“I got to learn about each component that makes up a project from inception to completion”
BA (Hons)Interior Design
Apply on UCAS
- 2025
- 2026
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: ID01
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study an interior design degree at Solent University
Blend your artistic flair with technology and design, to create innovative and attractive indoor spaces for both domestic and commercial use on this SBID accredited degree.
- Top0for satisfaction with teaching interior design, out of 31 institutions (The Guardian 2025)
- Top0in the UK for learning resources in design studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- Solent is an SBID Centre of Excellence, making us a central hub for interior design professionals in the South East.
- Over 90% of interior design students say they are satisfied with the teaching on their course at Solent (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
- You will study in a modern studio space with facilities and software including CAD stations, Revit, Vector Works, Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp Pro, as well as both 3D and large format scanners.
- Gain real-world experience and work on projects for clients thanks to the team’s industry links.
- The course has connections with staff from several New York based interior design schools who have previously delivered guest lectures and studio crits.
- Students have had the opportunity to participate in national design exhibitions including New Designers in London and to go on study trips to London and Milan.
- Showcase your final projects to the public and employers at the end of year degree show.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Course overview
This interior design programme blends aesthetics and technology, asking students to use their design, research and problem solving skills to create amazing indoor spaces. Real world learning is at the heart of this course, delivered through close association with industry using, where possible, live briefs and employer input to help students secure roles in industry.
Throughout this course, you will be able to combine creativity with technical skills to help you understand, design, visualise and make interior spaces in domestic, retail, workplace, hospitality and commercial sectors. The course places emphasis on the architectural elements of the interior design where you will learn the principles of space planning, functionality and user experience/journey, as well as sustainability, wellbeing, material selection, aesthetics and professional practice within an interior setting.
You will be nurtured and supported to become creative designers and independent thinkers with a flair for design and an eye for detail. The course places strong emphasis on equipping students with the knowledge, practical skills and technical ability to support them in becoming fully-rounded professional interior designers. From hand sketching, mood boards and digital modelling, you’ll gain the practical experience required to create a professional portfolio.
You will be taught by staff who are passionate about teaching and many of them have had a successful career in industry and/or are still in practice. The team’s industry links have also enabled students to work on live briefs and interact with real case studies. Students have recently enjoyed guest lectures from the likes of Stantec and a live brief with Park Plaza Hotels. The course has connections with staff from a number of New York based interior design schools who have previously delivered guest lectures and studio crits.
The end of year show allows students to showcase their final projects to the public. Employers are also invited to attend, and past students have successfully gained employment as a result of the event. Students have had the opportunity to participate in national design exhibitions including New Designers in London and to go on study trips including to London and Milan.
You will also enjoy access to specialist facilities including design studio, model making facilities and industry standard software such as AutoCAD, Vector Works and Photoshop.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Accredited by:
Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
The interior design programme is ideal for students who have a background in art, design, graphical communication, materials, product or interior design. The course is designed for students preparing for careers in interior design, architectural interior design, product design, graphic visualisation, retail design, space planning, workplace design, lighting or design consultancy.
Students from both academic and creative backgrounds will be considered as the course offers plenty of time to create a portfolio and learn basic skills.
What does this course lead to?
Recent graduates have found positions as interior designers in the commercial and domestic interior design sector in the UK and abroad, including John Lewis Interiors, IKEA, Jigsaw, BO Concept, BrightSpace Architects, and Porcelanosa. Other graduates have been successful in setting up their own interior design practices.
Students are also prepared to become freelance consultants upon graduation, which can increase employability. Some graduates have gone on to study for a postgraduate degree including Solent’s MSc Sustainable Building Design and MA Visual Communication.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Interior design students work in the architecture and interiors studio centre. This modern studio space has been developed to give students access to an environment which mirrors the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. Students from various different courses come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace.
Facilities and software available to students include AutoCAD, Revit, Vector Works, Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp Pro, as well as both 3D and large format scanners.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Architectural Design Development
This module will introduce you to the principles of architectural design as a core skill for your discipline. The module aims to establish the fundamental link between creative design and the technological, environmental, social and historic context.
Architectural Design Realisation
In this module you will be able to extend the creative design skills developed in previous modules into the next stage of the process: realisation of design concepts into technical interior and visual details according to your chosen discipline of study.
Design Communications
This creative module combines learning key communication skills required in the field on interior design and other disciplines that require creative outputs, including producing manual and computer generated scaled plans and elevations.
Materials and Finishes
This practical module addresses the selection, testing and use of materials and finishes to compile a specification of materials and fixtures, in most cases this involves a live scheme.
History of Design
On this module you will learn about key developments in the history of modern design, interiors and architecture, including design movements such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modernism as well as contemporary trends like Minimalism and Retro-styling.
Interior Design Practice
During this module you will undertake in depth analysis of interior design studio practice including development of a client’s brief, selection of materials and furniture to implement into a design schedule from an initial concept, preparing electrical specifications and project management skills required within Interior Design Practice.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Design based portfolios
- Creative design projects
- Group presentations
- Research projects
- Reports
- Individual presentations
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
At a time when the UK’s construction industry is benefitting from unprecedented levels of overseas investment (with residential housing remaining the fastest growing area in the sector), there is an increasing demand for talented interior design practitioners who can identify, research and implement creative interior solutions.
The course team has an extensive network of employer contacts, including London-based design practices, and you’ll work closely with the industry as you study.
Contact includes formal and informal employer liaison meetings, professional body engagements and close employer involvement with student learning and assessment.
We will prepare you for your future
Suitable roles for graduates include:
- Architectural interior design
- Superyacht interior design
- Commercial and residential design
- Product design
- Exhibition and showroom design
- Retail design and space planner
- Interior creative consultant
- Interior creative lighting design
- Professional freelance interior design
We will help you start your career
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Find out more
Support at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Sustainable Building Design
Develop your theory and practical skills to graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Year 1
Books, quality folders, printing, memory sticks, sketchbooks, model-making equipment, and drawing materials: £200
Study trips: £30 - Year 2
Books, quality folders, printing, memory stick, sketchbooks: £200
Study trips: £30 - Year 3
Books, quality folders, printing, memory stick, sketchbooks: £200
Study trips: £30
Optional costs
- Year 1
International study trip: £300-£350 - Year 2
International study trip: £300-£350 - Year 3
International study trip: £300-£350
Graduate show, New Designers/London exhibition: £300
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D* or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- Applications from mature students and non-standard applicants may also be considered.
- Applicants will be required to send an electronic portfolio.
- Direct entry to year two may be offered to holders of an HND or HNC in an appropriate subject.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to submit an electronic portfolio for consideration.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
Applicants from outside the UK will be required to submit an electronic portfolio for consideration.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
104-120UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
