Two figures walking with coffee cups through digital interior

Interior Design BA(Hons) (Online)

Become a resilient commercial interior designer.

Key details
Location
Online
Course duration
2 years / 3 years
Attendance
Full-time / Part-time
UCAS code
W2OB (full-time)

Course overview

Taught by practising academic staff, with the opportunity to collaborate with our industry partners and work on real-world scenarios, this Interior Design online degree gives you the freedom to craft your interior design future and test the bounds of what's possible to achieve in interior spaces.

You’ll be designing for positive impact, creating sustainable interior solutions while working on current challenges and delivering forward-thinking projects, such as experiential brandscapes and pop-ups, as well as localised and personalised spaces.

You will:

  • Learn from industry-savvy professional tutors how to create interior spaces suitable for a wide range of commercial applications 

  • Understand and employ large-scale planning strategies and the small-scale fine detail required to deliver design projects 

  • Negotiate and collaborate effectively to deliver projects within multi-skilled teams 

  • Pursue disruptive approaches to real-world problems 

  • Master industry-recognised computer-aided design and presentation software 

  • Develop a professional identity that sets you up for employment within an interior design practice or developing your own start-up  

Course details

On this accelerated degree, you'll be challenged to respond to real-world design scenarios and reimagine current societal challenges from day one. Our society is in need of a new model of sustainable living in thriving and connected communities. Interior designers have a role to play, now more than ever to resolve some of these challenges. We will work with you to develop the skills to tackle these global issues and revive struggling economies.
 

You will be challenged to respond to real world design scenarios, and consider the role of commercial space, client and user-centric requirements with a focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors. You will be introduced to core skills and theories within the Interior Design discipline.  

Online workshops in 2D and 3D hand drawing and sketching, 2D CAD and presentation software will introduce you to the tools and conventions of the design industry and enable you to develop your own means of effectively communicating your ideas. 

You will begin to experiment with the vast array of materials available to interior designers to create compelling colour designs, materials and finish palettes which will enhance your spatial concepts. You will also learn about sustainability and the application of sustainable approaches and ethical practices in your design work.

Modules

Interior Design Toolbox

Through a structured design project focusing on the leisure industries, you will be introduced to the language and principles of working with interior spaces from both a user and client perspective. 

From Unsustainability to Sustainability   

This module introduces critical thinking and communication skills in relation to the history of the Interior Design profession, with a focus on the evolution of sustainable design theory and its implications for the future of the industry. 

Sustainable and Ethical Luxury 

This module will explore the potential for sustainable luxury, the role of conscious consumerism and the consideration of environmental impact when designing for a future of sustainable travel. It will also investigate the significance of health and wellbeing within the context of hospitality and travel.

Materiality: Surface and Texture     

This module introduces you to the built reality of a scheme by developing the ‘materiality’ of design concepts and interior specification, considering colour, materials and finishes. 

 

Commercial design thrives on the ‘new’. Through a series of selected projects, you will be encouraged to challenge the norm through originality and being ‘disruptive’. You will consider the psychology of space and changing consumer behaviour in developing design solutions to current societal challenges, as well as extending your understanding of sustainable working methods and approaches to specification.  

Detail design will be introduced, showing how a design concept moves from the idea into built reality, while also learning how building regulations impact on design proposals and how building services are integrated into a design solution. Lighting design will also be introduced. Workshops in 3D digital software will help you to refine and present your ideas in a professional manner. 

Modules

Brandscape: Experiential Interiors  

Understanding brand ethos and its application to the creation of an interior branded environment, this module will encourage you to take a more questioning approach to the nature of design and will reward risk-taking as part of your design practice. 

Detail Design: Bespoke  

In order to create innovative design solutions, you will develop your understanding of how elements within a visual concept can be designed, detailed and assembled sustainably.

Re-imaging Retail   

This module explores opportunities for the redevelopment of the high street caused by the shift from traditional bricks and mortar retail to online shopping. 

Collaborate 

Working as part of a team, you'll work on 'Challenge Briefs' that reflect the sort of assignments you could expect to be working on in industry. Developing your 'soft skills', like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, you'll sharpen your ability to work well as part of a group to produce outstanding work.

Pursue your preferred pathway in Interior Design and challenge yourself by asking: ‘what can interior design be?’ Liaise with industry professionals and design mentors in your final major project to create a career-launching portfolio.   

You will create your own professional identity and online presence, developing your project management skills and business awareness, including cost control, fee structures and timelines. Advanced 3D CAD workshops will allow you to create immersive, interactive experiences and environments.  

Modules

Future Environments: Work, Rest and Play 

This module gives you the opportunity to test an independently identified and researched design or societal challenge, through the application of research methodologies to innovative design practice. 

Production Information  

In this module you will learn about and explore the ‘built reality’ of a project proposal through integrated detail drawings and considered interior specifications.

Career Portfolio    

In preparation for your engagement with industry or post-graduate study, you will showcase your skills and design ability through the creation of an impactful portfolio.

Professional Identity  

Following your own interests as a designer, you will build your professional identity reflecting your career ambitions, an understanding of professional business and project management processes, and skills relevant to the industry.   

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

Resources & support

An online student on their laptop
Is online study for me banner

Is Online Study for Me?

The creative culture at our core is not confined to our Cornwall campuses; with our online degrees, ...

Is Online Study for Me?
Two women and a man seated at a desk with a laptop and print outs
Falmouth staff at table

Online Learning Support

You'll have access to a range of support throughout your studies with us to help you thrive and deve...

Online Learning Support
Graphic Design group of students around table
Graphic Design group of students around table

Online Learning Community

Discover learning support services available to online students. 

Online Learning Community
Person sat at laptop working with design book
Interior Design online 2024

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

See how you can support a student considering an online degree at Falmouth.  

Parents & Carers Guide to Online Study

Resources and Support

  • Dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • Accessible online audio / visual content
  • A Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies and access to our Student Support Services
  • Access to our Employability Service
  • 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals and resources
  • Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
  • Students' Union community
  • Optional face-to-face events
  • Invitation to attend alumni events

Although online students don't have access to on-campus facilities as part of the course, you can hire equipment and access facilities by paying a charge. Find out more about availability and prices here.

Headshot of BA(Hons) Interior Design (Online) course leader Amanda Losasso
Amanda Losasso

Meet your course leader, Amanda Losasso


We talked to course leader Amanda Losasso about her wealth of industry experience, and her research into creative risk-taking.  

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Interior Design online student working on laptop
Interior Design online

How you'll learn & be assessed

How online study works

On this accelerated course you'll learn through online lectures, webinars, forums and design activities, which are available on our virtual learning environment. Presentations, tutorials and team meetings with your online tutor and your peers will provide support and help you to develop ideas. You'll also be encouraged to collaborate, share ideas and to establish a support network with your peers.

What will my study hours be?

Throughout the course you'll be provided with a structured diversity of experiences which will enable you to develop a strong skills base and working knowledge of industry practise. You'll refine dynamic design processes, spending between 27-50 hours a week working on your craft, depending on your choice of full-time or part-time study.

On completion of the course you'll have a varied portfolio of creative work and a keen sense of enterprise. These will equip you well to identify, create and respond to the many opportunities that exist throughout the design industry.

What does accelerated study mean?

An accelerated degree condenses your degree modules into two years on the full-time route, or three years on the part-time route. This means you'll be working across three study blocks per year, instead of two, including through the summer. Typically, there is a break of around two weeks between submitting your final assignment for each module and the start of the next study block. You will also get breaks on public holidays, for around two weeks at Easter and for around three weeks in December.

The BA Interior Design course employs a variety of assessment strategies over the course of the year. These include the submission of digital portfolios of work, online presentations, reports and a major practise project.

Your summative (final) assessments occur at the end of each module, usually at the end of the study block. You may also have interim formative assessments part way through a module as well. These assessments help ensure that you remain on track with your work.

You will receive continuous written and/or verbal feedback on all your work throughout the year. At the end of the module you will receive detailed feedback in written form.

You'll be able to check in with your online tutor to discuss your progress and ask any questions you have about your course.

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Staff

Our academic staff members are practising professionals within the design industry and have worked with the likes of Yo! Sushi, Brewdog, Eden Project, Lush and Office Shoes. With an array of specialisms between them, you'll gain current industry insights from across the interior design sector. You'll also learn from practitioners across the globe through live brief projects.

Staff image of Amanda Losasso

Amanda Losasso

Course Leader, Interior Design BA(Hons) (Online)

Amanda is a Lecturer in Interior Design having joined the university’s interiors team in 2013.&nbs...

Amanda Losasso
Hannah Soulsby

Hannah Soulsby

Module Leader, Interior Design BA(Hons) (online)

Hannah Soulsby holds over 10 years’ experience within the industry. Featuring a rich background in...

Hannah Soulsby
Olivia Aspinall

Olivia Aspinall

Online Tutor

Olivia graduated from Central Saint Martins with a degree in textile design and then went on to spen...

Olivia Aspinall

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Careers

As a graduate you could become: 

  • A junior designer in an Interior Design practice, progressing to designer or senior designer with experience
  • A freelance designer or design consultant 
  • A specialist in FF+E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment specification) 
  • An exhibition or event designer 
  • An architectural technician 
  • A visualiser, designer, or project manager in retail, hospitality, residential or workplace design 
  • An entrepreneur creating your own interior design business 

How to apply

Apply 

You have the option to apply via Clearing or directly with us, depending on your education and experience. Find out more about ways to apply. 

Ready to join us? Find out what course routes are available here.

Course route Course start Apply now
Full-time

September 2023

Apply via Clearing

Part-time September 2023 Apply now

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an online interview to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

Applying with UCAS points

Course route Entry requirements
BA/BSc(Hons) degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

Applying without UCAS points

We'll welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications. Find out more about APL.

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

For starting your studies in 2023

Applications for these courses remain open whilst there are spaces available. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

The academic start date is 18 September 2023.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Annual tuition fee Student
£10,400 per year 2 years accelerated full-time
£6,935 per year 3 years accelerated part-time
Annual tuition fee Student
£10,400 per year 2 years accelerated full-time
£6,935 per year 3 years accelerated part-time

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

What funding can I get?

Funding for online study is different to on-campus study. You'll find information about both tuition fees and how you can fund your online study on this page.

Explore funding options
Two female Falmouth University students sat at a table with open books

Typical course costs

You will need to have access to a laptop or desktop computer. We strongly recommend that you purchase one before the course commences. It is an essential piece of equipment that you will need right from the start of the course.  

When considering the specs of your equipment, the most important things to look out for are the CPU/RAM/Graphics Card, as we use software that needs a large amount of power, especially Revit. We recommend one with as fast a processor as you can afford, 16GB of RAM minimum. and a reasonably sized screen (15” is minimum), plus the following absolute bare minimum computer specifications: 

Windows: 

  • Windows 10  
  • At least an i7 processor  
  • No less than 16GB Ram - more is better!  
  • Graphics Card (Nvidia 1050 minimum - not Intel Iris or XE integrated graphics) with at least 2GB - the bigger the memory the better!  
  • 512GB hard drive space minimum - bigger = better!  
  • 1920 x 1080 display resolution or higher. Ideally 4K.  
  • Mouse with a scroll wheel and two buttons  

You will be required to use Windows only software on the course, so an Apple computer will not be suitable for all of your studies. Chromebooks and iPads will not run the software you require for your studies. An iPad however, is a useful secondary machine for digital notetaking and sketching. 

Other digital equipment/software: 

  • Adobe Creative Cloud  
  • Sketchup - approx. £55  
  • 16 -32 GB memory stick - approx. £10-20. You will need to be able to back up and save work regularly.  
  • Wireless or Bluetooth mouse - approx. £15  
  • Access to either an A3 printer/copier/scanner or photocopying services (Approx £20 printing costs for A3 photocopies) 

Recurring annual costs

Process, Drawing and Modelmaking - Materials and Equipment - £150 

Adobe Creative Cloud

You will need access to Adobe Creative Cloud. You may be eligible for discounted licenses through Adobe's education pricing and Falmouth University seeks to provide further discounts when possible. If any discounts are available, we will communicate these to you.

For more information please visit Adobe Creative Cloud.

Face-to-face events (optional)

As an online student you will be given the opportunity to attend up to two events per academic year to meet your classmates and tutors in person. Dates and location of the events will vary.  

Costs of the events themselves are covered, however you will need to cover your own costs for travel, accommodation, food and drink. More information about these events will be given to you when you start your course, but you should expect them to cost approximately £500-800. 

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

 

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Virtual Open Days & events

Head to our Open Days & events page to see upcoming virtual Open Days and online events covering everything from student funding to application advice.

Find an event
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