For aspiring interior designers, the journey from a diploma to a full degree is more than an academic step — it’s a powerful transformation. At the Academy, we’ve created a progressive educational pathway that allows students to move seamlessly from a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) to a Level 6 BA (Hons) Top-up Degree in Interior Design. This is a story of deepening creativity, critical thinking, and confidence — all through a flexible, fully online format that fits around students’ real lives.
The Foundation: What the HND Delivers
The HND in Interior Design, accredited by Pearson, builds a robust technical and conceptual foundation. Students engage in practical design projects that reflect professional practice. They gain expertise in spatial planning, manual and digital visualisation, and concept development.
Through industry-relevant briefs, they explore sustainability, inclusive design, and user-centred thinking. Real-world project simulations equip them with client management, research, and communication skills. Many HND graduates leave the programme with a compelling portfolio and a strong sense of their emerging design identity.
“Our HNDs are designed to help students hit the ground running with real, portfolio-ready projects by the end of their award.” — Marie Heyduck, Senior Content and Delivery Manager
These early-stage projects demonstrate spatial understanding, mood creation, and technical execution at Level 5.
The Transition: Why Top-Up? Why Now?
The BA (Hons) Top-up in Interior Design is a final-year (Level 6) programme validated by the University of Hertfordshire. It has been created to elevate learners from capable practitioners to confident professionals with critical, reflective, and research-informed perspectives.
Students progress through four 30-credit modules that bridge theory and practice. The programme aligns with QAA, FHEQ, and Advance HE benchmarks, enabling students to graduate with an honours degree that is respected globally.
“We designed the top-up to not only deepen technical skills, but to shape graduates into confident, independent designers ready to lead in industry.” — Joana Moreira, Quality Assurance Manager/Programme Architect
Modules are structured to scaffold development: ‘Advanced Practice in Interior Design’ encourages experimentation, ‘Dissertation’ builds analytical and research skills, and the two-part ‘Major Project’ supports deep exploration and application of creative thinking.
Transformative Learning: Finding Your Voice
At the core of the top-up degree is the opportunity to explore and define one’s creative voice. This is where students move from executing briefs to designing purposefully, reflecting critically, and articulating the why behind their work.
The Dissertation module encourages engagement with emerging design theories, user behaviour, cultural trends, and technological influences. Students take ownership of their research, resulting in a final 6,000–8,000 word submission that informs their creative direction.
In parallel, the Major Project supports the development of a self-directed design brief. Across two modules, students develop and implement a design solution supported by contextual research, technical drawings, material specifications, and a professional rationale.
“We expect the Level 6 Top-up Degree to give students space to explore their design voice, backed by research, theory, and self-reflection. The structure has been intentionally developed to encourage that kind of growth.” — Rita Marques, Academic Tutor
From Research to Realisation
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Dissertation excerpt on biophilic design and wellbeing in workplace interiors
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Concept board for a co-living space designed around neurodiversity
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Annotated research journal exploring metamaterials and circular design principles
These examples show the type of inquiry and experimentation the programme is designed to support, encouraging students to push boundaries and integrate new thinking into their design process.
Real-World Experience: Designing for Impact
Professional relevance is central to the learning experience. Every module is assessed through practical, industry-informed projects — from feasibility studies to concept visualisation and technical documentation.
In ‘Advanced Practice,’ students respond to briefs that mirror real-world complexities — considering client objectives, site conditions, and user experience. Through the ‘Major Project,’ students test their ideas through prototyping, stakeholder feedback, and rigorous critique.
By the end of the degree, students have a complete professional portfolio demonstrating conceptual ability, design fluency, and technical competence.
“Our students work on real briefs and graduate with portfolios that resonate with today’s employers. The Top-up programme is built around applied learning — from Advanced Practice to the Major Project, every module is geared toward industry relevance. Students respond to complex design challenges that reflect real-world scenarios, whether that’s redesigning adaptive co-living spaces or developing immersive retail environments. By the time they finish, they’ve not only built a strong visual portfolio but also demonstrated their ability to research, pitch, and deliver creative solutions with professional rigour. That’s what sets our graduates apart.” — Tom Nancollis, Industry Tutor
Flexibility and Accessibility
The programme is built for real life. Most of our learners are mature students, career changers, or professionals upskilling in design. With a median student age of 37, flexibility is key.
All content is delivered online via our custom Online Learning Centre. Students can study from anywhere and access tutor-led sessions, resources, discussion boards, and submission tools.
Learners receive scheduled feedback at key points in the module — for example, weeks 6 and 11 — as well as ongoing support through one-on-one tutorials and discussion boards. The structure is designed to promote independent learning while ensuring consistent contact with expert tutors.
With learners studying from around the globe and balancing career and life challenges, this is higher education designed for real life.
Career Outcomes: From Student to Designer
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Level 6 Top-up Degree in Interior Design move into a variety of roles within the creative industries. These include residential and commercial design, sustainable consultancy, retail and hospitality interiors, and self-employed practice.
Many alumni use the qualification to strengthen freelance careers or progress into leadership roles in design studios. Others continue their academic journey into postgraduate study in interior architecture or spatial design.
“By the end of the Major Project, students are not just thinking like designers — they’re operating as professionals.” — Joana Moreira, Quality Assurance Manager
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Final Thoughts: Building Futures Through Education
From foundational design skills in the HND to the critical depth and independence developed in the top-up degree, the journey from diploma to degree is one of transformation.
Students leave the programme not only with an honours qualification but with the tools to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the future of interior design.
Whether you’re a working designer seeking recognition or a career changer with a passion for interiors, this programme offers the structure, flexibility, and mentorship to help you realise your ambitions.
Ready to build the future you imagine? Learn more about the BA (Hons) Top-up Degree in Interior Design.
