BA (Hons) Interior Design Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby
BA (Hons) Interior Design at University of Derby was established in 1992 and leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree.
About this course
Study BA (Hons) Interior Design and become one of the ‘most employable’ graduates in the UK. Enquire about this course or visit us at an Open Day. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Interior Design is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Derby, based in Derby Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Design studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Critical Context: Exploring Global Context & Spatial TypologiesCore20 credits
Module details
The module enables you to investigate contextual references and develop knowledge appropriate for an interior designer by providing an introduction to the global network, which has, and continues to shape interior design. You will be introduced to the history of interior design, and how this has evolved in relation to various socio-political and cultural contexts. You will also be introduced to theories that are useful in aiding the analysis of design and visual culture. You will further explore interior design through a globalised perspective investigating spatial typologies and their differences from culture to culture. Learning will take place in the contexts of lectures, seminars and tut
Assessment: Coursework
- Visual and Professional Practice: Imagination to VisualisationCore20 credits
Module details
The module introduces a basic range of multi-modal communication skills often adopted in the design industry, along with techniques for the representation and communication of space, objects and ideas for Interior Design. You will study the different ways of drawing, measuring and communicating the characteristics of material space and form and become familiar with the standard drawing conventions used within the design profession. Using a variety of approaches, you will develop basic proficiency in 2D & 3D sketching to ensure adaptability as an interior designer. From these activities you will start to develop a good level of skill in the development of 2D sketched based work and in the pro
Assessment: Coursework
- Designing Spatial Narratives: Introduction and ExplorationCore40 credits
Module details
The module provides an introduction to interior design and the role of the designer. It also deals with an introduction to space, design elements and principles required to develop spatial narrative journeys and their activators. You will begin to analyze the inter-relationships between habitation and design through a series of studies of domestic interiors and activities, both real and imagined. You will use a variety of techniques to map how individual elements and activities interact with the material, environmental, sensual, emotional, functional and cultural qualities of a specific space and situations so that you start to appreciate the underlying principles and elements that underpin
Assessment: Coursework
- Toolkit: Structural Layers & MaterialsCore40 credits
Module details
This module introduces the knowledge and skills required to become technically competent as an interior designer, by introducing you to the various building layers, i.e. components and materials which make up space. You will engage in two related aspects of interior design practice:- 1) The technology and components often used to define spatial parameters, and technical communication thereof 2) Materials and technology and how these influences and impact the design and use of space. The sessions look to introduce basic knowledge and technical skills and the importance of basic visualisation and representation of these on a technical level. Various forms of 2D and 3D representation and develo
Assessment: Coursework
Year 2 4 modules
- Critical Context: Context Specific InvestigationsCore20 credits
Module details
This module explores place-specific spatial narratives with a focus on genius loci, place, and non-place, and the theories relating to these. Your place and your culture will support a co-creative learning environment. This module is concerned with the notion of identity pertaining to interior design. Various themes will be explored such as Spatial Identity, Experience Identity, and Retaining Identity, drawing on theoretical approaches relevant to the study of interior design. We will consider how “critical theory” and intellectual approaches can help us to analyse interior design and related fields, with a higher level of understanding. We will consider the ways in which design produces and
Assessment: Coursework
- Visual and Professional Practice: BIM for PromotionCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to expose you to the Interior Design profession, by equipping you with knowledge and expertise to generate a set of multi-modal visual documentation to professional standards using industry-related technical visualisation tools. Upon completion of this module, you should have a set of professional drawings and multi-modal visuals for inclusion into your own professional portfolio. You will then have the opportunity to develop your professional practice through: A programme of technical skills development in computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) which will extend your ability to work in a collaborative professional environment. Opportunities to
Assessment: Coursework
- Designing Spatial Narratives: Contextualised InterventionsCore40 credits
Module details
Interior design provides creative ideas and solutions that transform peoples’ lives and environments; and interior designers are required to communicate their ideas and proposals to a whole range of diverse people and organisations including clients, statutory authorities, financial institutions, project design team members/professions (architects, structural and services engineers), the media, stakeholders; using a range of appropriate skills and techniques. This module develops your previous work into working with spatial and narrative journeys in activist, promotional and consumer contexts. You will engage in live projects with real-world briefs which will enable you to directly experienc
Assessment: Coursework
- Toolkit: Technical Services & Drawing SystemsCore40 credits
Module details
Interior design is not only about the aesthetic of spaces and furniture, but requires also the technical knowledge, understanding and communication regarding the assembly and construction of designed spatial environments and related objects. The focus of this module is on developing the necessary technical knowledge and understanding relating to interior design, as well as the skills to accurately communicate multi-modal technical information to relevant parties, who may include a multi-disciplinary team of: joiners, manufacturers, contractors, builders, engineers, architects, carpenters, shop fitters, and suppliers. Next, the module introduces building services, with a comparative explanati
Assessment: Coursework
Diploma in Professional Practice (optional) 2 modules
- Applied Professional PracticeCore40 credits
Module details
This module provides a framework for the development of “lifelong learning” skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice; including objective setting, planning, negotiating, implementing, demonstrating and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of the work completed within the organisation. This module also gives students an opportunity to relate their academic knowledge to the work environment.
Assessment: Coursework
- Contemporary Issues in Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
Students need to be aware of the commercial realities and external factors that influence the success of an organisation. This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of contemporary issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline. During this period of work experience, students can gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development.
Assessment: Coursework
Year 3 4 modules
- Critical Context: Probing and Interrogating Multi-ContextsCore20 credits
Module details
In this module you will be working to define the research focuses that will underpin your Level 6 Design Portfolio, through a personal research investigation relevant to your design work and your future academic and professional aspirations. You will undertake in-depth research and analysis of precedents, theories and practices to form an academic argument. While the precedents and research topic will be of your own choosing, it should relate to your own practice interests and concerns. Your topic should be honed and should lead to a sophisticated intellectual understanding of your design practice. The topic selected should offer enough depth to allow you to identify issues for research, inv
Assessment: Coursework
- Visual and Professional Practice: Networking StrategiesCore20 credits
Module details
Networking: Collaboration - Interior design is not an isolated profession, with collaboration often occurring both inter-disciplinary (internally) and cross-culturally (externally). Such collaboration opportunities may be in the form of competitions, joint and/or live projects. Networking: Self-promotion - aims to instill in you an ability to reflect upon your strengths and areas of interest in readiness and to further equip you for employment within the creative industries. Here you will be required to develop a ‘self-promotional pack’ to showcase your knowledge and understanding regarding interior design and the practice thereof, comprising: as part of your professional development and pro
Assessment: Coursework
- Designing Spatial Narratives: Reimagining Existing SpaceCore40 credits
Module details
A key focus of interior designers is to use their knowledge and understanding to adapt, develop and improve existing buildings or spaces. In many cases, interior designers are tasked to challenge existing uses or spatial narratives to ensure these remain viable and relevant for modern-day living. As a result, the focus of this module pertains to the responsible reactivation of existing significant spaces, with new contemporary typologies through the act of adaptive reuse and/or addition of new spaces/components. Spatial narrative journeys about time and dialogue between new and old will be explored, with consideration to macro and micro context, within a self-negotiated brief. The module als
Assessment: Coursework
- Toolkit: Sustainable Strategies & InnovationCore40 credits
Module details
This module furthers your understanding of the professional, environmental and ethical standards which affect the process of designed environment. The first part of the module will focus on sustainability and responsible design in general. The second part of the module will comprise a review of technical components covered in the past and the integration of all technical related components and knowledge relevant to a graduate project. You will be expected to consult industry and suppliers to help you realise your design and assist you in solving complex technical problems. You will develop with an advanced professional technical communication pack, which encourages innovation and environment
Assessment: Coursework
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course grounds interior design within a broader visual and material practice. You'll usually begin with foundational work in colour, composition and form, materials, processes and making, from traditional craft to digital fabrication, alongside contextual studies that connect art and design history to your own work. In Year 2, you'll develop sustained studio practice and personal direction, explore digital and emerging media tools, and work on live briefs with real clients and deadlines. Year 3 moves into specialist focus, such as graphic design, illustration, fine art, fashion and textiles, or UX and digital practice, alongside professional practice and portfolio development. You'll complete a self-directed major project, presented publicly as a degree show.
Who it's for
This course suits those with a genuine interest in interior design who are ready for university-level study. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among entrants was 64–79 points. You should check the university's entry requirements for your specific circumstances. The University of Derby also offers bursaries and scholarships. Check their funding pages for details.
Careers & job market
Across Art & Design courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £27,000, rising to £20,825–£29,400 after five years. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention across the institution stands at 85%.
University & format
University of Derby is a public university based at its Derby Campus. This is a full-time, 3-year Bachelor's degree taught in English, leading to the award BA (Hons) Interior Design. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body with degrees that are nationally recognised. It achieved Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 73% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 3% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| a foundation course | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code W250). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Derby →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £23,000 – £26,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £19,000 | £15,000 – £22,500 | 180 |
| 5 years after | £24,500 | £18,500 – £28,500 | 180 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Design occupationsSOC 2020 342 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £35,957
- Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 85; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 72% · in work or study 90% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Derby
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Derby Campus - Markeaton Street
1,938 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Derby from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
This course lists IELTS 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area). If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Derby’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Derby and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Derby
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
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What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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