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
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Why study 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. Through a comprehensive exploration of interiors for commercial success, you will create inspiring and engaging environments, considering financially viability, sustainability and ecological awareness and an understanding of the responsibility that a designer has towards future generations.
- Learn from the experts - 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
- Career-ready outcomes - The BA Interior Design course will prepare you for a creative career in contemporary design, focusing on commercial, real-world projects that include the opportunity to explore retail, hotel, workplace, leisure, social and culture spaces, exhibition, installation, refurbishment and adaptive re-use. 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.
- A holistic design approach - The course encourages an interdisciplinary exploration of design, with students researching into contemporary interior design trends as well as cultural and historical contexts, considering the role of interiors for commercial clients as well as within communities, and considering a designs support of a brands identity and their target customer, and how they may adapt to future needs and changing expectations.
- Flexible and supportive learning environment - 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.
3 great reasons to pick this course
Part-time study
Study at your own pace alongside work and other commitments and get the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.
When choosing a part-time course, you will study the same modules as the full-time course but over a longer period.
Find out more about the many benefits of studying part-time at Middlesex University.
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.
About your course
- Identify and explore the spatial principles of interior architecture and design to approach spatial design challenges.
- Articulate a design vocabulary for the interior.
- Develop analogue and digital literacies for articulating design thinking, ideation and iteration.
- Apply an understanding of scale, proportion and spatial arrangement.
Introducing the principles and strategies of commercial interior design, you will identify and apply research methods and practices to interpret its contexts and challenges. Through the analysis of existing sites and market factors, you will evaluate contemporary trends and offer alternative solutions through design ideation and development. Functional and operational appropriateness are essential considerations, as is future-proofing potential outcomes.
Introducing you to the art of designing for commercial clients, the module focuses on the design and communication of commercial interiors. Through detailed research and analysis, you will demonstrate the functional and operational benefits of your proposals in response to changing market conditions.
Develops an understanding of the critical role of in-depth research into the cultural, historical, political, and socio-economic contexts that underpin the practice of Interior Design, alongside the investigation of materials, construction technologies, and processes that are integral to shaping interior spaces and enriching the experience of interior environments.
Enables you to test and apply newly acquired spatial competencies to address real-world design challenges. Focusing on the user- experience, you work within existing buildings to develop design proposals that test how people sense and navigate interior worlds.
- Design processes and practice in a professional context
- Demonstrate knowledge of materials and building technologies
- Apply the knowledge of the nature and operation of a professional design practice or office
- Generate professional design communication ideas and proposals
- Reflect on professional design practice and identify career and development pathways within the profession.
Introduces you to advanced research methods and practices that synthesise their knowledge, understanding and critical exploration of Interior Design as a diverse field of practice. The aim of the module is to establish a research-led design process that focuses on site investigation, essay writing and case study analysis as primary tools for shaping critical thinking around the Interior.
Enables you to undertake and articulate a critically engaged design process from inception, through design development, to design resolution and presentation. Based on a current and commercially relevant client, you will re-imagine your interiors through a focus on brand identity, sustainability and the public interface.
Allows you to focus on designing a project of substantial scale and complexity, identifying a client, conducting extensive market research, analysing a site and developing a negotiated brief to propose strategies for articulating potential design solutions.
Focuses on a practice-led design project of substantial scale and complexity. Integrating all aspects of their learning experience into a single output, students repurpose a multi-storey existing building to ensure its sustainable future.
- Design processes and practice in a professional context
- Demonstrate knowledge of materials and building technologies
- Apply the knowledge of the nature and operation of a professional design practice or office
- Generate professional design communication ideas and proposals
- Reflect on professional design practice and identify career and development pathways within the profession.
Course Specification
To find out more, please download the Interior Design BA course specification (PDF).
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Teaching
Our students learn most effectively working on design projects, the content of which closely mirrors that in the professional world, with practical problems to solve and creative opportunities to be taken. These projects are an opportunity for you to show us how you are applying what you are learning as well as showcasing your individual creativity and originality. We will review your work at regular tutorials where we will collaborate on how to continuously improve your work.
You'll learn to benefit from support through one-to-one discussions, where you will be able to gain the insight of professional designers to help you develop your own 'voice'. The clearly structured and timetabled modules allow you to balance your on-campus time and your independent study where you can progress your ideas in a way that best suits your lifestyle.
You will be taught through a combination of supervised studio time, tutorials, interactice sessions and practical workshops. Interactive sessions target important concepts within design history and contemporary practice, and allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific disciplines.
You will receive direct personal feedback on your progress on each studio module on a weekly basis, allowing you to get the support you need to develop.
You will also have access, to dedicated design studios which replicate the commercial environment, included desktop computers loaded with specific software, and also to the 24-hour Library Building, Sample Materials Room, 3D workshops (general, metals, ceramics), 3D printing studio, digital media workshops, and photography studios throughout your course.
Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.
You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon.
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
- 12 hours of supervised design studio, including group/one-to-one tutorials and skills workshops
- 38 hours of independent study, untutored open studio access. Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study, which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations, and exams.
Independent learning
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Year 1
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24% | 288 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 76% | 912 | Independent learning |
Year 2
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24% | 288 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 76% | 912 | Independent learning |
Year 3
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 24% | 288 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 76% | 912 | Independent learning |
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.
Your learning will be assessed regularly by the following methods. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good approximate guide.
| Year | Coursework | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 70% | 30% |
| Year 2 | 70% | 30% |
| Year 3 | 70%* | 30% |
* dependent on options taken in final year.
Assessment is an integral part of learning, manifested both as grades and as feedback, and regular evaluation and critical review of your project work is as much a part of your learning process as seminars, workshops and project tutorials. You will receive feedback on all submitted or presented work, and you will be encouraged to reflect on and learn from it.
The assessment of a piece of work can be either Formative or Summative.
Formative assessment is developmental in nature and is intended to provide a constructive commentary on your performance and how it can be improved and is a key part of the learning process. It is normally given throughout the learning process, with opportunities for face to face feedback, and indicative grading across each of the projects multiple assessment criteria.
Summative assessment is evaluative in nature and provides a criteria-based measure of the extent to which you have achieved the intended learning outcomes of a project or a module.
You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.
We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.
Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.
“It was inspiring to see all the final Degree Show projects that was presented in a professional and creative way. Spending time looking at the research and studies that they have done shows a clear understanding of the site and client that they were designing for. Knowing that talented designers graduating from Middlesex University and entering our profession gives us all encouragement that the future is bright! Well done to the staff in both the Interior Design and Interior Architecture course in nurturing this new generation to their full potential.”
- Foster + Partners, renowned design firm, following their visit to the Middlesex University Degree Show 2025
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North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn moreCareers
How can an Interior Design degree support your career?
The course focuses predominantly on core specialist and transferable skills necessary for a successful career in Interior Design. These skills are applicable in various professional settings, including design practice, independent consultancy, and diverse industry-relate sectors
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.
Graduate job roles
Roles for graduates in the interior design sector include:
- Interior designer
- Architectural technologist
- Production designer
- Project manager
- Visual merchandiser
- Design consultant
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
Recent graduates also have the option to advance to our MA Interiors (Architecture + Design) course. Middlesex University offers financial support for students pursuing this path.
If you are interested in this course you might also like to find out about our MA Interiors course.
Placements
The course offers you the opportunity to undertake a year-long paid professional placement between Years 2 and 3 in Thick Sandwich (TKS) mode. To qualify for TKS mode, you must successfully complete all Level 5 academic modules. Upon completion of the placement year, you will be required to submit a visual and reflective portfolio of your activities. Students that will successfully complete the Placement Year will receive an Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in addition to their degree award.
Entry requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
Qualifications
- UCAS tariff Points
- We accept students with a wide range of qualifications, including combinations of qualifications. Our most common entry qualifications can be found below: 112 UCAS tariff points
- A-level
- BBC-BBB
- BTEC
- DMM-DDM
- Access requirements
- Overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
- Combinations
- A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 UCAS Tariff points
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
Our entry requirements page outlines how we make offers.
Interviews and portfolios
Entry onto this course requires an interview and a review of your portfolio. For more information please see the adjacent tab
Academic credit
If you have a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to join us in year two or three. Find out how you can transfer courses.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements. Find out more about prior learning accreditation.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications if you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
We welcome students from the UK and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Award-winning career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the accepted qualifications on your country's support page. If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest international office.
English language
You will need to meet our English language requirements. And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer a Pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you might need a Student visa. Please check to see if this applies to you.
We will consider all applications on their individual merit; successful applicants should demonstrate suitability, dedication and fitness for their chosen programme of study. All candidates are asked to submit evidence of previous production and creative practice, normally presented as a portfolio.
Interviews
As far as possible, students are required to attend an interview. The interview itself will last around 15 minutes but you should allow for the whole interview process to take a working day as we will spend some time at the beginning explaining our course ethos and philosophy to you in a group, with the opportunity for you to ask us questions about the course and life as a Middlesex student.
You will also be offered the opportunity to view the facilities and meet appropriate staff and students. We use the interview to find out more about you, to better understand your aspirations and interests, and to explore why you want to study with us.
Portfolio
You should also bring a full portfolio to the interview.
Watch a video on how to prepare your portfolio here, as well as interview tips and advice.
Please apply via UCAS using this UCAS W251.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
The following fees are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,535*
Part-time: £79 per taught credit
*Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years may be subject to further inflationary increases (most recently, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to the All-Items Retail Prices Index – RPIX) in line with any additional rise in the tuition fee cap set by the UK government. Any annual increase in tuition fees will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
As a part of our commitment to an excellent student offer at Middlesex University, we pledge to invest the additional money from tuition fee increases into the student experience, and we are consulting at present on what these improvements will be and will follow up with further details
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 - £30 per module
- 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 - Discretionary £20 per module
- Additional, specialist materials for the 3D and advanced digital workshops for individual output - Discretionary £20 per module
- Optional field trips and visits which are normally subsidised by the programme (generally and approximately up to 50% of the cost) - £20 per module
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.
Based on the current fee, for a typical three-year degree, the total costs for your studies will be £28,605.
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.
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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.