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Interior Design

BA (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - single honours

Award
BA (Hons) Interior Design
School/s
Bath School of Design
Campus or location
Locksbrook Campus
Course length
Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: HH19; or HH20; or HH21
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Learn to transform and repurpose spaces on our new Interior Design course.

  • Develop design proposals, working across a range of interior spaces such as restaurants, hotels, retail spaces and museums.
  • Repurpose existing spaces in the public sphere - finding new uses for old buildings is a key skill.
  • Enrich your learning with opportunities for practical work experience.

#1 in the UK

for Continuation in Interior Design (Guardian University Guide, 2024)

University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

#14 in the UK

and #2 in the South West for Continuation in Art and Design (Complete University Guide, 2024)

#21 in the UK

and #2 in the South West for Graduate Prospects "On Track" in Art and Design (Complete University Guide, 2024)

Our BA (Hons) Interior Design course focuses on existing buildings and spaces, and finding innovative ways to use them.

We'll explore the experiential qualities of the spaces we use every day - lighting, environment, materials, finishes - and how these are used to create mood or ambiance.

As a budding interior designer, you'll apply your design skills to a broad range of interiors, such as hotels, restaurants, exhibitions, retail and shop fitting, offices and commercial premises, museums, and galleries.

Find out more about what our students are working on over on our Instagram page @bathspa.interiordesign


Open Days

Get a taste of life at Bath Spa – come to one of our Open Days.

Book your place


Study options

This course is also available as a four-year full time programme with the optional addition of either an Integrated Foundation Year in Art and Design or a Professional Placement Year.

Integrated Foundation Year (UCAS code: HH21)

The preliminary and intensive Integrated Foundation Year in Art and Design is designed to develop your ideas, skills and confidence in readiness for progressing to year one of your degree programme.

Professional Placement Year (UCAS code: HH20)

This year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of “with Professional Placement Year” to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement, for assessment.

What you'll learn

Overview

From the outset, you'll develop design proposals, working across a range of interior spaces such as restaurants, hotels, retail spaces and museums. In today's design world, sustainability is paramount. Finding new uses for old buildings is a key skill. 

Design Studio projects form the core of the course, and you're supported through seminars and lectures to develop knowledge of contemporary interior design practice. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about teamwork and client relationships by working on "live" projects with external audiences or collaborators. 

Historical and critical studies modules allow you to learn about the history of design and develop key writing and communicating skills, leading to an extended essay in your final year.

You'll explore the professional world through Professional Context modules, developing knowledge of contemporary designers, how they work, and the projects they have completed. This will include visits to factories, production companies, studios, exhibitions, and recently completed projects.

Course structure

Year one
You'll begin by undertaking design projects to learn fundamental skills in observation, measured surveys, drawing, and knowledge of materials and structures.

Year two
You'll continue with design project work, which will require you to develop your drawing, CAD, and model making skills to effectively communicate your ideas and design proposals in presentations and formal critiques.

Year three
In your final year, a project that includes the construction of an element of your design work at full size will enable a more in-depth understanding of construction and the tactile qualities of materials.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is 100% based on coursework, presented at the end of each of the modules. At this point you’ll receive summative feedback, so you’ll know how to improve or develop your work.

Throughout the module, you'll receive formative feedback through individual and/or group tutorials, seminar sessions, and group critiques. Feedback is given verbally and /or in written format.

All feedback aims to enable you to improve your work, and you'll receive the summative feedback and marks within three weeks of the completed module submission date.

How will I be taught?

As you progress through the course, teaching methods will change to deliver the intended learning outcomes of the modules. In general, Interior Design teaching involves methods such as:

  • Studio engagement
  • Taught practical sessions
  • Individual and group tutorials
  • Active participation through seminars, group work, and directed learning
  • Practical workshop introductions
  • Lecture series
  • Directed or self-directed projects
  • Live projects
  • Engagement in using both hand and digital processes
  • Study trips
  • Personal presentation, display, and documentation of work.

Self directed learning is facilitated through materials on Ultra – Bath Spa University’s Virtual Learning Environment – and other web-based resources. You’ll also have access to our specialist art and design library.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Course modules

This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.

Year one (Level 4) modules
  • Communications 1: Observation, Survey, Drawing
  • Design Studio 1: Retail / Space and Light
  • Professional Context 1: Knowing Designers
  • Communications 2: Model Making / Structures
  • Design Studio 2: Arts and Education / Materials and Details
  • History and Context: Introduction to Material and Visual Culture

 

Year two (Level 5) modules
  • Design Studio 3: Leisure and Hospitality / Construction in Detail
  • Design Studio 4: Environment and Services
  • Professional Context 2
  • Design Studio 5: Industry Live / External Audience
  • Interior Design: Contemporary Issues and Practice
  • Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
  • Visual and Material Culture: Final Study
  • Design Studio 6: Scale 3D, Hands-on Making
  • Professional Context 3
  • Design Studio 7: Final Major Project

Opportunities

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Careers

The range of professional destinations for Interior Design graduates is very broad. As well as the more traditional roles in architectural and interior design practices, many graduates go on to work in other specialist design fields such as:

  • Exhibitions and trade fairs
  • Retail and shopfitting
  • Theatre and stage
  • Film and TV production.

Practical skills developed through the course can also lead to careers in model making, animation, lighting design, and other related disciplines.

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

As a BA Interior Design student you’ll benefit from access to comprehensive digital workshops and specialist art and design facilities, including:

  • Our student service point at Locksbrook where you can purchase subsidised art and design materials, hire out equipment for free and collect Library resources
  • Access to our well-stocked Library at Newton Park
  • Specialist technical workshops across all of art and design
  • Access to studio space where you can work on projects and refine your practice

Locksbrook campus

Locksbrook Campus is a Grade II listed building designed by Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. It has now been transformed into an innovative, open plan space, redesigned to meet 21st century environmental standards, with technical workshops surrounded by flexible studio spaces and large social areas.

Locksbrook has received both a RIBA South West Award 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021, recognising and celebrating what an amazingly inspirational space it is to come together to design, make, do, create and learn in.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
UK part time £4,625
International full time £17,585

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.

  • UK: £1,850
  • International: £3,517

Interested in applying?

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level - grades BBB-BCC including a Grade B in Art and Design or related subject.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject, or evidence of experience in Art and Design.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of grade 5 in an Art subject at Higher Level.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) together with evidence of experience in Art and Design.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

Interview and portfolio guidance

We recommend that applicants undertake a pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in addition to the qualifications listed above.

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited by email to bring a portfolio of creative work and preparatory work/sketchbooks to interview. More details will be supplied on invitation.

If you’re an international student or based overseas, web-based interviews with a digital portfolio will be offered. Please contact International Admissions for more information: internationaladmissions@bathspa.ac.uk

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page. Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.

Get ahead

We recommend that applicants undertake a pre-degree foundation diploma in Art and Design in addition to the qualifications listed above; however we will consider applicants without this.

Academic contact: Nancy Bakopoulou
Email: n.bakopoulou@bathspa.ac.uk

Three year course
With placement year
With foundation year

Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk