Interior Design BA (Hons)

Southampton Solent University

Do you have a passion for interiors and the spaces we live in? This professionally accredited interior design programme blends aesthetics and technology, asking students to use their design, research and problem solving skills to create amazing indoor spaces. The course is supported by a group of employer partners who are actively involved in mentoring, helping past students to secure roles in a range of top London interior design businesses.

Students are encouraged to build these skills during independent industry work placements or by undertaking the unique work based learning unit, as well as throughout the course’s curriculum of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. The course team are able to support students as they search for work placements by tapping into their professional network. In previous years, students have secured employment or placements at Sunseeker, award winning interior designers The Myres touch and HomeSmiths interiors, as well as property development companies including Barrett Homes and Crest Nicholson.

The staff’s industry links have also enabled students to work on live briefs, interact with real case studies and attend informal employer liaison meetings throughout the course.

The end of year show lets built environment students 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 may also have the opportunity to participate in an annual London exhibition and national design competitions.

Solent University's BA (Hons) Interior Design course is accredited by the Society of British and International Design (SBID) and recognised by the European Council of Interior Architecture as meeting professional interior design standards. Students benefit from a free three years membership to both of these professional bodies.

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, including London-based interior design practice Sarah Ward Associates, Artillery Architects, John Lewis Interiors, Crest Nicholson, Sunseeker, Jigsaw 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.

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.

Accredited by The Society of British and International Interior Design for the purposes of preparing the student for a career in professional interior design. Students on a SBID accredited course receive free student membership for 3 years leading to a 1 year professional membership post-graduation.