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Interior Design BA Honours

Learn how to design successful, commercially focussed interiors from industry professionals while using state-of-the-art facilities on a course rated 100% for student satisfaction
Code
W251
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Jon Mortimer

Top 2 university in the UK (THE Young Universities 2022)

Why choose Interior Design BA at Middlesex?

Obsessed by interior design? We are too. Together we'll develop your creative and practical skills to turn your imaginative ideas into the foundations for a rewarding career. You'll learn how to think and work like a designer alongside fellow creatives.

Jon Mortimer who leads this course has been both a professional Interior Designer and design educator for over twenty years. His specialisms include the design of hotels, spas and leisure spaces, restaurant design, exclusive residential design, and retail and exhibition design. He also worked on the design of a private island in the Caribbean

In addition to the three-year course, you can develop your practical experience with a one-year placement as part of our four-year sandwich option. You'll develop practical experience which will boost your career prospects and lead to a highly-regarded additional qualification – an Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice: Interior Design.

Based on our leafy north London campus, you are only a short tube ride away from central London where you will be inspired by its many fabulous and interesting spaces, both ancient and modern.

What you will gain

Set yourself up for an exciting, successful and creative career. Past graduates have gone on to work in interior design practices, architectural designers, specialist studios and prestigious design companies such as Brinkworth, Virgile and Partners, Dalziel and Pow, 20.20, Silver and Co. and Fitch.

Year after year our students produce outstanding industry-standard work and leave the course with an impressive portfolio to launch their careers. Take a look at some of the work from last year’s graduates on our Creative Graduates 2022 website.

What you will learn

Interior design is an exciting, fast-moving and responsive creative industry, transforming spaces such as Retail (Shops), Hospitality (Hotels), Workplaces, Residential (Housing) and Public Spaces such as Libraries.

You will learn to design stylish interiors with character and atmosphere, understanding modern functionality and exploring current and future trends. With a focus on professional approaches to the development of design, including site analysis, trend analysis, understanding customer needs and expectations, methods of spatial planning, detail design, sustainable use of materiality, constructional awareness, professional drawing standards and visualisations - this Interior Design course aims to prepare students for a successful and exciting career.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Top 3 courses nationwide
    Our Interior Design BA is in the top three of interior design courses nationwide — Guardian University Guide 2024
  • First-class facilities
    Study in state-of-the art facilities including our purpose-built studio spaces as well as workshops, 3D printing and cutting-edge reprographic resources.
  • Global opportunitiesMake the most of our excellent industry and international school connections which include overseas exchanges and our one-year professional placement option.

Keep informed

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The curriculum focuses on seven core learning strands which are developed progressively throughout the course.

Research – Cultural, historical, political and social-economic contexts and how research and analysis of these contexts inform the design process and decision making.

Process – How the design of interiors is initiated, from the inception of a design concept through the process of design development to resolution and communication of the design proposal.

Design – The highest standards in design, recognising creative currency, innovation and design quality relative to contemporary Interior Design practice.

Making – The importance of materiality in interiors and how, and from what, interior environments are formed, fitted out and finished in order for designs to function and be appropriately experienced with an economic, ethical and ecological conscience.

Communication – How the design of interiors is coherently communicated and represented across a range of media and techniques, from freehand drawing to advanced visualisation programmes.

Practice – Professional standards and practice procedures applied to Interior Design, and how professional skills are deployed in the relationship with audiences, clients, markets, uses, consumers and participants in interior environments.

Employability – Self-evaluation and personal career development and employability opportunities within interior Design and related professions.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Fundamental Contexts and Skills (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will introduce the historical, contextual and critical basis of art, architecture and design and its analysis and interpretation. You will explore the important role of form, materiality, colour and light in the making and experience of interior environments. You will also focus on representation and communication methods in a range of media necessary and appropriate to clearly illustrate design research, precedent and inspirational reference and new interior design proposals.

    • Fundamental Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will introduce fundamental principles of design thinking and the design process, relative to the practice of brief-led Interior Design, through the study of fundamental elements of the interior in a series of separate, but inter-related, design projects. You will be able to explore approaches, methodologies and strategies that are appropriate to reflective design practice.

    • Interpreting Contexts and Skills (30 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning in the Fundamental Contexts and Skills module, this module will allow you to interpret research as a fundamental tool in the design process and introduce research methods and tactics necessary to result in an appropriate response to the design brief. You will evaluate the importance of the historical, contextual and critical basis of art, architecture and design and its analysis and interpretation in the process of designing interiors, as well as evaluate the important role of materiality in the formation of the interior and the experience of interior environments. You will interpret representation and communication methods in a range of media necessary and appropriate to clearly illustrate design research, precedent and inspirational reference and creative proposals in response to briefing material.

    • Interpreting Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning in the Fundamental Practice module, this module will allow you to evaluate understanding of underlying principles in design thinking and the design process to produce comprehensive and coherent design proposals for whole interiors. You will also be able to interpret approaches, methodologies and strategies that are appropriate to reflective design practice.

  • Year 2

    • Developing Contexts and Skills (30 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning in Interpreting Contexts and Skills module, this module will allow you to develop established techniques of research used in the design process and develop research methods and tactics necessary to result in an appropriate response to design briefs set in the Developing Practice module. You will also develop an understanding of the historical, contextual and critical basis of art, architecture and design and its analysis and interpretation. You will enhance your understanding of materials and construction technologies and processes used in formation of the interior and the experience of interior environments. You will effectively develop methods of representation and communication, and acquire new competences in a range of media necessary and appropriate to clearly illustrate design research and creative proposals in response to briefing material.

    • Developing Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning in the Interpreting Practice module, this module will allow you to apply developed thinking in design and process into coherent design proposals for a range of commercial interiors, studied and communicated in comprehensive detail at various scales through to 1:1. You will also effectively develop approaches, methodologies and strategies that are appropriate to critically reflective design practice.

    • Interior Design: Application (60 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning in the Developed Contexts and Skills module and the Developed Practice module, this module will allow you to establish the essential role of in-depth research into cultural, historical, political and socio-economic contexts, within site generic commercial Interior Design Projects. You will produce project outcomes that illustrate embedded, contextual research within the design process focused on client needs and user experience, applied to the design of commercial interiors and branded environments. You will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of professional practice standards and procedures, and develop your understanding of employability opportunities, self-evaluation and personal career development.

  • Optional placement year

    • Interiors: Placement 1 (60 credits) – Optional

      Building on prior learning, this module will allow you to utilise employment experience to provide an insight into the work, methods and operation of a professional design practice. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge to personal and professional practice, as well as have the opportunity to advance your professional knowledge and skills by experiencing a professional design practice working on real projects.

    • Interiors: Placement 2 (60 credits) – Optional

      Building on prior learning, this module gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the work, methods and operation of a professional design practice. You will be able to use the skills and knowledge acquired during the course to personal and professional practice, as well as having the opportunity to advance your professional knowledge and skills in the context of a professional design practice working on real projects.

  • Year 3

    • Interior Design: Integration - Research and Practice (60 credits) - Compulsory

      Building on prior learning, this module will allow you to evidence advanced research into cultural, historical, political and socio-economic contexts, pertinent to Interior Design study through the production of a comprehensive research portfolio. You will critically review and develop an individual process of design, from inception, through design development, to the production of a coherent, detailed design proposal and portfolio. You will reflect upon creative currency within contemporary Interior Design practice to support the delivery of the design proposals for commercial interiors and branded environments of the highest standards. You will explore the important role of materiality within the experiential quality of interiors with aneconomic, ethical and ecological conscience, within a contemporary context, as well as synthesise your personal and professional approaches to the communication of proposed interior spaces through the use of an advanced range of techniques, and media. Your individual standards and skills, related to professional practice procedures will be reinforced, acknowledging issues of operation, management, advanced literacy and numeracy.

    • Interior Design: Integration - Major Project (60 credits) - Optional

      Building on prior learning, this module will allow you to consolidate the key role of advanced research into cultural, historical, political and socio-economic contexts, within responsible commercial Interior Design Projects. You will critically review and develop an individual process of design, from inception, through design development, to the production of a coherent, detailed design proposal and portfolio ready for employment. You will be encouraged to reflect upon creative currency within contemporary Interior Design practice to support the delivery of design proposals of the highest standards, as well as reinforce the important role of materiality within the experiential quality of interiors with aneconomic, ethical and ecological conscience, within a contemporary context. You will focus on synthesising your personal and professional approaches to the communication of proposed interior spaces through the use of an advanced range of techniques, and media. Your individual standards and skills, related to and reflecting upon professional practice procedures will be reinforced, acknowledging issues of operation, management and responsibilities of advanced literacy and numeracy.

    • Interior Design: Synergy (60 credits) - Optional (Placement only)

      Building on prior learning and professional practice experience, this module aims to reinforce the use of materials and technologies for the architectural construction and operation of interiors. You will critically review concepts of design thinking and the processes and practice of brief-led design and embed environmental and performance issues in the architectural construction and use of interiors. You will be able to strengthen your contextual and critical basis of design and its analysis and interpretation as well as synthesise the communication and representation of architectural interiors in a range of media. This module also aims to consolidate your personal approaches to reflective and professional design practice.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the Interior Design BA Honours specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

Draft

In light of the COVID restrictions inflicted upon this year's cohort, we've transformed our annual printed magazine to reflect the digital world we (and the industry) find ourselves in. Take a look at DRAFT to see the wonderful work produced by our students across the three Interiors programmes.

Student Awards

Interior Educators:

Every year, Interior Educators holds a show to celebrate the work of Interiors students nationwide, presenting awards to the best students in different award categories. We are very proud to announce that, once again, our students excelled and took home awards in 2020!


Progress Awards: Best sketchbook: Adela Spalenkova (Yr 2) Winner

Progress Awards: Best Orthographic Drawing: Ashna Butt (Yr 2) Winner, Emily Marzocchi (Yr 1) Winner

Progress Awards: Live Projects: Ligia Popa (Yr 2) Winner

Retail Student Design Awards:

Second year students from BA Interior Architecture and BA Interior Design entered the Retail Student Design Awards again this year, tackling a brief set by the high street restaurant chain, Pizza Express. The judges, consisting of retailers and design experts from the The Body Shop, Specsavers, Quinine, Dalziel & Pow, Gensler and AHMH architects, were impressed by the entries, awarding joint winner status to two students from Middlesex – Ligia Popa, BA Interior Design and Ashna Butt, BA Interior Architecture.

Examples of work

Follow us on Instagram or scroll through the images below to see the great work our students have produced.

  1. Teaching and learning
  2. Assessment and feedback

The specialist facilities available to students in the Grove are extensive and the most up-to-date available, and there is professional technical support in all areas to help you use our workshops and studios to the best advantage.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.
  • An entire floor dedicated to design resources, including the Materials and Product Collections.

The Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture

The Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture (MoDA) is MLA accredited and houses the important Silver Studio collection of late 19th and early 20th century decorative art and design, designated as of national importance, together with a range of other collections including the J M Richards Archive of books on architecture and town planning.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the BA Interior Design support your career?

Our graduates leave Middlesex with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to successfully take up roles with interior design practices, specialist studios and consultancies, building and property companies, advisory agencies, and the design departments of public and commercial organisations.

Graduate employers

Some of the graduate career destinations include prestigious design companies such as Brinkworth, Virgile and Partners, Dalziel and Pow, 20.20, Silver and Co. and Fitch.

The creative industries sector is currently one of the fastest-growing employment markets and graduates can take advantage of the many opportunities for design-related roles and activities across the built environment sector, as well as in education, media, retail and entertainment.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has put us in the top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money 2023 and a top 10 university for producing CEOs (Novuana, 2023).

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Postgraduate study?

The course will also prepare you for further postgraduate and specialised study in interior design, interior architecture, architecture, the built environment, design history and theory, visual culture, and design management.

If you are interested in this course you might also like to find out about our MA Interiors course.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. Interview and portfolio
  4. How to apply

Fees

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning
  • Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders
  • Use of 3D workshops and materials required for module or project outcomes
  • Compulsory visits to museums and galleries.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

  • Your personal art materials and equipment
  • Printing at larger than A3 sizes, or on non-standard paper in the Reprographics area and binding. This may be subsidised or paid for if the output required is specified for the project/module.
  • Additional, specialist materials for the 3D and advanced digital workshops for individual output
  • Optional field trips and visits which are normally subsidised by the programme (generally and approximately up to 50% of the cost).

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Jon Mortimer
Programme Leader

Jonathan has been both a professional Interior Designer and design educator for over twenty years. His specialisms include the design of hotels, spa’s and leisure spaces, restaurant design, exclusive residential design, and retail and exhibition design. He also worked on the design of a private island in the Caribbean. A keen advocate of contemporary visualising techniques which utilise graphical software, he also maintains a strong connection with  hand drawing and painting, being an ardent Urbansketcher and life drawing. In 2015, Jon published a collection of short stories creating new myths for an old village in Kent and illustrated each of the fifty-five fairy tales with linocut black and white illustrations.

  • Roxanne Stone

    Interior Design BA graduate

    I’d done art and textiles at school and was going to do fine art, until my friend mentioned interiors. I wanted to do residential interiors and wasn’t crazy about retail, but the Adidas brief for a store to attract pre-teens was part of the Middlesex course, so I decided to knuckle down and nail it.

    I wanted to get exposure that would lead to an internship as everyone has a degree, but not everyone gets exposure. My other work suffered because of the extra effort I put in, but I did enough to get a first. I believe in quality over quantity.  On my second year studying Interior Design at Middlesex University, I was offered a two-week paid placement by 20.20 creative director Jon Lee. The placement extended into a summer job and then a part-time position.

    In 2017 Roxanne Stone was shortlisted for the Adidas brief at the Retail Design Student Awards and after graduating she started working full-time at 20.20.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Interior Architecture BA Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time

Code: K120

Design Engineering BEng

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement

Code: H150

Foundation Year in 3D Design

Start: September 2024

Duration: 1 year full-time, + 3 years full-time

Code: See How to apply tab

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