Studying interior design degree in the UK can be a rewarding experience. Interior design is an exciting field that bridges the boundaries between architecture, art, and design. There are 78+ universities in the UK that offer interior design courses at various levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. The prominent ones are
- Kingston University
- University of the West of England
- London Metropolitan University
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of the Arts London
They are ranked at the top by the Guardian Ranking for offering excellent courses in interior design and related fields. The undergraduate courses are offered as BA honors degrees lasting 3 years. Whereas the postgraduate degrees in interior design are delivered as MA courses lasting 1 year. Let us explore the top 5 interior design universities in the UK in detail.
Highlights of Interior Design Degree in the UK
| Number of universities | 78 (source: Guardian) |
| Number of courses | 522 (source: Guardian) |
| Course levels | Undergraduate (BA), graduate (MA) |
| Duration | 3-4 years (undergraduate) and 1 year (graduate) |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | £15,000 to 28,000 (undergraduate) and £17,000 to 28,000 (graduate) |
Why Study Interior Design Degree in the UK?
Globally recognized education: The UK hosts the world’s finest interior design universities and institutes. These institutions have excellent faculties and offer high-quality education that is recognized internationally.
Diverse course options: The country offers a wide variety of programs in interior design at undergraduate and graduate levels catering to students with different interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in interior design, architecture, or landscaping you will find suitable courses in the UK.
Multicultural environment: Studying in the UK exposes students to a variety of cultures resulting in a diverse and active learning environment that equips graduates for an international employment market.
Research opportunities: Interior design universities in the country are renowned for their contributions to the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research projects that allow them to work on real-world problems, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Strong industry connections and employability: Strong connections between many UK universities and big organizations give students access to networking, internship, and placement possibilities.
Financial support: Many UK universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It is worth exploring these opportunities to help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Post-study visa: The UK government has introduced post-study work visa policies for international students. This allows them to stay and work in the country after completing their degrees.
Working while studying: International students are permitted to work while studying in the country for 20 hours/week during semesters.
Rankings: Universities for Interior Design Degree in the UK
| University Name | Guardian Ranking 2023 |
| Kingston University | 1 |
| University of the West of England | 2 |
| London Metropolitan University | 3 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 4 |
| University of the Arts London | 5 |
| Plymouth College of Art | 6 |
| Northumbria University | 7 |
| Middlesex University | 8 |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | 9 |
| Coventry University | 10 |
Top 5 Universities to Study Interior Design Degree in the UK
Kingston University
It is ranked No.1 in the UK for interior design in the Guardian University League Tables 2023. Its history goes back to 1899 when it was known as the Kingston Technical Institute. Kingston University has been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award for its dedication and commitment to high-quality teaching. Its student population is 18,590 which consists of 13,105 home students and 3,680 international students from more than 140 countries. The university has 4 campuses in and around Kingston and is divided into four faculties.
The university offers BA and MA courses in interior design at the newly refurbished design studios. These studios provide access to a dedicated art, design, and material library with impressive modeling and fabrication facilities. All the interior design projects at Kingston University are developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs, community groups, developers, and top design studios in the UK.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Interior Design BA (Hons) | 3 years | £18,400 |
| Interior Design MA | 1 year | £20,900 |
University of the West of England
Also known as UWE Bristol, the University of the West of England is a public university located in Bristol, England. It is one of the largest providers of higher education in the South West of England. The university is divided into 3 colleges namely: College of Arts, Technology and Environment, College of Business and Law, and College of Health, Science and Society which are further divided into schools and departments. Currently, UWE Bristo has over 6,000 students enrolled at different colleges.
The university offers a BA course in interior design. Students who lack the foundation to pursue it directly after high school can opt for the foundation year course. The teaching takes place at Bower Ashton Studios located inside the campus which offers exceptional facilities and resources including industry-standard digital studios and fabrication workshops. Being a technical course, students get to work with traditional tools combined with the latest technology to develop the skills to design furniture, lighting, materials, and interior projects.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA(Hons) Interior Design | 3 years | £15,250 |
| BA(Hons) Interior Design (with Foundation Year) | 4 years | £15,250 |
London Metropolitan University
Popularly known as London Met, the London Metropolitan University is formed by the merger of the University of North London and London Guildhall University in 2002. Although its history dates back to 1848. The population of students at the university represents over 143 countries worldwide.
The School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in interior design. The undergraduate degree programs are offered in different modules consisting of a foundation year, a preparatory semester, and a top-up degree.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Interior Design BA (Hons) | 3 years | £19,250 |
| Interior Design (including foundation year) – BA (Hons) | 4 years | £19,250 |
| Interior Design (with preparatory semester) – BA (Hons) | 3.5 years | £19,250 |
| Interior Design (Top-up) – BA (Hons) | 3 years | £19,250 |
| Interior Design – MA | 1 year | £18,150 |
Nottingham Trent University
The Nottingham Trent University was initially started in 1843 as Nottingham Government School of Design. It is one of the UK’s most popular universities for its research, dynamism, and innovation. It has over 40,000 students enrolled at 5 of its campuses throughout the country. The university has eight academic schools delivering 200+ courses in art, architecture, business, law, science, technology, etc. It offers the following courses in interior design.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons) | 3 years | £17,900 |
| Interior Architecture and Design MA | 1 year | £17,900 |
University of the Arts London
It is a world-class university that is ranked in the world for Art and Design by the QS World University Rankings. It offers pre-degree, undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses in 18 subjects like art, design, fashion, communication, performing arts, etc. The university is diversified into 6 colleges and institutes, each of which has a long-established global reputation.
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Chelsea College of Arts provides the BA (Hons) Interior Design courses whereas the Camberwell College of Arts offers the BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design and MA Interior and Spatial Design courses.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Interior Design | 3 years | £28,570 |
| BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design | 3 years | £28,570 |
| MA Interior and Spatial Design |
Admission Requirements for Interior Design Degree in the UK
Undergraduate Courses
High school education: For undergraduate courses universities in the UK require students to have a high school level education. International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels, international qualifications, etc., are accepted.
English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. UK universities accept IELTS normally with a minimum overall grade of 5.5-6.5.
Portfolio: Applicants are asked to submit a portfolio reflecting their design interests plus the activities and methods they have undertaken.
Other admission requirements: As a part of the admission process, international students must also have a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters, a statement of purpose, etc. They must also provide financial proof to cover their fees and living expenses in the UK.
Graduate Courses
Bachelor’s education: To be admitted to interior design graduate-level courses, students must have a first-class honors degree. Any degree in 3D design or a related subject including interior design, architecture, interior architecture, or building surveying is acceptable.
English language proficiency: Not English-speaking students are required to prove their English proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Universities usually require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0-7.0 or equivalent.
GRE/GMAT: Top universities in the UK usually require students to sit for the GRE/GMAT exam as an admission requirement for graduate courses.
Portfolio: Students need to submit a portfolio showing subject-specific skills including architectural drawings, model making, CAD, or equivalent.
Other admission requirements: International students must also submit transcripts, a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters (at least two academic references), a statement of purpose, etc. Some programs may require an interview as part of the admission process.
Job Opportunities
Most interior designers work in studios to create living, shopping, and working spaces. They are mostly employed by private or commercial organizations with in-house design departments. Typical job roles include
- Interior designer
- Spatial designer
- Exhibition designer
- Production designer
- Theater/TV/film designer
- Merchandiser
- Furniture designer
- Product designer
Starting salaries for junior designers range from £18,000 to £23,000 whereas experienced interior designers can earn between £25,000 and £40,000. Salaries for senior interior designers can reach £45,000+ depending on their level of experience and skills (source: Prospects).
Conclusion
The UK is one of the best places to study interior design. An interior design degree in the UK can be pursued at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some popular universities in the country for interior design are Kingston University, University of the West of England, London Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, and University of the Arts London.
When choosing a degree in interior design, it is essential to consider your career goals, the course content, and the university’s location and industry connections. As an international student in the UK, it is important that you make a balanced and informed decision considering factors like tuition costs, visa requirements, and personal preferences when deciding whether to study interior design. To know more reach out to us at Gyanberry. Book your free video call now!
