Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University Dublin

Program Overview

Choosing the BA (Honours) in Interior Design (TU975) at TU Dublin is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about mastering how we experience the spaces where we live, work, and play. This program is a perfect fit for creative problem-solvers who want to combine artistic vision with the technical expertise needed to transform a simple room into a powerful, functional environment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 Your first year is dedicated to building a strong creative foundation through "Design Fundamentals," where you'll explore the relationship between form and space. You will start mastering professional visualization tools in CAD 1 and Structure and Technical Drawing, while developing your hand-eye coordination through Observational Drawing.

Year 2 In the second year, the focus shifts toward the practicalities of interior environments and how users interact with objects. You will dive into specialized modules like Storage, Internal Structure, and Recreation 1, all while advancing your digital fluency in CAD 3 to create increasingly complex 3D models.

Year 3 The third year prepares you for the realities of the design industry by introducing Professional Practice 1 alongside advanced technology modules like Digital Modelling 1. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to choose elective modules from Fine Art or Visual Communication, allowing you to tailor your aesthetic through subjects like Design Now: 3D.

Year 4 Your final year is the culmination of your journey, centered around a significant Design Thesis where you research and develop a primary design solution for a challenging interior problem. You will demonstrate your readiness for the professional world by presenting a comprehensive concept development project that showcases your unique voice as a designer.

Focus areas: Design fundamentals (form and space), design communications (CAD and technical drawing), critical theory (history and issues in design), and professional practice.

Learning outcomes: Mastery of 2D and 3D visualization software (Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite); ability to manage complex spatial problems from concept to technical specification; deep understanding of anthropometrics and ergonomics; and professional-grade portfolio development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the BA (Honours) in Interior Design (TU975) at TU Dublin, we believe that the best way to master the art of space is to get your hands dirty in the studio. Based in the stunning, purpose-built East Quad at our Grangegorman campus, you won’t just be sitting behind a desk; you’ll be working in a 16,000-square-meter creative hub designed specifically for the 21st-century designer. From day one, you are treated as a professional, utilizing high-end workshops and the latest digital tools to turn your conceptual sketches into tangible, life-sized realities.

Your journey at TU Dublin is defined by a "learning-by-doing" philosophy, supported by world-class facilities and a vibrant community of fellow creators:

Custom-Built Design Studios: You will have your own dedicated workspace within our expansive, light-filled studios in the East Quad, providing the perfect environment for long-term project development and peer collaboration.
Specialized Fabrication Workshops: You’ll gain hands-on experience in our fully re-equipped workshops, where you can work with wood, metal, and plastics to build physical models and furniture prototypes under the guidance of expert technical staff.
Industry-Standard Software: You will become a power-user of the professional "Digital Toolkit," including AutoCAD, Sketchup, Rhino, and the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), ensuring you're ready to hit the ground running in any design firm.
Professional Practice & Industry Links: The program features Professional Practice modules and strong ties to the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), often involving guest lectures from top architects and studio visits to leading Dublin design practices.
Digital Modeling & 3D Printing: You will have access to cutting-edge Digital Modelling facilities, including 3D printers and laser cutters, to bridge the gap between digital design and physical realization.
Collaborative Group Projects: Many modules, such as Recreation 1 and Design Fundamentals, involve collaborative "charrettes" and group builds that mirror the teamwork required in real-world architectural and design offices.
GradX – The Graduate Exhibition: Every year, the campus transforms into a public gallery for GradX, where you will exhibit your final thesis project to industry scouts, potential employers, and the public—a massive opportunity for networking and job offers.
The Academic Hub & Library: Our brand-new Academic Hub (opening in 2026) offers specialized design archives and a roof garden with panoramic views of Dublin, perfect for finding inspiration for your next spatial concept.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Honours) in Interior Design (TU975) from TU Dublin transforms your creative passion into a professional edge, preparing you to lead in a fast-paced global industry. Because this degree is deeply connected to Dublin's architectural and design landscape, our graduates are highly sought after for roles as Interior Architects, Exhibition Designers, Visual Merchandisers, or Commercial Space Planners:

University Services for Employment: The TU Dublin Career Development Centre provides you with a competitive advantage through Careers Connect, an exclusive portal for design vacancies, and CareerSet, which offers instant AI feedback on your CV. You can also attend the annual Art & Design Careers Day, where you’ll pitch your portfolio directly to top-tier design firms and recruitment specialists.
Employment Stats and Salary: TU Dublin is currently ranked Number 1 in Dublin for Graduate Employability (HEA Survey 2025). Graduates in the creative arts and design sectors can expect starting salaries ranging from €30,000 to €38,000, with senior designers and project managers in Ireland often earning upwards of €55,000 to €75,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: We maintain active links with over 800 industry partners, including prestigious firms like Henry J. Lyons, Mola, and O’Donnell O’Neill. These partnerships ensure that your "Live Brief" projects are critiqued by working professionals, often leading directly to internships and job offers before you even graduate.
Long-term Accreditation Value: This degree is aligned with the high standards of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI). Holding an IDI-recognized qualification is a mark of professional excellence that is respected internationally, making it much easier to work in design hubs like London, New York, or Paris.
Graduation Outcomes: Our alumni are the faces behind some of the most iconic spaces in Ireland. From designing high-end retail environments for Harvey Norman to creating innovative office spaces for global tech giants, a TU Dublin degree is a recognized seal of quality across the built environment sector.