discover innovative responses to these principles.

A central and shared thematic concerns ‘people’ – how interior designers are able to influence the layout of the homes that we live in, the places we work, and our healthcare, retail, commercial, museum, and exhibition settings. For every ‘host’ environment, there’s invariably an interior to be designed with a deep understanding of client and contextual narratives.

In your final year, you’ll create and launch your own interior design brand and have the opportunity to exhibit your Final Major Project at ‘New Designers’ in London, a graduate exhibition attracting international design employers.

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork, and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offers: 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.
• Foundation or Extended Diploma: We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).
• Additional requirements: English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
• Don't meet the entry requirements? This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four-year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.
• Typical offers: 48 UCAS tariff points, EE at A levels or a PP in a BTEC Diploma.
• Mature students: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school-leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
• International students: Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Course Modules

Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)

• Materiality for Interior Design (AD4011)
• Writing for Interior Design (AD4012)
• Drawing for Interior Design (AD4522)
• Interior Design for Small Spaces (AD4523)
• Digital Skills for Interior Design (AD4524)
• Interior Design for Residential Spaces (AD4525)

Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)

• Professional Practice (AD5000)
• Advanced Digital Skills for Interior Design (AD5013)
• Interior Design Dissertation Planning (AD5014)
• Interior Design for Set and Retail settings (AD5522)
• Interior Design for Hospitality and Hotel settings (AD5523)
• Surface Design (AD5610)

Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)

• Interior Design Dissertation (AD6522)
• Interior Design for Health and Care Settings (AD6523)
• Interior Design Final Major Project (AD6524)
• Interior Design Promotion (AD6525)
• Interior Design for the Workplace Settings (AD6606)
• Interior Design for Exhibition Settings (AD6607)

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Location | UCAS code | Fee (UK) | Fee (international)
• Sep 2025 | Park, Cheltenham | 8BD4 | £9,535 | £17,425
• Sep 2026 | Park, Cheltenham | 8BD4 | TBC | TBC

Careers

This course is enriched with insights from industry professionals through lectures and engaging live projects. This practical approach is further bolstered by essential work placements at renowned design companies, providing invaluable real-world skills and networking opportunities.

Our graduates are well-equipped to make significant contributions across various sectors. Whether it’s bringing a unique flair to fashion retail spaces, innovating office environments, or designing interactive museum exhibits, the skills and knowledge gained from this course are versatile and in high demand.

Teaching Staff

• Andrew Bradford, Academic Course Leader for Interior Design

Trips and Experiences

You’ll have the opportunity to experience European design cultures in Berlin, Barcelona, or Prague. Examine iconic buildings and interiors, both historical and contemporary, from the world’s most eminent designers and architects.

Placements

As part of your course, you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.

• Duration: 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
• Location: popular destinations include the UK, USA, China, and Europe
• Visa: you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
• Finance: your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
• Placement support: we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

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