
Complex design details combined with a captivating culture await you when you study interior design in the UK. The United Kingdom is a favored study abroad choice for global students due to its academically rewarding environment and stunning architectural spaces. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, thirty UK institutions are placed among the top 230 Art and Design universities worldwide.
As an educational destination, the UK provides both degree programs and short courses in interior design. This article explores everything you need to know about earning a qualification in this discipline, including British interior design courses, leading universities, entry requirements, and more. Let us get started!
Interior Design in UK: An Overview
Interior Design in the UK: An Overview
Interior design programs in the UK encompass both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study. Several premier interior design institutions in the UK deliver world-class instruction to international scholars. Furthermore, students from abroad can readily access employment prospects after completing an interior design qualification in the UK.
Here is a brief summary of pursuing an interior design education in the UK:
|
Popular Courses |
MDes Interior Design MA Interior Design BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design BA (Hons) Design |
|
English Proficiency |
Required |
|
Average tuition fee for international students |
Bachelors: £11,871 - £23,742 Masters: £16,619 - £28,491 |
|
Additional Requirements |
Portfolios and Interviews |
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Top Interior Design Course in UK
Top Interior Design Courses in the UK
Renowned art and design schools feature a multitude of interior design programs across various academic levels. Each curriculum prepares learners to excel within the interior design sector.
Undergraduate degrees in interior design typically last for 3 to 4 years, whereas postgraduate programs span 1 to 2 years. Numerous interior design institutions in the UK also provide international applicants with certificate options and short courses.
Provided below are several well-liked interior design programs in the UK that are frequently chosen by international students.
|
Courses |
Best Universities |
|
MA Interior Design |
Royal College of Art |
|
MA Interior and Spatial Design |
University of Arts London |
|
MDes Design |
Oxford University |
|
BA Design |
Glasgow School of Design Goldsmiths, University of London |
|
BA (Hons) Interior Design |
University of Arts London Goldsmiths, University of London |
|
BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design |
University of Arts London |
|
Architectural and interdisciplinary studies |
London College of Art |
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Now that you are familiar with the premier interior design programs in the UK, let us examine the leading universities.
Best Universities for Interior design in UK
Best Universities for Interior Design in the UK
An interior design qualification from the UK enjoys immense popularity among international scholars. Numerous globally recognized and ranked institutions provide overseas applicants with exceptional, industry-focused training.
Several of the finest universities for a master's in interior design in the UK are listed in the table below:
- Royal College of Art
- University of Arts London
- Glasgow School of Arts
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Loughborough University
Let us now examine the top 5 interior design colleges in the UK along with their respective UK university rankings.
1. Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art is not only regarded as one of the finest interior design institutions in the UK, but it also holds the number one position globally in the 2022 QS University Rankings for Art and Design. The institution exclusively provides postgraduate studies and is renowned for its MA in Interior Design, which ranks among the premier interior design programs in the UK.
|
QS University Ranking for Art and Design 2024 |
1 |
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£13,000 - £14,200 |
|
Programs Offered |
MA Architecture, MA Interior Design, MA Spatial Design |
2. University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts is among the premier interior design schools in the UK, delivering outstanding programs in performing arts, photography, and interior design. One of its most celebrated curricula is the BA (Hons) in Interior Design.
|
QS University Ranking for Art and Design 2024 |
2 |
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£13,681 - £22,014 |
|
Programs Offered |
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, MA Industrial Design, MA Fashion Artefact |
3. Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art stands out as a premier UK interior design institution, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways. The campus even conducts short courses for international learners. Most programs delivered by the Art School are widely valued by top employers across the UK.
|
QS University Ranking for Art and Design 2024 |
12 |
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£18,960 -£25,882 |
|
Programs Offered |
BA (Hons) Interior Design, BArch, BA (Hons) Communication Design |
4. Goldsmiths, University of London
Renowned for delivering the exceptional BA (Hons) Design, Goldsmiths, University of London attracts many international learners due to its advantageous setting and academically stimulating environment. Overseas students also acquire substantial practical industry exposure at Goldsmiths.
|
QS University Ranking for Art and Design 2024 |
22 |
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£21,380 |
|
Programs Offered |
BA (Hons) Design, MA Design, International Foundation Certificate in Design |
5. Loughborough University
The design department at Loughborough University ranks first for supplying employers with the most work-ready design graduates. Among its most sought-after credentials is the BA (Hons) Design degree, which acquaints students with real-world projects and extensive practical learning opportunities. You can therefore select from these UK interior design institutions and embark on your academic journey!
|
QS University Ranking for Art and Design 2024 |
32 |
|
Average Tuition Fees |
£25,248 - £33,419 |
|
Programs Offered |
BA (Hons) Design, BA (Hons) Fine Arts, BEng (Hons) Product Design Engineering |
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Let us now examine the entry requirements for pursuing an interior design program in the UK!
If you are planning a creative career within the fashion sector, review our comprehensive guide on Fashion Design in the UK to discover leading universities, admission criteria, tuition fees, and professional prospects.
Eligibility and Requirements to Study Interior Design in UK
Eligibility and Requirements to Study Interior Design in the UK
If you wish to earn an interior design qualification in the UK, specific criteria apply universally across interior design institutions. Gaining admission to a prestigious British interior design university is entirely achievable if you maintain strong academic records and, most importantly, demonstrate the aptitude and passion for a career in interior design.
Certain interior design institutions in the UK may occasionally request slightly different or supplementary credentials depending on individual applicant circumstances.
The admission criteria for entering a UK interior design college are outlined below:
- High school transcripts
- Bachelor degree (for PG programs)
- English proficiency test results
- Further criteria (portfolios, interviews, professional experience)
Let us break down each of these below!
1. Secondary School Transcripts
Secondary school transcripts (achieving a minimum of 60%) are mandatory when applying for both undergraduate and postgraduate interior design programs. Overseas students must provide officially translated English transcripts.
2. Undergraduate Degree
Applicants for master programs must present an undergraduate degree in a design-related discipline. Certain institutions also accept other undergraduate degrees as long as relevant coursework has been completed.
3. English Communication Skills
Most leading interior design institutions in the UK require overseas applicants to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 with no band under 5.5. Alternative test results such as TOEFL, CAE, CPE, and PTE are also accepted.
4. Supplementary Prerequisites
Additional demands such as portfolios (10 to 20 pages) and interviews are likewise requested by premier UK universities for interior design. Moreover, professional experience is important for individuals intending to pursue master degrees in interior design.
Recommended: Understand everything about How to Apply to UK Universities
|
NOTE: The requirements may vary with each university and are subject to change. Therefore, make sure you check with the official website of the university. |
Now that you understand the prerequisites, let us examine the expenses of pursuing Interior design in the UK for overseas students.
Cost of Studying Interior Design in UK
Expenses of Pursuing Interior Design in the UK
The total expenditure for interior design in the UK differs depending on the specific program you choose. This can be further divided into living expenses, which cover daily life in the UK, and tuition costs for an interior design qualification in the UK.
Below is a brief overview of the typical tuition fee spectrum for most interior design university programs.
|
Degree Type |
Average Annual Tuition Fees |
|
Bachelors Degree |
£11,871 - £23,742 |
|
Masters Degree |
£16,619 - £28,491 |
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The educational expenses might appear substantial, but they are fully justified given the career prospects in this sector. Let us examine a few!
Future Prospects after Studying Interior Design in UK
Career Outlook after Completing Interior Design in the UK
Numerous interior design institutions in the UK provide placement opportunities to international graduates after they finish their studies. Interior design as an industry presents a wide array of prospects in the UK to start with. Being a complex procedure, interior design calls for specialized expertise at every phase.
Certain institutions in the UK additionally grant students access to placement schemes where individuals receive advanced training in the industry to secure employment successfully. Graduates make an average income of 18000 pounds to 75000 pounds following the completion of their degree from premier UK institutions.
Some prominent employers in the interior design sector include:
- Norman Foster and Partners
- Orange and Uniter Designers
- Muji
- Bill Dunster Architects
Let us now examine some of the highest-earning job roles within the interior design industry.
|
Jobs |
Average Annual Salary |
|
Interior designer |
£67,000 |
|
Kitchen designer |
£42,200 |
|
Landscaper |
£50,000 |
|
Architectural designer |
£80,000 |
|
Design manager |
£115,000 |
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A wealth of professional paths, magnificent design environments, and welcoming experiences await you if you plan to pursue interior design in the UK. If you are eager to experience student life in one of the premier educational hubs globally, the UK is certainly the destination for you.
With so many intricate stages in an international education journey, anyone can encounter obstacles and confusion. If you, too, desire comprehensive support for any study abroad need, join Ashiraj Premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top interior design universities in UK?
<p>The premier interior design institutions in the UK are: 1) Royal College of Art London 2) University of Arts London 3) Glasgow School of Arts</p>
How much does BA (Hons) in Interior Design cost?
<p>BA (Hons) in Interior Design costs roughly 10000 pounds to 20000 pounds on average for overseas students.</p>
Is it easy to get a job after pursuing an interior design course UK?
<p>Yes. A placement recruitment event provides interior design graduates with an average income of 28000 pounds.</p>
What is the most popular undergraduate course in interior design?
<p>The most sought-after undergraduate program is BA (Hons) in Interior Design.</p>
What are the career opportunities after interior design in UK?
<p>Following an interior design program, graduates can work as: 1) Architects 2) Architectural technologists 3) Estates managers 4) Furniture designers 5) Graphic designers 6) Product designers 7) Stylists 8) Textile designers</p>
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