While it is not necessary to obtain a formal qualification to become an interior designer, if you want to work for an interior design firm you’ll most likely need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Embarking on an interior design degree course not only elevates your level of knowledge and understanding of this multifaceted, and often challenging, career, it can also open up a myriad of opportunities through internship programs and industry expert collaborations.
Why Should Designers Attend a University or College for Interior Design?
Obtaining an interior design degree equips you with the specialist skills and knowledge to ensure a successful career in the industry. Gaining a formal degree that develops your aesthetic, technical and business education will open up more doors of opportunity and increase your earning potential.
How to Choose a University or College With an Interior Design Program
The first step in choosing a top interior design degree course is to make sure it is a nationally recognised qualification. Courses fall into two groups, those nationally accredited by government regulated awarding bodies, such as The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), and courses provided by private training institutions.
- The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID)
The UK’s leading accreditation body for university education and professional training that is recognised globally as a symbol of design standards and excellence. The SBID developed the British standard of accreditation, including an annual requirement for continued professional development to maintain accredited status. Both UK and international interior designers who meet the required criteria are invited to join the society where they’ll find support to elevate their careers.
- Private Training Providers
There are a number of private interior design organisations, such as the KLC School of Design, which deliver official, industry-recognised and university accredited qualifications through a range of online or face-to-face courses.
Top Interior Design Universities and Colleges in the UK
If you’re struggling to decide which accredited course to choose, then this concise list of universities and colleges that are generally considered the most popular or renowned in the UK, will help you narrow down your options, or at least kickstart your search for the best institution that fits you.
London
Ranked as one of the most prestigious art colleges in the world, the Royal College of Arts offers a two-year, full-time Masters in Interior Design which explores rising trends and challenges of interior design, and addresses the human connection between the numerous environments from residential to commercial. Students are challenged to form rigorous responses to these challenges by reimagining existing structures, creating temporary installations or offering permanent solutions using space, objects and materials. The Masters course is held at the historic Kensington site in inspiring, purpose-built studios.
- Degree Offered: MA
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £14,175 per year
Chelsea School of Arts (University of the Arts of London)
London
As one of London’s prestigious art and design schools, Chelsea School of Arts has produced many famous alumni, including Steve McQueen, and prides itself on inspiring its students to explore global, cultural and social issues through their work. The course itself offers a wide-ranging programme and spectrum of design skills, including technical and professional practices, and aims to teach a critical understanding of interior design within historical, social and cultural contexts. Student have access to shared workshops, such as metalwork, photography, and an audio-visual editing suite, and will also benefit from working alongside key organisations and experts from the design industry. This course is professionally recognised by the Chartered Society of Designers.
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250 per year
Glasgow
Based in a specialist interiors studio built within the art school, Glasgow School of Arts degree course is a creative, imaginative and critical programme that focuses upon the many ways interiors can be defined. With only 30 students per year, the program’s focused size allows the students to develop a deep understanding of crafting of interiors, alongside design theory and technical practices. The course is highly respected by collaborators and employers within the design industry, and has particular strengths in retail, leisure and workplace design. Many students also go on to pursue further study at Masters and PhD level.
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250 per year (or £1,820 per year for Scottish students)
Edinburgh
Part of the University of Edinburgh, this acclaimed art college offers a dynamic training programme focusing on ‘creative freedom, environmental and social responsibility and design innovation.’ Students are taught in a studio that replicates a professional design studio, by experienced, award-winning practitioners. Skills developed will include technical drawing, model making, CAD design and professional practices, while students also have an opportunity to study abroad as part of the University Exchange.
- Degrees Offered: BA (Hons), MA
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250 per year (or £1,820 per year for Scottish students)
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester
Students are taught by practicing designers and architects who focus on the human involvement with space and touch on all aspects of interior design, from interior architecture to event and set design. The fundamental core of the course is to promote the understanding of remodelling existing spaces with meaningful interventions in order to enhance human interaction with their environment. There are opportunities for students to undertake study trips to key design destinations, such as New York, Venice and Berlin, while visiting designers and lecturers aim to inspire and assist students via projects and workshops.
Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250 per year
Kingston
Ranked no.1 for design and craft courses in the 2023 Guardian league tables, Kingston University’s interior design degree course will develop your practical skills and technical knowledge to help you practice professionally. A newly-refurbished, purpose-built studio encourages students to push boundaries and develop expertise in skills like typography, photography, moving image, printmaking, and inspiring them to design thought-provoking, imaginative spaces that enrich modern life. Collaborations with developers, entrepreneurs and some of the best design studios in the UK opens doors of opportunities for all students, while a scholarship is on offer from an award-winning design studio, Winch Design, which includes a full fee waiver and a yearly £5,000 living allowance bursary.
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250 per year
Hendon
The ultimate aim of Middlesex University’s interior design degree is to enable students to think and work like an interior designer, ensuring they leave with an industry-ready portfolio of work. The course itself is based on integrated design projects that develop creativity and originality, while engaging in a diverse range of design challenges that mirror the real world of interior design. Students will become proficient in the latest digital communication methods used in the industry, while critical evaluation and guidance is provided to help develop work. Graduates from this BA Interior Design course go on to fulfill design roles in respected interior design firms and consultancies, building and property companies, and the design roles across the public and commercial sector, as well as in the education, media, retail and entertainment
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250
Moulsecoomb, East Sussex
The art and design courses at Brighton University are ranked joint 8th in the UK, ensuring you’re in capable and experienced hands. For undergraduates, the Interior Architecture BA (Hons) degree offers an exciting programme with multiple pathways to pursue and a vibrant studio culture of sharing skills and techniques. Following the course, an average of 80% of students find work or do further studies 15 months directly after the course. For postgrads, the MA in Interior Design is a creative, technical and theoretical course, designed to elevate the skills and knowledge learned at degree level, to become a professional leader in the industry. Both courses are taught at the Moulsecoomb campus that has recently undergone a major transformation, and is also just two miles from the lively seaside town of Brighton.
- Degrees Offered: Interior Architectural BA (Hons) and Interior Design MA
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: BA £9,250 per year, MA £5,650 per year
London
Finding it hard to choose between studying interior design and architecture? Then this BA in Interior Design and Environment Architectures is the perfect fusion of the two disciplines, focusing on reimagining commercial and retail environments. With an exploration in new interior and architectural design, you’ll become a master in both, honing cutting-edge computer aided skills, balance style and fusion, examine user-experience, and consider the importance of sustainability. With direct contacts within the industry, this course will open the door to a range of career possibilities across new built environments and the repurposing of existing buildings. It’s also a course that is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for added aptitude.
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: Yes
- Estimated Cost: £9,250
London’s Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Established in 1982, the KLC School of Design enables people to successfully achieve careers in interior and garden design through a range of onsite and online accredited courses and professional qualifications. Their BA (Hons) Interior Design course is validated by the University of Sussex and aims to nurture, develop and equip students with a broad range of interior design skills and professional practice to ensure they are industry-ready. This course can also be conducted online over five years, so you can work or care for children around your studies. On graduating, students receive life-long support from KLC’s successful careers team.
- Degree Offered: BA (Hons)
- SBID Accredited: No
- Estimated Cost: BA (Hons) full time £12,975 per level, BA (Hons) online £6,945 per level.
Hopefully, this concise list of the top 10 interior design courses will give you a better understanding of what choices you have, as well as the costs you’ll have to prepare for. As mentioned before, gaining a high education in interior design will propel your earning power and ensure potential employers you have the skills and experiences to succeed.
