Program Overview

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Course Description

The BA (Hons) Interior Design programme is designed to help students develop their design skills to create functional and unique spaces with strong spatial identities. Students will learn how to best use specific spatial qualities, such as forms, texture and materials, lighting, colour, architectural components, objects, and placement of these, enabling them to make their ideas become a reality.

Preparing you for a career in interior design

The course aims to prepare students for the professional world of interior designers, with opportunities to collaborate with other design-related disciplines. Students will gain exposure to various sectors within commercial and residential interior design, enabling them to gain an understanding and appreciation of the many facets and opportunities that are open to an interior design graduate.

What you will study

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
• Year 3

Core modules:

• Critical Context: Exploring Global Context & Spatial Typologies
• Visual and Professional Practice: Imagination to Visualisation
• Designing Spatial Narratives: Introduction and Exploration
• Toolkit: Structural Layers & Materials

Professional accreditations and affiliations

The BA (Hons) Interior Design programme is accredited by the SBID (Society of British and International Design). It is also affiliated with IE (Interior Educators) and members of the teaching team are affiliated with the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design).

Networking and collaboration opportunities

The course offers unique collaborating opportunities with other disciplines in national/international partners. Collaboration with design disciplines may include working with other programmes in the university to design and manufacture interior artefacts or to create bespoke interior products.

Real world learning

In addition to lectures and seminars, students will take part in live projects which build upon their ‘real’ world learning and will contribute to their credibility as an interior designer. Live projects to date include:

• Repurposing of an old barn to a contemporary wedding venue for Victoria Brown
• Design of Bohn’s restaurant interior now located in Nottingham
• Design of 1st Crack coffee shop
• Design of S.H.E.D. a mobile transforming shed that is travelling the country for the next two years

How you will learn

Students will learn in well-resourced, professional design studios at Britannia Mill. Resources include ISKN tables, Macbook Pros, large format scanners, drawing boards, as well as the arts and design library.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is 100% coursework based, including practical production and oral presentation work, along with written assignments. In the final year, students will have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a subject of their choice and work on self-negotiated and independent creative projects.

Who will teach you

• Melissa Di Giovanni, Programme Leader

Careers

A key aim of this programme is to prepare students as graduates for the professional world of interior designers. Students will be prepared for a career in interior design with endless opportunities to choose from, such as:

• Styling and window/retail display
• Cinematic interior styling along with TV sets
• Set-stage design and exhibition design
• Retail design, e.g. fashion, gifts, jewellery stores, computer and gaming stores, etc.
• Corporate design, e.g. offices
• Hospitality design, e.g. bars, restaurants, coffee shops
• Health and leisure design, e.g. hotels, spas, sport facilities, etc.
• Interior consultant and sourcing
• Bespoke furniture designer
• Kitchen design

Entry requirements

• UCAS points: 120
• A Level: BBB
• T Level: Merit
• BTEC: DDM
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 21, Merit: 24, Pass: 0
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional costs and optional extras

• Use of workshop resources, 3D imaging software and site visits: included in fees
• Materials kit, paper, card, basic modelling materials: provided
• Additional access to wider University Arts’ facilities: included in fees
• Adobe Creative Suite: installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street, and students are provided with an individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for home use
• LinkedIn Learning subscription: provided
• Compulsory study visits to local and Regional Construction/conversion opportunity buildings: included in fees
• Participation in design competitions and live projects: included in fees
• Participation in University Degree Show and the London Graduate Show: included in fees
• Interior design materials for making (card, vinyl, acrylic), presentation materials (marker pens, inks, etc.), show printing of student work, production of prototype and final models, production of RP models: approx. costs - Year 1= £150, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300 (Costs determined by student)
• Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, USBs/hard drives etc.): approx. costs - Year 1= £150, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300
• Printing of design work: approx. costs - Year 1= £100, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300
• Drawing equipment general 'toolbox' (marker pens, pencils, scalpels, layout pads etc.): £50-£75 in each year
• Student promotion materials: approx. £75
• Specialist software/hardware: not recommended to buy prior to starting the course
• Travel for work placement opportunities: costs will vary dependant on location
• International trips: approximately £350 per year

How to apply

• UK students: apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: apply through the online application portal or through a trusted local representative

Discover Uni

• 74% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 81% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Other courses you might like

• Interior Design with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
• Design MA/MDes