TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Interior Design with Foundation

This foundation pathway offers non-standard entry into BA (Hons) Interior Design, helping you build practical, technical, academic and creative skills. Explore visual design and best practice in a vibrant, studio-based environment.

Our typical offer

32 UCAS points

Create human-focused design

Make spaces that put people first, exploring how interiors affect mood, wellbeing, and everyday life across projects from homes to public spaces.

Get work-ready with hands-on learning 

Guided by experts, you’ll work on a wide range of interior design projects, exploring ideas and materials to understand impact, application and performance through making and prototyping.

Shape the future of design

Use the latest tech including VR and AR to tackle urgent real-world issues, explore new ways of living to future-proof your career in interior design.
BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation
About Details Experience Careers Fees and funding Apply Register for open day

About

Our interior design course focuses on how design responds to the surrounding environment. We explore design interventions in existing buildings and neglected spaces with a hands-on approach to crafting their interiors. We study the space between object and architecture and promote an adaptive re-use approach to shaping the world around us with human, social, economic and environmental sustainability embedded in our process.

Jonathan ForsterMr Jonathan Forster
Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
 
 
 
 

This course is for you if...

you want to design spaces that positively impact people’s wellbeing, behaviour, and everyday lives
Head with jigsaw pieces inside
you’re excited by sensory, hands-on making and exploring materials through immersive experiences
Finger pressing button
you want to use the latest tech, from VR to digital fabrication, to imagine new ways of living
icon representing 3D scanning
you’re keen to learn from industry professionals and work on diverse, real-world design projects
Four individuals sat around a table

Details

Foundation year

You'll become part a vibrant creative community through an engaging learning environment with a focus on active exploration and discovery across a wide range of methods and media. Working in our open-plan studio, you'll learn by doing, putting teaching into practical outcomes. Upon successful completion of this year, you'll enter the first year of the BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design.
Bethany Isaac created a striking interior lighting concept, which saw strands of metal weaved around each other and the bulbs themselves

Core modules

ADA001
Materials, Methods and Media 30 credits

This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

100% Coursework

ADA002
Image, Type and Narrative 30 credits

Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

100% Coursework

ADA003
Risk and Resolution 30 credits

Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

100% Coursework

ADA004
Critical Themes in Art & Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

100% Coursework

Year 1

In your first year, you create innovative, practical, and future-focused spaces. You gain a hands-on understanding of processes, materials and construction using traditional and digital fabrication methods at a range of scales from model making to 1:2:1 prototyping. We introduce a range of software packages and interact with other design disciplines.
Student in Digital Fabrication Lab

Core modules

FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

IND400
Interior Discovery, Exploration, Enquiry and Culture 80 credits

Through the development of a portfolio of project work, Interior Design is introduced relative to the varied nature of three-dimensional design. Studio practice is linked with historical, cultural and critical contexts. Processes of discovery, exploration and enquiry introduce specialist design knowledge, core skills and stimulate reflection. The module informs and broadens the student’s awareness of the subject of Interior Design within an interdisciplinary studio context.

100% Coursework

TDD400
Introduction to Studio and Workshop Practice 20 credits

Students will be introduced to the wide range of materials and processes available to them as designers, and will have the opportunity to develop workshop skills in the selection and processing of materials. Students will also be introduced to CAD and digital presentation software and gather a wide range of presentation skills to develop their confidence and ability to communicate confidently, effectively, clearly and efficiently.

100% Coursework

TDD450
Design Carousel 1 20 credits

This Level 4 module runs in parallel with a Level 5 module, enabling collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios. Working with senior peers enables the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and establishes cross year interdisciplinary peer learning opportunities within the design studio.

100% Coursework

Year 2

In your second year, you begin to shape your career path by working on design projects to establish your skills as a designer. We explore methods, ideas and themes, and gain a deeper understanding of the design industry with live projects. You set up your own exhibitions and build a portfolio, becoming proficient in design processes, computer-aided design, digital and traditional fabrication and communication methods.
Live Project with Dartington Hall

Core modules

IND500
Interior Specialist Exploration and Culture 40 credits

This module develops specialist knowledge and professional practice skills in Interior Design relating to design for the public realm. Project work explores branding, public space, urban landscape and regeneration. The module includes Design Culture exploration of major issues and concepts affecting design with the development of research, critical evaluation and contextualisation skills as a primer for Level 6 dissertation modules.

100% Coursework

IND501
Interior Specialist Skills and Progression 40 credits

This module develops specific skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the practice ofInterior Designers. Project work develops fundamental perceptions of the body in space, the notion of scales and inhabitation, and associated contextual and cultural issues relating to contemporary design practice. Project work is structured to introduce and develop discipline specific technical skills in 2D and 3D.

100% Coursework

TDD550
Design Carousel 2 20 credits

This Level 5 module runs in parallel with a Level 4 module to enable collaborative cross-year interdisciplinary learning. It provides the opportunity to choose a project brief from a range of options to stimulate reflection of individual disciplines and specialisms, and adds breadth to individual portfolios.Working with junior peers develops interpersonal and organisational skills valued by professional practice, and sustains peer learning opportunities within the design studio.

100% Coursework

TDD560
Common Challenge: Interdisciplinary Design 20 credits

This module celebrates the interdisciplinary nature of professional design practice and acknowledges the role designers can play in addressing the big challenges posed by complex sustainability themes and issues relating to global society, culture and ecology. Interdisciplinary teams contribute to a series of Design Sprints inspired by a proposed theme or issue to produce individual and group work.

100% Coursework

TDD500
Stage 2 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Stage 1 Placement Preparation module and to assist students in their search and application for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

Optional placement year

International Exchange or Placement
Lanhydrock House - Restoration of 17th century plaster ceiling

Core modules

TDD651
Design Industry Placement / Exchange

A period of professional training of 24 weeks or more spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company, or 2 semesters of study with an overseas partner institution. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant external experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Year 5

In your final year, you work on your major project and dissertation to take your specialism deeper and develop an individual philosophy. You develop your network to deepen your understanding of the industry and visit design practices like Mystery, Pearson Lloyd, and Foster Associates. You also exhibit your projects at our Degree Show and national events such as New Designers.
Interior Design Degree Show

Core modules

ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

100% Coursework

TDD606
External Factors and Feasibility 40 credits

This module encourages students to challenge and develop their professional practice skills, and their emergingdesign identity, by conducting distinct projects concurrently. A significant external project brief and a self-initiatedproject brief develop a platform of knowledge and experiences on which the character of their graduating portfoliowill be based.

100% Coursework

TDD607
Major Project 40 credits

Students identify, plan, evolve and review a summative design project in the programme and awardspecialism. It allows a substantive body of work celebrating all the learning outcomes and specific skills setsattained. The project culminates with a 1 to 1 viva with an external examiner and a degree showexhibition.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

IND600
Interior Consolidation 20 credits

This compact module offers students the option to develop their professional practice skills to a higherlevel. Professional and creative attributes are developed to prepare students for the evolving future ofdesign practice. Sustainability principals are blended with increased knowledge and understanding ofbusiness and project management issues that have relevance to Interior Design practice.

100% Coursework

TDD600
Extended Dissertation 20 credits

This module offers students the option to develop an Extended Dissertation that builds on a proposal,structure and literature review generated within the Critical Practices module. It provides the opportunityfor extended in-depth research and to write an illustrated dissertation. Students use their creative andanalytical skills on a concentrated topic area, with a word count of 8/10k

100% Coursework

Progression routes
Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design or BA (Hons) Interior Design or one of the following visual communication-related degree programmes after a successful interview:

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Learn work-ready skills sought by employers

Design for the real world

Work on live projects with real clients and gain practical industry experience that prepares you for a creative career from day one.
As an Interior Design student at the Â鶹´«Ã½ you’ll build a portfolio with fresh projects starting every few weeks. You'll gain valuable industry experience when you engage with real clients on live projects (We’ve run projects with Vitra, John Lewis, Red Paddle, architects Willmore Iles and Herman Millar) and take part in national and international competitions. 
Riverside Community Primary School Fire-Pit Project by UoP students
 
 

Learn in a creative studio culture

Be part of a vibrant design community where you’ll collaborate, experiment, and grow—supported by expert tutors in small, hands-on studio groups.
Core to your time there is your own desk space in our vibrant, open-plan studio where you’ll work alongside a range of design disciplines, which evokes the multi-disciplinary environment of design consultancies and co-worker maker spaces. 
Architecture studio space
 
 

Showcase your vision

Develop your unique design voice and professional skills, then exhibit your work at high-profile shows using our state-of-the-art facilities.
Our process of design development is underpinned by making from sketch models, site and detail modelling to 1:1 prototyping of spaces. This hands-on approach to crafting interiors is supported by our workshop facilities, which include traditional wood and metal workshops alongside digital fabrication and immersive technology. You’ll also have access to ceramic, textile and print workshops and technician support to help you realise your designs in three dimensions.
Digital Fabrication Laboratory
 
 
 

Meet our experts

Expert-led. Our lecturers run their own businesses or have professional experience working for clients like Lego, British Airways, LG, Sony, major museums and architects. 
Mr Jonathan Forster Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)


Associate Head of School (Marketing and Recruitment)

Ms Polly Macpherson Associate Head of School


Associate Head of School

Mr Mike Woods Lecturer in 3D Design


Lecturer in 3D Design

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Â鶹´«Ã½

Â鶹´«Ã½'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Â鶹´«Ã½ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Lee Valentine

Where can this course take you?

Graduates from this course go on to a huge variety of careers, from working at top design firms like Fosters and Partners, Dyson, and Lego, to running their own businesses, freelancing, or moving into teaching and research. 
Studying Interior Design at Â鶹´«Ã½ equips you with the creativity, skills, and contacts to work in areas like interior, product, furniture, or web design, but also in fashion, advertising, film, TV, or marketing. 
Many graduates freelance or start their own companies, while others use their design background to succeed in completely different fields. 

Sustainability student research prize winner, Andrei Dan Carausu
Jessica Attrill
 
 
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 
 
 
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the Â鶹´«Ã½ intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation. 
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels
32 UCAS tariff points. A minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
PPP from any subject. 

T level
Pass overall with D or E on the core. Any subject may be considered.

International Baccalaureate
24 points from any subjects.
We will accept other pre-entry qualifications or combinations of different qualifications. Applications may also be considered from candidates who do not meet these minimum entry requirements. We welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and previous educational or professional experiences, including those with non-standard qualifications. 

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
W244
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    32 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    W244
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Â鶹´«Ã½
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the Â鶹´«Ã½.
     
    Book your place
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.