Bachelor of Arts Degree
Start Date
Can be started at any time*
Price
£6,845 (Easy-pay plan available)
Duration
3600 hours total qualification time
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.
Read More- Study Option
- Home Study
- Course Level
- Level 6 on the FHEQ
- Entry Requirements
- 18 years old or over
If English is not your first language, you must have at least level 5.5 IELTS or have completed your last two years’ schooling through English. - Assessment
- Online practical assignments
- Pathway
- The British Academy of Interior Design is currently partnered with Pearson Education and the University of Hertfordshire to offer this degree pathway. Students who successfully complete our Higher National Diploma (HND) continue their degree pathway with our Level 6 Top-up Degree.
- Awarding Bodies
The BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) is awarded by Pearson Education.
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design is awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.
*The Higher National Diploma programme may be started at any time. The Top-up Degree portion may be started annually at any of the following intakes – September, January, May.
During the first portion of your degree programme, you will be enrolled on the BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND), which is accredited by Pearson Education. This Level 5 award represents 2400 learning hours and 240 credits and is equivalent to completing Year Two of a university degree. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a BTEC Higher National Diploma awarded by Pearson Education.
Students with an HND will be enrolled as a Bachelor of Arts Degree undergraduate with the University of Hertfordshire, through the British Academy of Interior Design. Every aspect of the Top-up degree programme is completed through the British Academy of Interior Design, which represents 1200 learning hours and 120 credits. Upon successful graduation from the Top-up programme, students are 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 to allow you to progress in your studies, build an independent practice or pursue a career in the industry. Designed around practical assignments that are delivered through 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.
This pathway programme represents 3600 learning hours, which is the equivalent of 3 years’ full-time learning (at 30 hours per week) or 6 years’ part-time learning (at 15 hours per week). Our faculty work throughout the year to support you with your studies, so you can dictate whatever pace you wish for your Higher National Diploma. The Top-up Degree portion is staged in 4 modules each taking six months to complete.
If you have previously completed a Level 5 award in interior design, you may enrol directly onto our Top-up Degree programme
Topics
The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in the Higher National Diploma.
-
- Communication in Art & Design
Research communication techniques and develop an interior design project, from the first client meeting to the final presentation of your design.
- Researching communication techniques
- Surveying
- Compiling a client brief and sourcing inspiration
- Technical drawings
- Creating a sample board
- Producing final designs for presentation
- Visual presentation techniques
- Techniques & Processes
Develop an awareness of a standard approach to the development and execution of the design cycle through the design of a studio apartment. You will learn about:
- Evaluating a given brief
- The design cycle
- Research and design development
- Spatial planning
- Colour rendering
- Model making (optional)
- Portfolio presentation to include technical drawing and sample board
- Contextual Studies
Research and analyse key historical eras and movements that will allow you to understand the context of contemporary designs. You will learn about:
- History of interior design
- Exploring research methods
- Visual and textual analyses
- How to present research findings professionally
- Critical research analyses
- 3D Practices
Gain an understanding of the vast variety of materials and their application in different contexts. Explore the properties of materials that are commonly used in interior design and their suitability and application in a wide variety of contexts. You will learn about:
- Designing residential spaces
- Interior design communication techniques
- Analysing materials and finishes for the residential market
- Presentation techniques
- History of art through interior design and architecture
- Interpreting a client brief
- Technical drawing
- 3D visuals
- Health and Safety
- Workflows and project management
- Workflows
Explore the different ways in which workflow can be organised to allow you to plan, execute and deliver your own projects in the future. You will learn about:
- Exploring specialised industries within the design sector
- Interior design communication techniques
- Presentation techniques
- Workflow mapping
- Workflow systems
- Tracking issues and solutions
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Learn the basics of CAD in order to produce your own computer generated drawings and photorealistic visuals. You will learn about:
- Understand the use of CAD
- 2D CAD drawings
- 3D modelling
- Visualisation
- Isometric/Axonometric drawings
- Detail drawings
- Dimensions and text
- Individual Project
Apply all the skills you have learned and develop your creative ability with the design of project with a set theme and topic. Plan the project from start to finish and to review the skills and processes used throughout your work. You will learn about:
- Designing spaces
- Interior design communication techniques
- Analysing and applying materials and finishes
- The design development
- Presentation techniques
- Space planning
- Technical drawing - CAD
- 3D Visuals - SketchUp
- Workflows and project management
- Sustainable materials
- Health and safety compliance
- Specification sheets
- Professional Development
Explore how changes in technology and in response to social and cultural change within the industry impact on the interior design profession and the role of the Interior Designer. Reflect on the implications of these changes on your own personal development and career plan. You will learn about:
- Exploring the development of the interior design profession
- Assessing own knowledge and skills
- Identifying areas for personal/professional development
- Exploring personal career goals
- Creating a personal development plan
- 3D Modelling & Rendering
Build your knowledge of using CAD for a design project. Look in depth at 3D modelling and rendering the technical drawings. Apply different ways in which you can add light and shadow to the 3D visuals to produce professional design documentation. You will learn about:
- Exploring different modelling and rendering software
- Developing technical drawings to fully rendered visuals
- Producing 3D visuals to a professional standard
- Creating a professional portfolio of work using CAD
- Trend Forecasting
Research, interpret, and apply trend forecasting in response to a brief. This will encourage you to develop skills in trend forecasting that can be applied throughout your career. You will learn about:
- Researching current trends
- Evaluating future trends
- Analysing market research
- Developing a trend forecast for a specific market
- Presenting a trend forecast based on client needs
- Project Management
Explore the theories and practices relevant to the project management of interior design projects. This includes the analysis of key stakeholders, the skills/competencies that an effective project manager needs, as well as the development and presentation of a project management plan within the context of a real-world scenario. You will learn about:
- Exploring project management theory and practice
- Analysing the roles of key stakeholders
- Assessing the skills/competencies of an effective project manager
- Developing a project plan for an interior design project
- Presenting a project management strategy
- Advanced Interior Design Studies
Explore the design of interior spaces for commercial, residential, retail or cultural environments. Develop your awareness of contemporary and historical contexts in order to inform your design of meaningful spaces that meet client needs. You will learn about:
- Evaluating contemporary trends
- Exploring historical precedents
- Exploring relevant legislation
- Evaluating a client brief
- Producing finished design proposals
- Applied Practice - Collaborative Project
Develop your collaborative skills through the planning, managing and presentation of a collaborative project. You will be given a set-theme for the project that will be based on current trends and up-to-date industry practices. You will learn about:
- Building collaborative skills
- Developing a project plan
- Managing a collaborative project
- Presenting collaborative work
- Evaluating own work and the work of others
- Professional Practice
Explore the aspects necessary for an aspiring Interior Designer to set up their own business or work within an established practice. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses within your own work and develop a career plan with the help of your tutor. Learn what is required from a personal and professional point of view. You will learn about:
- Evaluating skills and abilities
- Exploring career opportunities
- Creating a career plan
- Developing a business plan
- Creating a portfolio
- Developing a CV/Resume
- Preparing for presentation/interview
The BA (Hons) Top-up programme includes 4 compulsory modules of study.
Each module has a maximum completion timeframe of six months.-
- 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
LobatoCourse Tutor
-
Rita
MarquesCourse Tutor
-
Catarina
ViseuCourse Tutor
-
Joana
MoreiraQuality 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!
Learn more