Undergraduate BA (Hons)

Interior Design

Attendance

Full-time

Course

Three year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

Interior Design is about transforming spaces, using artistic flair and logic. These spaces can vary in type and scale from vibrant city centre restaurants and elegant high street shops, through to high-end art galleries and domestic environments. In this course, you will develop skills in creativity and technology to help you transform your ideas into spaces and experiences that are inspirational and captivating to those who use, encounter and live within them.

This BA Interior Design degree will give you the opportunity to explore all aspects of the design process, from design through to construction. You’ll be taught by experienced specialist tutors, as well as benefit from the input of expert design professionals through guest lectures with Industry partners who have included Koncept Interior Design, The Penketh Group, and Egger Laminates alongside study trips such as visits to Ardmac Construction sites, the Milliken carpet factory and showroom, and Carlick furniture manufacturers.

The Interior Design course is project-focused within purpose-built studios and workshops where you’ll be surrounded by like-minded creatives and professionals. We teach you how to focus upon contemporary design issues, culture and professional design practice. You will also undertake lectures and seminars where you’ll explore and discuss design ideas, throughout the course you’ll develop digital skills using Industry-standard 2D, 3D and multimedia computer applications. Our creative studios are found within our New Adelphi Arts and Media building in the heart of the Salford University Peel Park Campus along with fully equipped workshops which contain 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutting machines and more.

Our graduates work in all areas of design, including architectural and interior design practices, large retail organisations, construction departments, as well as film and TV companies. We have alumni working in premier design organisations such as BDP, Claremont Group Interiors, TP Bennett, Leach Rhodes Walker, Sheppard Robson to name just a few. Our graduates have worked both locally and internationally, with some pursuing opportunities as far afield as Hong Kong, New York, and San Francisco.

Would you like to find out more about our interior design course? You can sign up to an Open Day or attend a campus tour.

Our supportive course enquiries team can help you with any general questions you may have. You can also explore all of our Art and Design courses.

You will:

  • Be able to specialise in the areas of interior design that particularly interest you
  • Learn from industry trained tutors who have led successful careers in Interior Design and Architecture and engage in real world projects, live briefs, and industry placements
  • Work towards creating a high-quality portfolio of work that can be shared with potential employers when you enter into your career
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

You want to improve your visual communication skills such as drawing and 3D computer visualisation

2.

You are imaginative and creative and would like to produce innovative designs

3.

You want to learn technical skills and the professional process involved in the interior design industry

Course details

All about the course

From design for commercial building interiors, to design for temporary structures such as exhibitions and film and TV sets, this interior design degree will give you a broad understanding of how to transform spaces using artistic flair and logic.

You’ll study a combination of studio-based design modules and academic modules which will shape your practical and theoretical understanding of the subject. During studio-based modules, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students and professionals, working in a creative studio environment to plan and bring your design ideas to life. Whereas in your academic modules, lectures and seminars will give you the opportunity to absorb and consider the theory behind interior design.

Your BA in Interior Design begins with a course of projects designed to stimulate your creativity and develop your design thinking. You’ll get comfortable with spatial awareness, as well as the materials and structures required to make your vision a reality. In addition to your design projects, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain experience in computing for design, extend your awareness of visual communication and workshop practice, along with developing an understanding of cultural and theoretical studies relating to design.

In your second year, in addition to design you’ll also focus on employability and technical know-how. Your practical skills will be developed through further design projects and you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake an industry placement to get real-world experience of interior design. This will be a fantastic chance to work with an external organisation and build highly desirable experience for your CV.

Your third year is all about your own personal interests and career aspirations in Interior Design. Whichever direction you want to take your career in, you can focus your final project to reflect this, which is an excellent opportunity to show what you can do and to put all of your learning into practice.

The course has links with the architectural and interior design industry and is taught by tutors who have led well-established careers in the field. We often invite key figures and specialist design professionals to deliver guest lectures and contribute to the teaching and learning experience. As part of your study in interior design, you’ll visit developments, buildings, practices, and showrooms.

Find out what you’ll be covering in each module - read our full course breakdown below.

Year one

Design Principles and Interventions

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of 3D design, and builds awareness of a design vocabulary through a series of exciting short projects to develop skills. The application of established design communication techniques will provide a basis for exploration and the subsequent development of your own 2D and 3D design outcomes. You will gain an understanding of materials and associated processes within the context of specific design problems, and you will appreciate the choice of materials available to you alongside understanding how your decisions will affect your design proposals. The module culminates with a bespoke design project such as a student social hub.

Representation

Design is a creative tool that is employed widely by a number of industries. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of design procedures and ways of working which will help you generate, develop, communicate and realise design solutions. This module focuses on exhibition design.

Creating Spaces

This module introduces you to the variety of individuals or customers who as a designer you need to please. Whilst full consideration is given to the end user, an understanding of the client, supplier and those involved with construction/manufacturing is critical. The module focuses on hospitality where you will be undertaking an innovative project such as the design of a hotel suite.

Exploring Design Contexts

In this module, you are encouraged to consider a range of perspectives on creative practice - including critical, ethical, cultural, political and commercial viewpoints. Alongside this you will develop an understanding of professional practice as a core theme which runs throughout the course. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of industry and includes an emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills. This module consists of a series of small tasks which address the wider context of design.

Year two

Architectural Technology and Sustainable Design

During this module students are introduced to appropriate forms of technology, construction, materials and regulatory issues and study how these are utilised in the production of interior design project work. You will acquire the skills required to develop ideas and explore detail design. The fundamental principles related to architecture are taught to a basic level to raise awareness of how structures are constructed and how designers respond to sustainability issues. The way that these influences contribute to creative and imaginative design outcomes and production realities is explored through associated design project work. The module also aims to encourage the investigation of 2D and 3D communication methods to creatively and effectively analyse the nature of existing buildings and design interventions. The module culminates with a bespoke design project within an existing commercial building which is developed to include technical design such as a bar, welcome desk, or staircase.

Specialist Design Project

Interior design practice covers many different commercial sectors such as offices, retail, education, health or cultural facilities as well as interiors for hospitality, entertainment and the television industry. This module will explore an area of specialism within interior design. Recent projects have included the design of a co-working space in an interesting existing building with a canal facing frontage in central Manchester.

Developing Design Contexts

Building on the critical and professional practice skills introduced in year 1, this module allows you to investigate and test your position in relation to creative and cultural communities and to make connections to wider cultural contexts in order to develop your approach to inter-disciplinary collaborations. You will also explore business, employability and enterprise issues and reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.

Industry Practice

This module allows you to undertake a period of work placement; positioned at the end of Trimester 2 this module enables many students to take the opportunity of an extended placement period over the summer. This module allows you to apply and develop your knowledge and skills gained on the course while gaining an understanding of the relevant working procedures of industry and the professional activities of design.

Year three

Regeneration

This module aims to further develop student’s ability to apply knowledge, appropriate skills, conceptual and creative thinking, to produce practical and aesthetically appropriate building interiors. Whilst working on a design brief you will explore the creation of an appropriate atmosphere including the effects of natural and artificial lighting. Specific technical and regulatory constraints and an awareness of practicality and ergonomic considerations form part of this complex project when remodelling an existing building. The module focuses on culture and leisure where you will be undertaking an innovative project such as the design of an art gallery.

Feasibility Report

This module further develops research methodologies established within year two. The work produced during this module will provide an evidence base with which to inform and evaluate design directions within the Self-Directed Project.

Self-Directed Project

The final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course and as such it enables you to continue in the development of a more personalised programme of study, supporting personal careers aspirations and directions. The module provides an opportunity for you to initiate a complex design project of your choice over an extended period, providing valuable experience of a potential career direction.

Applied Design Contexts

This module is a chance for you to investigate a subject of your own choosing around contemporary issues relating to your discipline and produce an extended body of work. This module also supports you to define personal objectives when investigating your career options. You are required to produce a portfolio of work, demonstrating skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional techniques which will directly support your career aspirations.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What Will I be Doing?

80%

Coursework

10%

Presentation

10%

Dissertation

TEACHING

As part of this interior design degree, your timetable will include a breakdown of your scheduled lessons with timeslots for you to explore your independent research interests.

Your classes will be based at our New Adelphi Building.

The course is taught using a variety of teaching methods although it is mainly centred around design projects. Most of your modules will include a combination of lectures, practical workshops, skills sessions, one-to-one tutorials, group seminars and design studio practice.

You’ll work on a variety of design projects in a way that reflects contemporary design issues, culture and professional design practice. In addition to studio projects, you’ll also develop computing skills using 2D, 3D and multimedia computer applications. Your theory modules will be delivered through a series of formal lectures and seminar discussion groups that again reflect contemporary design issues and, where possible, align to your design practice modules.

ASSESSMENT

Assessments are an important part of your interior design degree at University of Salford. They will give you a better understanding of your progress and any areas that you need to focus on. You’ll take part in a variety of assessments, including coursework, presentations, essays and a dissertation.

BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

All our Art and Design courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.

Each year - through the Create Student Awards – our School rewards the incredible achievements and successes of our final year and postgraduate students.

Whatever you choose to study with us, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.

ART AND DESIGN FACILITIES

This interior design degree is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.

When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our art and design facilities. These include:

Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.

Maker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.

Photography studios - industry standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.

Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.

Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.

You’ll also be able to visit our New Adelphi Theatre. The industry-standard live 350-seat theatre is located in our New Adelphi building. It’s also open to the public, and it’s three floors of tiered seating, it’s the largest of our performing spaces.

Explore our Art and Design facilities at New Adelphi or take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building.

MEET THE ART AND DESIGN TEACHING STAFF

Are you looking to learn more about the background of our Art and Design tutors and technical demonstrators or put a face to a name?

Find out who'll work with you throughout your academic journey at the University of Salford.

Explore the Art and Design faculty at the University of Salford

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

EMPLOYMENT

What can you do with an interior design degree? When you graduate from our interior design university course, you’ll be equipped for a range of careers in the interior design field. We have seen graduates go on to work in all areas of design, including architectural and interior design practices, large retail organisations, construction departments, as well as film and TV companies. These graduates have worked both locally and internationally, with some pursuing opportunities as far afield as Hong Kong, New York, and San Francisco.

Thanks to our strong industry links, this course can provide a stepping stone for students who want to work in the design community. We have alumni who work in premier design organisations such as BDP, Judge Gill, Stephenson Bell, Leach Rhodes Walker, Sheppard Robson to name just a few.

You may also choose to follow a more general graduate route into training, office design and retail – or continue your studies at postgraduate level in interior design.

FURTHER STUDY

Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path through  our Postgraduate programmes  on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal. 

A taste of what you could become

An Interior designer

A Product designer

A Film/TV set designer

A Teacher

And more...

Career Links

You’ll have the opportunity to meet and work with a wide range of industry professionals, who all have practical experience across the field of interior design – ranging from building renewal and commercial interior design to television and film design.

We have a programme of visiting speakers. The valuable knowledge and experience they bring ensures that you’re on the pulse of what’s happening in the interior design industry. Guest speakers have included Maurice Shapero, George Mills, Anthony Chadwick, Andrew Thurman, Trevor Stratford, and Graham English.

Many students who’ve completed their studies here have continued to maintain a strong link with the university and the course, and are regularly invited to deliver talks, advise students and offer work placements. These include graduates who are currently working as interior designers, event and museum designers and interior architects on projects such as retail, leisure, education, sport.

You’ll also benefit from regular input from professional practitioners who teach on the course, in-line with your areas of interest and development. This professional perspective complements your learning while providing an acute awareness of the interior design world.

Requirements

What You Need To Know

APPLICANT PROFILE 

To gain a place on this interior design course, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.

Within your interior design degree personal statement (up to 500 words), we’ll want to understand:

  • what motivates you and what current experiences do you have in terms of art and design and interior design?
  • how have you been involved and what did you do?
  • you have any knowledge in the arts and interior design sector; are there any projects that inspire you?
  • why do you want to work in the interior design sector?
  • and why the University of Salford and this interior design degree is the right choice for your future goals.

As part of your application, we will need to see a portfolio of work to provide opportunity for you to share your creative practice with us. Any offers will be conditional upon our subject team having the opportunity to review your portfolio, and we look forward to viewing your work. For some applicants, you may also be asked to take part in an informal group seminar discussion or interview– either live or on camera – to demonstrate your skills.

Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below

UCAS tariff points

96-112 points.

A level

96-112 points.

T level

Pass (C in core subject)

BTEC National Diploma

DMM including Art & Design/Design & Technology

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Applicants may be considered for entry into year two

Foundation Degree

Overall pass

Access to HE

112 points, overall pass including an appropriate subject

Scottish Highers

112 points including Art & Design/Design & Technology 

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 points including Art & Design/Design & Technology 

International Baccalaureate

31 points including Art & Design/Design & Technology subject.

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 73% overall.

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Distinction = 112 UCAS points - if you have a Pass (80 points) or Merit (96 points), you must have additional qualifications to a total of 112 points.

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course. Or if you have finished high school in your country but don’t have the qualifications to gain entry to this course, you can take our International Foundation Year as a pathway to this degree.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £9,250.00per year
Full-time international 2025/26 £17,650.00per year

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID 8G22

Institution S03