Program Overview

BA (Hons) International Interior Design (Top Up)

The BA (Hons) International Interior Design top-up will support students to think innovatively and respond to global trends in design. The course will expand critical and conceptual thinking and encourage an understanding of wider global and creative professional design practice, whilst enabling students to develop an individual positioning for their professional design practice.

Course Overview

• The course is designed for students who have successfully completed a relevant HND (or equivalent) or who have completed the second year of a relevant undergraduate degree.
• The one-year program offers direct entry into the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Collaboration is at the heart of the course, with students undertaking design practice modules with current final year students, working on projects with external industry and academic research partners, and exhibiting final projects as part of the annual Degree Shows events.

Features and Benefits

• This is an ideal degree for those who want to top up their existing qualifications and achieve a BA (Hons) degree in just one year.
• Successful completion of the course will also enable those with a high enough grade to join one of Manchester School of Art’s MA programs.
• Opportunity to work alongside a student group with diverse experiences and educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Collaborate with current students and industry partners as part of the interdisciplinary Unit X module.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• The university has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it is rated as an outstanding university for student experience.

Year 1

• The mix of cultural and business awareness that this course provides will enable successful graduates to locate their own practice and ambitions firmly within international industry and social contexts.
• Students exiting with a strong portfolio of work will have the opportunity to progress directly into postgraduate level.

Core Modules

• Unit X: A student-authored final project leading to a showcase of finished work. The module includes a brief generated by the student, which leads to the presentation of a significant body of final work. Collaborative and interdisciplinary work can be incorporated into the project in relation to the professional context and ambition of the student.
• ID4 Major Project: This module comprises the composition, research, development, and technical refinement of a major interior design project based on personal design interests, possibly related to the extended essay.
• Global Design: Cultures, Contexts, and Methods: This module will equip students with a thorough knowledge and understanding into the extensive contexts that impact contemporary international design practice, including social and economic models, individual and societal cultures, and global sustainability issues.

Study and Assessment

• Study: Year 1 consists of 40% lectures, seminars, or similar, and 60% independent study.
• Assessment: Year 1 is 100% coursework.

Entry Requirements

• IELTS Score: International students will be required to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5, or an equivalent accepted English language qualification.
• Portfolio: A portfolio of creative work is required as part of the application.
• UK Students: For entry to the Top Up year, 240 credits earned through recent completion of a Foundation Degree, Advanced Diploma, HND (merit or above), the first two years of a Degree, or equivalent are required. An online interview with a portfolio is normally requested as part of the application process.
• International Students: In addition to the IELTS requirement, international students must meet the standard admissions criteria. An assessment of recent relevant professional experience may be made for those returning from industry.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Your Options and Build Sought-After Skills: Through the Careers Service, students are supported and encouraged to get ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.
• Taught by Experts: The course is part of the Manchester School of Art at Manchester Met, with studies supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) International Graphic Design (Top Up)
• BA (Hons) Interior Design

Disclaimers

• Programme Review: Programs undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6-year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• Important Notice: This online prospectus provides an overview of programs of study and the University. The University regularly updates its online prospectus to ensure published course information is accurate.
• Confirmation of Regulator: The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk.