Bachelor of Arts Degree (Top-Up) Home Study

Gain a respected qualification that opens doors to professional recognition, career advancement, and global opportunities in Interior Design.

Bachelor of Arts Degree (Top-Up)

Start Date

September 2025

Price

£3,695 (Easy-pay plan available)

Duration

1200 guided learning hours

Work Placement

Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with an interior design company. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas.

Study Option: Home Study
Course Level: Level 6 on the FHEQ
Entry Requirements: 18 years old or over
A recognised BTEC level 5 qualification (or equivalent) in Interior Design,
If English is not your first language, you must have at least level 5.5 IELTS or the equivalent.
Assessment: 16 online practical assignments
Application Process:: We can offer recognition of prior learning at our Academy. Therefore, if you have already obtained a BTEC HND qualification with another institution within the last 5 years, you will require the following documents:
Your e-Portfolio
Course Transcript
Qualification Certificate
Awarding Body: The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design is awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.

You will be enrolled as a Bachelor of Arts Degree undergraduate student with the University of Hertfordshire, through the British Academy of Interior Design. You will complete every aspect of your Top-up degree programme through the British Academy of Interior Design, which represents 1200 learning hours and 120 credits. Upon successful graduation from the Top-up programme, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Interior Design from the University of Hertfordshire.

In this degree programme, you will develop a specialised knowledge of Interior Design. You will work closely with a team of subject specialist tutors who will help you to develop advanced academic abilities and a sophisticated professional practice. Throughout your studies, your tutors will provide support, guidance and feedback, allowing you to progress in your studies, build an independent practice or pursue a career in the industry. Designed around 16 assignments that are delivered through 4 distinct topic modules, this degree programme will provide an academic structure to your studies. It will help you to establish your own reputation and distinctive approach to interior design.

As a Home Study student, you will have full access to our Online Learning Centre. This is your virtual campus and contains all your course content, learning resources, access to online learning services, tutor support and assessment materials. You will also have access to our popular student forum where tutors and students engage in discussion about course assignments, and share work and feedback.

The programme is aligned with statutory body requirements, such as the QAA Quality Code, QAA Subject Benchmarks, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), and Advance HE principles, ensuring an academically rigorous and professionally relevant learning experience. It also adheres to the Herts Learning Approach, (University of Hertfordshire) which emphasises active learning, inclusivity, and a supportive learning community.

Please contact us for further details.

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Topics

The BA (Hons) Top-up programme includes 4 compulsory modules of study.
Each module takes six months to complete.

- Module 1 - Advanced Practice in Interior Design
In this module, you will learn to approach complex interior design projects by analysing client briefs and conducting research to develop creative, research-based concepts. You’ll refine your problem-solving skills to balance aesthetics with functionality while also considering market trends and client goals. Throughout the course, you’ll focus on effectively communicating your ideas through technical drawings, material specifications, and professional presentations. You will expand your knowledge of software and manual techniques, enhancing your ability to create visually engaging designs. By the end, you’ll confidently present your creative decisions using both technical and innovative methods. .
- Module 2 - Dissertation
This module covers content that will contribute to the successful completion of an independent dissertation in an area relevant to interior design. The topic of the dissertation will be agreed upon with a tutor/dissertation supervisor at the beginning of the module. The dissertation will help you to build a detailed contextual knowledge of design theory and practice in a way that meets the high academic standards set by the University of Hertfordshire.
- Module 3 - Major Project Ideation and Development
In this module, you will identify, design, develop, and critically reflect on a major design project of your choosing and that is relevant to interior design. This project will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have built to date to an area of specialist interest to you. It allows you to create a body of work that is representative of your creative aspirations but also showcases your ability to generate creative concepts that are aligned with client needs and preferences, and define project scope based on target audiences. By the end of the module, you will have a solid grasp of the project development process and you will be ready to progress to the implementation stage.
- Module 4 - Major Project Implementation
In this module, you will gain essential skills to implement interior design projects effectively. You’ll learn how to create and interpret technical documentation, specification sheets, and efficiently manage projects. The module also emphasises collaboration with tradespeople and suppliers, ensuring you can professionally bring your design concepts to life. By the end of the module, you will be well-prepared for professional practice in the interior design industry and ready to face real-world challenges with confidence.

Tutors

All our tutors are interior design professionals working in the industry.

Joana
Lobato

Course Tutor
Catarina
Viseu

Course Tutor
Rita
Marques

Course Tutor
Joana
Moreira

Quality Assurance Manager

This degree aligns with national benchmarks and university standards, ensuring a rigorous, industry-relevant education underpinned by quality and integrity.

Joana Moreira

Quality Assurance Manager

The British Academy of Interior Design

Our philosophy at the British Academy of Interior Design is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

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Bachelor of Arts Degree (Top-Up) Home Study