Interior design courses: discover a postgraduate programme

Dream of using your artistic flair to create beautiful and functional indoor spaces? If so, learn more about the qualifications you'll need to launch a successful career in interior design

What is interior design?

Interior design is the art of transforming interior spaces. Through an understanding of how spaces are used and experienced, interior designers can make them more aesthetically pleasing and enhance their functionality.

When creating new spaces interior designers consider elements such as:

spatial configuration
lighting
colours
textures
materials
furniture and decorations.

'There's more to interior design than people realise,' says Kaye Newman, head of subject (design), at the School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University. 'It's about function, atmosphere, and experience. Whether it's a home, office, shop, or public space, a well-designed interior can completely change how people feel and interact within it.

It's also about solving problems - how do you make a tiny flat feel spacious? How do you design an accessible, inclusive space? These are the kinds of challenges that make interior design such an exciting field.'

To become an interior designer, you'll need the right qualifications and work experience to stand out in this competitive industry.

Whether you opt for undergraduate study, a Masters degree, an apprenticeship or shorter online courses, find out more about the credentials that will help you to kick-start your interior design career.

Do I need an interior design degree?

'Technically no, but it massively helps,' says Kaye.

It is possible to enter the field without a degree but you'll need a significant amount of work experience and a professional portfolio to impress potential employers and clients.

'Interior design is competitive, and a degree gives you the skills, confidence, and industry connections to stand out,' adds Kaye. With that in mind, the majority of interior designers hold a degree, foundation degree or HND in subjects such as:

interior architecture
interior design
spatial design.

Other relevant degrees include:

architecture
art and design
fine art
furniture design
interior architecture
textile design
3D design.

What are the best universities for interior design?

According to The Guardian’s best universities by subject league table 2024, the following institutions come out on top for interior design courses:

Arts University Plymouth
Coventry University
London Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Middlesex University
Northumbria University
Sheffield Hallam
Southampton Solent University
University of the Arts London
University of East London.

The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID) accredit a number of undergraduate qualifications, which may make your CV more attractive to employers. Search the full list of approved and accredited courses at SBID - Interior design degrees.

For example, London Metropolitan University offers a BA Interior Design accredited by SBID. The programme takes three years to complete full time, during which you'll work alongside industry leaders to gain skills and experience through the completion of live commercial and community projects. Compulsory modules include:

design principles for interiors
interior design communication and techniques
design details
human scale
integrated design practice.

'Our course is practical, hands-on and deeply connected to the industry,' explains Kaye. 'We don't just teach design in a vacuum - we get students working on live projects, collaborating with professionals, and solving real-world design challenges.'

To be accepted onto the course, you'll need BBC in three A-levels from relevant subjects such as arts, humanities or social sciences, GCSE grade 4/C in English language and a portfolio review.

Interior design courses at undergraduate level cost £9,535 per year for UK students in 2025/25. International students will pay considerably more.

Discover what you can do with an interior design degree.

Can I study a Masters in interior design?

Studying a Masters degree isn't essential for an interior design career, but in doing so you'll enhance your industry knowledge, expand your list of contacts and aid your career progression.

You'll find that a Masters in interior design can also open doors for those from other art and design disciplines. Again, a selection of postgraduate qualifications are recognised by the SBID.

On the one-year MA Interiors course at Manchester Metropolitan University, you'll complete core modules such as:

design thinking
design studio 1, 2 and 3
art and design: culture and context.

In 2025/26, the programme costs £12,000 for UK students and £22,000 for international students, and you'll need at least a 2:2 degree in a related subject to apply.

You'll need a 2:1 honours degree in interior design or architecture, or significant relevant work experience accompanied by an adequate portfolio, to gain a place on the one-year MA Interior Architecture and Design programme at the University of East London (UEL). In 2025/26 the one-year, full-time course (a part-time option is also available) costs £9,000 for UK students.

To explore the range, search postgraduate courses in interior design.

To help with costs you can apply for a postgraduate loan, and may be entitled to scholarships and bursaries. Find out more about funding postgraduate study.

Are interior design apprenticeships available?

If you want to study interior design but are keen to avoid student debt then consider an apprenticeship. While interior design schemes are available, they are hard to find so you'll need to do your own research to uncover opportunities.

The government outlines that on a design apprenticeship you can work in one of four major areas:

graphic and multimedia design
interior design and construction-related bathroom and kitchen design
fashion and textile design
product design.

Morgan Lovell runs The Foundation Programme, which aims to bring the next generation of talent into their business. Apprenticeship programmes last two to six years depending on the discipline, at the end of the scheme you’ll receive an HDN or undergraduate degree.

To find out more about apprenticeship salaries and what to expect, see our essential guide to apprenticeships.

Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Can I study online to become an interior designer?

If you'd like to further your studies in the field but have other commitments, consider enrolling onto an online course and studying via the distance learning route.

The National Design Academy (NDA) offers a range of flexible, online interior design courses at diploma, undergraduate and Masters level. You choose your own start date and study at your own pace.

Diplomas typically take six to ten months to complete - although you can qualify for the In-Studio Diploma: Professional Interior Design (UK) within three months - and are perfect for enthusiastic interior design beginners.

The BAs cover a variety of modules and provide students with the opportunity to focus on a specific element of design such as heritage, retail or outdoor living. For undergraduate entry, you'll need an NDA Professional Diploma, a Level 3 Diploma, an NVQ in a related subject, an A-level in an art or design subject, or successful completion of an art foundation year at college or university.

The online NDA Masters in Interior Design is awarded by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), and you'll need a related undergraduate degree or equivalent to secure a place. Taking 18 months to two years to complete, tuition fees are set at £7,500.

The British College of Interior Design offers an online Professional Interior Design course, allowing you to study the 12 tutorials on a weekly or fortnightly basis, completing the distance learning course within a year. You'll be taught by established interior designers and gain an understanding of design history and theory, design communication and research and the science of interior space. On completion of the course, you'll receive a Diploma of Professional Interior Design.

Other interior design-related short courses are also offered by:

What about professional qualifications?

While not necessary to get a job as an interior designer, professional qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD) courses will be essential to the progression of your career.

'In the UK, you don't legally need a license to be an interior designer, but having a professional qualification can really boost your career,' says Kaye.

Joining professional bodies such as the SBID, the British Institute for Interior Design (BIID) and the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) provides access to range of learning opportunities such as lecturers, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows and networking events.

'Many of our graduates go on to join professional bodies like the ones mentioned above, which can help with networking, credibility, and career progression,' adds Kaye.

Membership also allows you to stay up to date with industry developments, products, trends and legislation.

All professional bodies offer CPD courses and support, see individual websites for course listings. With experience, you also have the option of becoming accredited via the SBID or chartered via the CSD.

How do I kick-start my interior design career?

While qualifications are important, commercial or private clients need to feel that they can trust an interior designer with their space. Therefore, degrees and diplomas and professional memberships alone are not enough. You'll need relevant work experience to inspire confidence in your work, help you to build a professional portfolio and begin your interior design career.

'Building a strong portfolio is your number one tool for getting hired,' advises Kaye. 'Include a mix of projects that show off your creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.'

Kaye explains that the best way to do this is through gaining real-world experience, whether it’s through internships, freelance work, or collaborations.

Paid interior design internships are available with large, national interior design companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may also run their own internship schemes, but you'll usually need to apply for such opportunities with a speculative application.

The following studios provide internships to students/graduates:

If you're struggling to find a paid placement, consider volunteering within the industry. It's an excellent way to build experience and contacts, while also demonstrating a passion for interior design on your CV.

'Put yourself out there,' Kaye adds. 'Interior design is an exciting, ever-changing field, and the opportunities are there if you're willing to go for them.'

Where do I look for interior design jobs?

Interior designers usually work for architects, design consultancies or commercial companies as part of their in-house design departments. You'll find that self-employment is also an option with significant experience and a range of contacts.

Graduates of the BA Interior Design at London Metropolitan University have gone on to work as assistant designers, graphic designers, interior designers and lighting designers for organisations such as Areen Design, Kelly Hoppen Interiors and Sky TV.

After studying the MA Interiors course at Manchester Metropolitan University, alumni have achieved careers as design studio artists, interior practitioners, museum curators, academics and filmmakers.

You could also move into careers in:

bathroom and kitchen design

exhibition design
furniture design
space planning
shop fitting
visual merchandising.

Find out more

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