
Interior Design BA(Hons)
Create impactful interiors considering design theory, psychology and sustainability.
Course overview
Exploring commercial, experiential and residential spaces, you’ll learn how interior design uses colour, pattern and materiality to make memorable atmospheres. On this Interior Design course, you’ll create impactful interiors considering design theory, psychology and sustainability.
With access to dedicated studios and high-spec facilities, including development through VR, you’ll gain technical skills through hands-on collaborative projects and live industry briefs. On this Interior Design course, you’ll learn to forecast trends and develop industry-standard professional practice skills and have the opportunity to apply for competitive internships.
You will:
- Work with a variety of exciting industry partners such as Gensler, DSK, MIX Magazine and Sanders Studios
- Pitch ideas to compete for a coveted industry placement or micro-internship
- Negotiate your own interior design projects and develop an individual design philosophy to achieve your dream job in industry
- Engage with the collaborative work ethic of the future through interdisciplinary projects that look to innovative solutions
- Harness your creative identity through our studio culture, IT suites and workshops
- Draw inspiration from our extensive materials library
- Have the opportunity to go on study trips such as Milan Furniture Fair (Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano) and Dutch Design Week (DDW), the biggest design event in Northern Europe
Course details
On this Interior Design degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or study Interior Design BA(Hons) with a professional placement option.
Through this interior design course, you'll develop the practical skills and theoretical understanding to become a confident, well informed and industry-connected designer of the future.
Through hands-on projects spanning residential, commercial and branded spaces, you’ll explore the fundamentals of interior design and Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E); examine space in relation to communities, human behaviour, design theories and brand awareness; and consider the environmental impact of built environments. You’ll also learn vital project and design management skills, including how to pitch, model, draw, simulate, test and communicate design proposals.
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the principles of interior design and examine the psychology of creating interior atmospheres. You’ll learn how to use spatial concepts to analyse how design decisions shape the experience of a place, and to make recommendations based on client and user need. This will allow you to evaluate, research, draw and model a space to propose an innovative design based on an experiential-focused brief.
Modules
Spatial Awareness
In this module, you’ll explore the relationship between body, movement, space and form. Working with lecturers from the Academy of Music & Theatre Arts, you’ll tap into the world of choreography and dance to help develop your understanding of the experience of space.
Design Principles
In this module, you’ll explore the principles of interior decoration, commercial interiors/branded spaces and interior architecture, as well as developing your understanding of interior space from a user, client, brand and site perspective.
Taste
In Taste, you’ll gain an understanding of the theories surrounding the visual aesthetics of the interior. You’ll also develop the technical skills you'll need to communicate your ideas in a professional interior design context.
You, Me, Us
In this module, you'll investigate collective identities, practices and values. Examining human behaviour, you'll gain an understanding of the social, psychological and cultural factors that shape the interior condition.
In the second year, you’ll explore innovative design concepts for the future through live briefs and collaborations with industry partners. Throughout this project work, you’ll continue to enhance your understanding of colour, light, texture, materiality and acoustics, as well as building your understanding of technical detailing and presenting to industry standards.
You’ll also have the opportunity to compete for a variety of industry internships and undertake study trips.
Modules
Trend forecasting
In the Trend Forecasting module, you’ll learn to explore, identify and predict consumers’ attitudes, needs, wants, spending patterns and lifestyles, and discover how all this informs interior design via global trends.
Future Living
What is the future of interior design? Here, you’ll explore the evolution of the interior from concept through to technical resolution, while actively questioning future living environments and their environmental impact.
Collaboration
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.
Fictional Interiors
You'll explore the possibilities and constraints of representation by considering narrative and storytelling as integral to 'imagined' interior spaces. You'll learn to articulate the differences between virtual and real interior places by experiencing AR and VR technologies.
You can choose to take an optional professional placement after your second year on a three-year programme.
You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability team.
Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying.
How you’ll study during your professional placement
You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks.
You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation.
Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth.
The final year of the course is focused on preparing you for life as a professional interior designer. Through masterclasses in lighting, sustainable materials, detailing and Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E), you’ll further solidify your technical design skills – giving you the knowledge to complete a project from concept through to resolution. You’ll also hone your project and design planning skills and techniques through a dedicated Design Ambitions module.
You’ll consolidate everything you’ve learned through personally negotiated projects and the completion of an industry-ready graduate portfolio, which will be your calling card as you step into the world of work.
Modules
Design Insight
Through a critical report, you’ll explore a personal philosophy as a designer and develop an entrepreneurial mindset by identifying a niche in the market.
Innovation
You’ll develop a personal design pathway that embraces originality, creativity and innovation and actively questions the future of interior design.
Design Ambition
In this module, you’ll reflect on your skills and ambitions helping you to define a career pathway post-university.
Showcase
In your final module, you’ll prepare for industry or further study by creating a ‘showcase’ for your skills and design ability.
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.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details:

How you’ll learn & be assessed
Based on Falmouth Campus, with opportunities to access facilities on Penryn Campus, you'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, studio practice, workshops and practical demonstrations. You'll also learn through guest lectures and integrated studio design projects.
At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.
You'll be assessed through practical submissions and coursework.
Assessment methods
Assessments can take many forms, including:
- Design process – sketchbooks
- Research
- Presentations
- Project-based portfolios
- Essays or reports

Interior Design final project retrospective
Step into the life of an Interior Design student here at Falmouth by hearing from some of our amazing students, graduates and staff. They'll take you through their thought processes and design tips and techniques behind the creation of impactful built environments.
Find out moreFacilities
- Dedicated design studios
- Workshops – 3D, metal, wood, resistant materials, rapid prototyping, casting, milling, virtual reality suites, dance studios and theatres
- Subject specific library with multiple on-line resources
- Material Library with access to real material samples
- Student support and academic support services
- IT - WiFi and open access IT suites across both campuses
- Online Learning Space with 24/365 access

Art & Design Facilities
Primarily located at the Falmouth Campus in a subtropical garden, our studios and workshop facilitie...

Library Facilities
Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

Sports Centre
Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...
Staff
Our Interior Design staff includes professional interior designers, architects, digital specialists and lighting designers. You’ll also gain the latest professional insights through talks, workshops and opportunities with our industry-leading partners.

Fay Freeman
Course Leader, BA(Hons) Interior Design
Fay Freeman is the new Course Leader for BA(Hons) Interior Design having joined the University ...

Carlo Convertini
Senior Lecturer
Carlo is also an Interior, Furniture and Product Design Professor with more than 10 years of experie...

Jean Whitehead
Senior Lecturer Interior Design
Jean, a senior lecturer in Interior Design and a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, chosen because s...

Jennifer Neal
Associate Lecturer
Jennifer graduated from Falmouth University in 2010 and is delighted to be back teaching here as her...

Iain Stewart-Tull
Associate Lecturer
Iain graduated from the Mackintosh School of Architecture with a master of architecture degree and w...

Emma East
Lecturer
Emma East graduated in 2011 from the University of Derby in Architectural Technology & Design, h...

Jeb Beresford
Associate Lecturer
Having spent his architectural career in Hong Kong, USA, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and the UK, Jeb brings ...

Sarah Molloy
Associate Lecturer
Sarah has worked as an Interior Designer in both the commercial and high-end residential design sect...
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.
Stories from our community
Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Impressive pitch secures internship with global architecture and design firm
17 August 2023
We talk to Sam Bloor about the industry collaboration opportunities on Falmouth's Interior Design co...

Graduating Interior Design student announced as BIID Student Drawing Competition winner
13 July 2023
Doroteja Liaukeviciute has been announced as the winner of the ‘Digital’ and ‘Hand Drawn’ ca...

Interior Design students showcase portfolios to industry experts
06 July 2023
Interior Design students connect with potential employers at industry partners day.

Interior Design final project retrospective
25 January 2023
Step into the life of being an Interior Design student here at Falmouth by hearing from some of our ...

Student takes home sustainability award at Interior Educators 2022
02 August 2022
BA(Hons) Interior Design student Ashley Powell has seen his shortlisted project 'holm' rise to ...

Interior Educators Awards 2022: Shortlisted projects exhibited at Re-Form show
22 July 2022
Falmouth University's shortlisted Interior Educators Awards submissions were recently exhibited at t...

The psychology of space: How interiors shape our behaviour
20 May 2022
Discover how interior environments can impact our daily lives and influence our behaviour.

Interior Design students create concept designs for AMATA
18 May 2022
Two second-year Interior Design BA(Hons) students have teamed up to create concept designs for an ex...

The difference between interior design and interior architecture
28 April 2022
Understand the key differences between interior design and interior architecture.

9 Best interior design Instagram accounts to follow
08 April 2022
Ashley shares nine of his favourite interior design Instagram accounts to take your feed to new heig...

Graduates pool their skills to design positive community change
28 October 2021
A team of Interior Design graduates are helping to transform a disused pub into a community space in...

Graduate returns to Falmouth to embed sustainability into design curriculum
18 June 2021
Megan Coe graduated from BA(Hons) Interior Design in 2019, and has since been working in Cornwall fo...

Graduate is creating luxury interiors and connecting people
14 May 2021
Interior Design graduate Ella is currently working for Mehrai Design, a London-based ...

Graduate designing for Sybarite
18 March 2021
Interior design graduate Riko Sobukawa left Falmouth in 2016 and is currently working for architectu...

Graduate designing modular apartments in Sweden
05 February 2021
Interior Design graduate Jake is currently working for Adept Consulting as a structural designer –...

Graduate designing luxury yachts
13 January 2021
Interior Design graduate Emily is currently working as Creative Designer for Princess Yachts, a lead...

Students create collaborative 'Future Trends' Report
22 December 2020
First and second year Interior Design students and first year Photography students have completed an...

Talented Falmouth Design Students Win National Competition
19 August 2020
Congratulations to Falmouth University students, Emily Robson and Romina Arellano-Templer, for their...

Graduate Designs at the Young Vic
03 August 2020
Interior Design graduate Phyllys Egharevba graduated in 2018, she is currently working freelance as ...

Graduate Designing Social Spaces that Create Connections
03 June 2020
Interior Design graduate Kieran O’Shea is currently working for Amarelle - a team of exp...
Second year internship programme
“Working with Interior Design students at Falmouth University enables us in industry to not only keep track of junior talent to benefit us in the long run, but it also allows us to support in honing their skills to better prepare them for entering the design world. University degrees are a great start to what we hope will be a long future for many design students, but it can only teach so much.
The course is structured in a way to give breadth and knowledge and a broad overall sense of what the design industry is all about. With first hand connections we support in filling the gaps and keeping the conversation fresh. It’s a great privileged and honourable opportunity for us working in agencies to use our experience, much of which is varied to mentor these students so that they are fully prepared, excited and ready to start their careers as post graduates. After all they are our future”
– Sammi Burden, Creative Director, Bull Design
Careers
As a graduate of this Interior Design degree, you could go into varied roles including:
- Interior designer
- Design consultant
- Spatial designer
- Project manager
- Design journalist
- Lighting designer
- FF&E consultant
- Exhibition/event designer

Student work by: Sam Thomas

" An Art or Design degree is an opportunity to channel your creative flair by exploring a range of media techniques to refine your practice. "
How to apply
Ready to join us? You can apply for September 2024 through UCAS. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).
Course route | UCAS code |
---|---|
Interior Design BA(Hons) three year degree | W252 |
Interior Design BA(Hons) with professional placement | PY41 |

Application advice & interview information
Go to ToolkitWe consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition 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.
Course route | Entry requirements |
---|---|
BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with professional placement | 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.
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 2024
UK applications: 31 January 2024 (for equal consideration)
Applications after the 31 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.
International fee payers
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
We’re looking for students who are curious, artistic and passionate about the interior design field. Good hand drawing skills and an awareness of three-dimensional understanding and thinking is desirable.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,460 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per professional placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,950 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per professional placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
£1,385 per study abroad year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
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
Typical course costs
- £100-£200 – recurring annual costs (materials and printing)
- £40 - Suggested reading
- £400-£450 – optional study visits
- £750-2000– one-off cost for the duration of the course (laptop)
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our student funding pages.
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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