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BA (Hons)Interior Design

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Starting in2025
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UCAS code: ID01
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study an interior design degree at Solent University

Blend your artistic flair with technology and design, to create innovative and attractive indoor spaces for both domestic and commercial use on this SBID accredited degree.

  • 0th
    out of 32 institutions in the UK for interior design (Guardian League Table 2024)
  • Top0
    in the UK for learning resources in design studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • £0m
    invested in our campus estate and facilities
  • Solent is an SBID Centre of Excellence, making us a central hub for interior design professionals in the South East.
  • Over 90% of interior design students say they are satisfied with the teaching on their course at Solent (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • You will study in a modern studio space with facilities and software including CAD stations, Revit, Vector Works, Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp Pro, as well as both 3D and large format scanners.
  • Gain real-world experience and work on projects for clients thanks to the team’s industry links.
  • The course has connections with staff from several New York based interior design schools who have previously delivered guest lectures and studio crits.
  • Students have had the opportunity to participate in national design exhibitions including New Designers in London and to go on study trips to London and Milan.
  • Showcase your final projects to the public and employers at the end of year degree show.
  • You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

This interior design programme blends aesthetics and technology, asking students to use their design, research and problem solving skills to create amazing indoor spaces. Real world learning is at the heart of this course, delivered through close association with industry using, where possible, live briefs and employer input to help students secure roles in industry.

Throughout this course, you will be able to combine creativity with technical skills to help you understand, design, visualise and make interior spaces in domestic, retail, workplace, hospitality and commercial sectors. The course places emphasis on the architectural elements of the interior design where you will learn the principles of space planning, functionality and user experience/journey, as well as sustainability, wellbeing, material selection, aesthetics and professional practice within an interior setting.

You will be nurtured and supported to become creative designers and independent thinkers with a flair for design and an eye for detail. The course places strong emphasis on equipping students with the knowledge, practical skills and technical ability to support them in becoming fully-rounded professional interior designers. From hand sketching, mood boards and digital modelling, you’ll gain the practical experience required to create a professional portfolio.

You will be taught by staff who are passionate about teaching and many of them have had a successful career in industry and/or are still in practice. The team’s industry links have also enabled students to work on live briefs and interact with real case studies. Students have recently enjoyed guest lectures from the likes of Stantec and a live brief with Park Plaza Hotels. The course has connections with staff from a number of New York based interior design schools who have previously delivered guest lectures and studio crits.

The end of year show allows students to showcase their final projects to the public. Employers are also invited to attend, and past students have successfully gained employment as a result of the event. Students have had the opportunity to participate in national design exhibitions including New Designers in London and to go on study trips including to London and Milan.

You will also enjoy access to specialist facilities including design studio, model making facilities and industry standard software such as AutoCAD, Vector Works and Photoshop.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Accredited by:

sbid logo

Student work

Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.

Course features

  • Professional accreditation

    This course has been accredited by a professional body

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

The interior design programme is ideal for students who have a background in art, design, graphical communication, materials, product or interior design. The course is designed for students preparing for careers in interior design, architectural interior design, product design, graphic visualisation, retail design, space planning, workplace design, lighting or design consultancy.

Students from both academic and creative backgrounds will be considered as the course offers plenty of time to create a portfolio and learn basic skills.

What does this course lead to?

Recent graduates have found positions as interior designers in the commercial and domestic interior design sector in the UK and abroad, including John Lewis Interiors, IKEA, Jigsaw, BO Concept, BrightSpace Architects, and Porcelanosa. Other graduates have been successful in setting up their own interior design practices.

Students are also prepared to become freelance consultants upon graduation, which can increase employability. Some graduates have gone on to study for a postgraduate degree including Solent’s MSc Sustainable Building Design and MA Visual Communication.

Graduate stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Read more stories

Meet the team

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Interior design students work in the architecture and interiors studio centre. This modern studio space has been developed to give students access to an environment which mirrors the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. Students from various different courses come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace.

Facilities and software available to students include AutoCAD, Revit, Vector Works, Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp Pro, as well as both 3D and large format scanners.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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