Interior design is a highly rewarding career, bringing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces to residential and commercial properties. So, it’s no wonder more and more people are embarking on a recognised qualification to become a respected and sought-after interior designer. But just how much does interior design education cost? Well, in short, the average cost to become an interior designer based on the most common paths of education was around £9,871 for the academic year 2022-2023.
Here, we look at how much it costs to become an interior designer for the different educational paths open to aspiring interior designers, providing you with the valuable information you’ll need to make the right choice for you.
How much does an interior design education cost?
While it’s not essential to have a formal education to become an interior designer, if you want to work for a respected interior design firm, or want to leverage your earning power as a freelance designer, then a degree is the route to take. Obtaining an interior design degree will give you a wide and varied understanding of the aesthetic, technical and business side of becoming a multi-skilled designer. In fact, according to a recent Houzz 2022 survey, more than 2 in 5 interior designers (44%) obtained a bachelor’s degree (though not necessarily in interior design), while an additional 27% went on to earn a master’s degree.
Of course, there are factors that are going to affect the overall cost of an interior design degree, such as whether you choose to study part-time or full-time. You’ll also have to factor in other costs, such as rent and food if you can’t live at home. Read on for more details.
- Cost of an interior design bachelor’s degree - The average cost for an undergraduate degree program for is around £9,871 for the academic year 2022-2023. However, these costs can rise dramatically for students who have to pay for rent, energy bills and food. There are ways students can fund their degree course, such as scholarships and grants they may be eligible for, a student loan, and, of course, part-time work.
Considering applying? Research your options first with The Top 10 Schools for Interior Design Education in the UK.
- Cost of an interior design masters degree - Advancing your interior design education with a masters degree not only elevates your skill set and knowledge of the profession, it also increases your earning power. A masters degree can be studied in just one year full-time, but is also available as a part-time course over 3 years, with tuition fees for an interior design masters ranging from £9,000 to £15,000 for 1 to 3 years of study. Be sure to check if the fees include the cost of books, materials and any insurance charges, as these could be on top.
Need help determining what level of education you need to hit your financial goals? Check out How Much Can Interior Designers Make?
- Cost of an interior design certificate - There are many alternative interior design courses you can obtain that won’t cost as much as a degree or take as long, but will ensure you are recognised as an interior designer once you’ve passed. For example, The British Academy of Interior Design will cost you around £495 for a 3-6 months online course. At the end of the course, you then have the option of stepping out into the interior design world, or furthering your skills and education with a degree program.
Another example is the Learn Direct Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design (RQF), which offers an online, interior design diploma that costs £879.99.
The main thing to consider when choosing the right course for you is the depth of the course topics, what skills you’ll take away from the program and if you’ll receive an industry-recognised certificate at the end of it.
Conclusion
So, are qualifications and certificates worth the investment, we hear you ask? Absolutely. Not only does it set you apart from other not-so-qualified designers, but it also enhances your knowledge and skills, gains respect from other industry professionals and it displays your commitment to the profession.
The most important factor in your decision should involve how much a qualification will increase your overall earning potential. To continue learning how much it costs to become an interior designer, read How Long Does it Take to Become an Interior Designer? and inch closer to deciding if Interior Design is the right career for you.
