There is beauty through the art of making spaces livable. Some enjoy observing arrangements of furniture and colours in interior spaces, and others have pastimes crafting functional spaces virtually in games like the Sims. If you have an interest in decorating interior spaces to make them fit certain aesthetics while keeping the space functional, Interior Design is a pursuit to consider! Keep on reading if you’re interested in Interior Design, particularly with the idea of pursuing a study of Interior Design in the UK.
What is Interior Design?
Interior Design is interlinked with the interior environment and how it is experienced. Interior Design is art, science, and practice of curating interior spaces that corresponds to how it affects the people using those spaces.
Interior Design at work can be seen through comfortable homes, functional offices, as well as beautiful and accessible public spaces. All in all, Interior Design incorporates approaches which are creative, technical, sustainable, functional while ensuring safety, health, accessibility, and aesthetics.
An Interior Designer could have duties which encompass restoring or readapting existing structures as well as other aspects within an interior space including lighting, colours, vertical and horizontal objects, surfaces, walls, window and door positionings, even the acoustics of a space!
With that being said, Interior Design is said to be a dynamic field. One would have to keep up with design trends and continuously find ways to create and improve approaches to designing spaces. This way, Interior Design keeps you on your toes and ensures continuous growth and learning.
Responsibilities of an Interior Designer
The responsibilities of an Interior Designer can vary and are multifaceted. However, this is a list of some general responsibilities of an Interior Designer:
- Interior Designers are responsible for liaising with clients to determine design details and plans. Notably, Interior Designers will negotiate and curate a space based on the client’s preference in colour or style, alongside other factors such as space availability and optimal functionality.
- Interior Designers also consult or hire other parties such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, or engineers to ensure their designs are in compliance with all related health and safety codes, accessibility standards, building regulations, and installation requirements. In the first and second case, good communication skills would greatly benefit an Interior Designer.
- Interior Designers draft initial design sketches and create finalised design plans. These briefs can be done through the utilising 2D or 3D interior design plans, computer-aided design (CAD) softwares, drawings, mood boards, and project visualisations. As such, hard skills in using interior design softwares, resourcefulness, and creativity are advantageous.
- Interior Designers are responsible for project arrangements and management. This would include estimation of project costs, management of buying processes, and allocation of budget and project timeline. Fundamentally, organisational skills are vital for Interior Designers.
- Interior Designers also monitor and oversee progress of the work at the site. Through fulfilling this responsibility, developments of the project are thoroughly reviewed ensuring the project runs smoothly. Also, this responsibility is crucial in resolving or addressing concerns efficiently, which in turn, ensures client satisfaction.
Career Options for Interior Designers
- Interior Designer
- Furniture Designer
- Concept Artist
- Production, Film, TV Set Designer
- Lighting Consultant
- Kitchen & Bath Designer
- Design Consultant
- Art Director
- Event & Exhibition Designer
- Graphic Designer
General Requirements to Study Interior Design in the UK
Those wanting to enrol in an Interior Design course in the UK would typically have to present their art portfolios even with successful applications.
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
A-Levels | BBC |
IB Diploma | 29 Points |
UEC | 3 Subjects at Grade B6 or Above |
STPM | CCC |
Matriculation | Minimum of a Grade C+ or a 2.33 GPA |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 70-80% |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | 60% in 6 Advanced-level Grade 12 U, U/C or M Subjects |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL | 75 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 51 |
SPM 1119 | C |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
How to be an Interior Designer in the UK?
It is not a necessity to hold a degree if you intend to become an Interior Designer. However, a degree in Interior Designer definitely builds up your credibility in the professional field of Interior Design. Additionally, it is a good start to establish more in-depth knowledge and skills in Interior Design and build professional network.
If you are looking to become an Interior Designer through enrolment in an Interior Design degree. Here are the general steps:
- Step 1: Complete SPM or any equivalent examinations.
- Step 2: Complete a qualifying pre-university programme which can permit entry into an Interior Design programme.
- Step 3: Complete the Interior Design undergraduate programme and you are able to find employment in the professional field of Interior Design.
However, if you are looking to become a qualified or chartered Interior Designer, you might have to register with a professional board. There are several professional bodies of Interior Designers in the UK. They are The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID), and the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD).
For those wanting to practise in Malaysia, you would have to register with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and pass the Interior Design Licensure Examination to professionally practise as a licensed Interior Designer in Malaysia.
For those wanting to become an Interior Designer without a Interior Design background, you may have to develop proper skills of an Interior Designer, take part in apprenticeships and build a comprehensive design portfolio. However, these steps are definitely easier said than done considering the fact that Interior Design is a fairly competitive field.
Top Universities to Study Interior Design in the UK
1. University of Kent
The University of Kent was established in the year of 1965. As of 2024, University of Kent is ranked 39th among the universities in the UK according to QS World University Rankings 2024. The University of Kent has campuses located in Canterbury and Medway with a postgraduate centre in Paris.
BA (Hons) Spatial and Interior Design by the University of Kent is an option to consider for those wanting to enrol into an undergraduate degree of Interior Design. The programme grants the opportunity for you to extensively develop your design portfolio embedded with a final-year showcase as a way of appealing to future employers.
Programme Offered | BA (Hons) Spatial and Interior Design |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £22,700 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration for this programme includes either a year of study abroad or a year of industrial placement.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Coventry University
Coventry University, founded in 1843, is a notable higher education provider in the United Kingdom. The main campus of Coventry University in Coventry is placed in one of the top 10 student cities in the UK according to the QS Best Student Cities 2024. Coventry emphasises their diverse campus community, innovative learning approaches, and graduate employability.
Coventry University offers the Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons) programme for those interested in Interior Design. The course employs a studio-based learning alongside striking a balance of traditional and digital approach to learning, ensuring students develop vital skills needed in the professional field of Interior Design.
Programme Offered | Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons) |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £19,850 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration for this programme includes a year of industrial or work placement.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. York St John University
York St John University, opened in 1841, is a higher education institution with two campuses – its main campus in the city of York and another campus located in the city of London. York St John University values heritage, inclusivity, sustainability, alongside their engaging learning approaches.
For students interested in an undergraduate degree in Interior Design, the Interior Design BA (Hons) at York St John University is a comparatively affordable study option. Students of the Interior Design BA (Hons) at York St John University have the chance to visit international cities, work on live briefs, enter design competitions, and exhibit works in the university’s annual degree show. These aspects are beneficial in expanding your professional network and building your design portfolio.
Programme Offered | Interior Design BA (Hons) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £11,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.
