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Interior Design Subject Guide

Are you considering studying interior design at postgraduate level? For many students, a master’s degree in interior design will give them the tools and experience they’ll need to penetrate this popular and competitive field. 

Whether you’re a student of interior design already, or coming from a related field such as architecture or design, it’s important to find out if a postgraduate interior designing course is the right choice for you.  

This guide has everything you need to know, from the entry requirements of interior design masters to your potential careers. 

Read on to find out everything you need to know about studying interior design, why you should consider taking a course, and where you could study. 

CONTENTS 

Why do an interior design degree? 

Interior design is the art and science of shaping the interior spaces of a building or home, including the layout, lighting, colour scheme, and furniture selection. It is a profession that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and an understanding of human behavior and aesthetics to create functional, safe, and visually appealing interior environments. 

Interior design is a subject that complements architecture, providing a popular route for interdisciplinary students to build the skillset needed to comprehensively shape and design a structure from inside to out. 

It’s also a unique field of applied design, and one that which could help students access interior designing jobs in settings ranging from residential to commercial, cultural, or artistic. 

What qualifications can you get? 

The most popular interior design qualifications are the MA Master of Art degree and the MFA Master of Fine Art degree. These courses are designed to engage and immerse students in the creative, technical and experimental processes that define interior design. Students will also be exposed to a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical knowledge, complemented by regular hands-on practical experience. 

It's also possible to undertake postgraduate certificate or diploma qualifications in interior design, which will follow the same curriculum as a master’s course but over a shorter period. These courses suit students who are looking to supplement their existing training quickly, giving them the choice of looking for work afterwards or continuing on to a master’s degree. 

Go to: Search for interior design courses

What jobs can you do with an interior design degree? 

Completing a postgraduate degree in interior design will prepare you for success across a wide range of interior designing jobs and parallel industries. Your ability to combine technical and artistic elements in your work to develop and communicate solutions to architects, construction managers or engineers will help you stand out to employers.  

Interior design jobs include: 

  • Architect / architectural technologist 
  • Interior designer 
  • Spatial designer 
  • Exhibition designer 
  • Furniture designer 
  • Product designer 
  • Production designer 
  • Visual designer 

You might work independently, within an interior design firm, or as an employee of an architecture firm or construction company. 

What are the interior design degree entry requirements? 

While entry requirements for an interior design degree may vary depending on the level of study being applied for, you’ll typically need to have a 2:2 or higher at undergraduate level to get onto a master’s course. This will need to be in a design-related discipline, unless the applicant is able to provide evidence of significant professional experience in design combined with a non-design degree. 

Doctorate or other research programmes may require a minimum of demonstrable research experience, or a master’s qualification. 

What interior design courses are there? 

There are a number of qualifications to choose from at postgraduate level, including interior design master’s courses and doctoral programmes. You might study: 

  • MA Interior Design 
  • MA Interior and Spatial Design 
  • MA Interior Architecture and Design 
  • MA Design (Interior) 
  • PhD Architecture 

What topics does an interior design degree cover? 

Each postgraduate course in interior design will contain a unique blend of topics and modules, but you can typically expect to study areas like: 

  • Preliminary design 
  • Technology and material practices 
  • Interior design theory 
  • Design communication for interior architecture and design 
  • Interior design specialist investigation 

What do you learn in an interior design degree? 

A course in interior design can teach a wide range of skills which will prepare for you various interior designing jobs, including the ability to create functional and visually pleasing spaces. Students will learn how to analyse and interpret design briefs, becoming competent in researching and selecting materials, colours and textures. They will also develop technical skills in areas such as lighting, floor plans and space planning.  

Additionally, students will learn about building codes and regulations as well as the business side of interior design, encompassing project management, client relations and budgeting. The course will also help students develop their creativity, problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills to create unique and innovative design solutions. Students will learn how to use design software and other tools to create detailed drawings and presentations.  

How will you be taught and assessed? 

Interior design courses are typically taught through a combination of lectures, discussions and hands-on projects. During your interior design masters, you’ll learn about design principles, colour theory, space planning and materials selection. You’ll also cultivate skills in using design software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.  

Assessment methods vary but typically include exams, critiques of student work and final design projects. These projects will often involve creating detailed design plans and presentations that demonstrate your understanding of design concepts and your ability to apply them in real-world settings. 

How long is an interior design degree? 

The length of your interior designing course will depend on the type of qualification you pursue. If you’re studying a postgraduate certificate or diploma, you’ll be able to complete your course in one or two semesters. 

An interior design master’s will typically take between 12 and 20 months, depending on the programme, with MFAs being the longest master’s type. Studying part-time will involve two to three years of studying. 

Studying a doctoral qualification, such as an MPhil or PhD, will take up to four years full-time or up to seven years part-time. 

Where can you study interior design? 

There are currently over 30 postgraduate programmes you can choose from in interior design, across over 25 different UK universities. Our university finder tool is the perfect place to start exploring the different options available to you. 

What similar subjects are there to interior design? 

There are a number of similar subjects that you might consider studying at postgraduate level instead of interior design. They include: 

  • Architecture 
  • Design 
  • Structural engineering 
  • Fine art 
  • Sculpture 

Next: Search for interior design courses

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