BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Regents University London

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation at Regent's University London is designed for aspiring interior designers who want an additional year to build their academic, creative, and technical skills before progressing to degree-level study. The integrated Foundation Year develops confidence in design thinking, communication, research, and visual creativity, while the degree equips students with specialist knowledge in spatial design, sustainable interiors, digital visualisation, materials, and professional practice, preparing them for careers across residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and workplace design.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

The Foundation Year introduces students to creative thinking and university-level study through modules including Critical Thinking, Communications, and Creativity and Entrepreneurship. Students also explore Cultural Understanding and Liberal Arts and Media, developing research, presentation, visual communication, and problem-solving skills while building a strong foundation for specialist interior design study.

Year 1

Students establish a solid understanding of interior design through modules including Design: Spatial Investigations, Reading Spaces, Design: Inhabitation, and Representing Spaces. They develop creative research, spatial analysis, drawing, model making, and digital visualisation skills while learning how to create interior environments that respond to users, context, culture, and sustainability.

Year 2

The second year develops professional design capabilities through modules such as Design: Events, Narrative Spaces, and Design: Adaptation. Students explore commercial, hospitality, retail, and workplace interiors while strengthening their knowledge of adaptive reuse, sustainable design, lighting, materiality, construction, and user-centred design through studio projects, an Industry Challenge, optional Placement, or Study Abroad opportunity.

Year 3

In the final year, students consolidate their professional expertise through Design: Exploration, Design: Realisation, Major Project I, and Major Project II. They develop a comprehensive interior design proposal from concept through technical resolution, combining digital modelling, material specification, visual presentation, and professional portfolio development while demonstrating their own design philosophy and readiness for industry.

Focus Areas (String)

Interior design, Spatial design, Sustainable design, Adaptive reuse, Residential interiors, Commercial interiors, Hospitality design, Workplace design, Exhibition design, Materiality, Lighting design, Digital visualisation, Design communication, Professional practice

Learning Outcomes (String)

Develop creative interior design solutions, Apply spatial design principles, Produce professional drawings and digital visualisations, Analyse user and site requirements, Design sustainable interior environments, Communicate concepts through models and presentations, Apply material and construction knowledge, Build a professional portfolio, Manage complex design projects, Prepare for professional interior design practice

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme combines studio-based learning with live client projects, collaborative design practice, professional portfolio development, and industry engagement. Students gain practical experience through design studios, workshops, guest lectures, optional placements, and interdisciplinary projects that reflect contemporary interior design practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Located in central London, one of the world's leading design capitals, students benefit from access to internationally renowned architecture, museums, galleries, exhibitions, design studios, and creative industries. The programme includes opportunities to work on live client briefs with organisations such as Zoological Society London (ZSL), Camden Council, MICA Architects, and Marylebone Parish, helping students build professional experience and industry networks before graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation combines academic preparation with immersive studio practice, enabling students to develop creative confidence before progressing to professional interior design projects. During the Foundation Year, students strengthen their visual communication, research, and design thinking skills before moving into specialist studio modules where they design innovative interior environments for real users and clients. Located in central London, Regent's gives students direct access to world-renowned architecture, museums, galleries, design festivals, and creative studios, making the city an extension of the learning environment. Practical learning opportunities include:

Foundation Year develops creative and academic skills through modules including Critical Thinking, Communications, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Cultural Understanding, and Liberal Arts and Media, preparing students for specialist interior design study through research, visual communication, presentation, and collaborative projects.
Work on live client briefs with organisations including Zoological Society London (ZSL), Camden Council, MICA Architects, and Marylebone Parish, developing design proposals that respond to real-world spatial and community needs.
Complete studio-based design projects exploring residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, workplace, and exhibition interiors through concept development, technical resolution, and professional presentation.
Participate in collaborative group projects, design critiques, presentations, workshops, and interdisciplinary studio activities, developing teamwork, communication, creative thinking, and professional design practice.
Develop practical skills in spatial planning, technical drawing, hand sketching, model making, lighting design, furniture specification, material experimentation, and interior detailing through project-based learning.
Use industry-standard digital design software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Vectorworks, and Adobe Creative Cloud, to produce technical drawings, 3D visualisations, presentations, and professional portfolios.
Explore sustainable and adaptive design by creating innovative interior solutions that consider circular design principles, material reuse, environmental impact, accessibility, and user wellbeing.
Undertake an optional professional placement, gaining industry experience with interior design studios, architecture practices, design consultancies, retail brands, hospitality companies, or creative agencies.
Choose an optional Study Abroad term at one of Regent's 60+ partner universities across more than 20 countries, broadening your understanding of international design, architecture, and spatial practice.
Complete a substantial Major Project, taking an interior design proposal from initial research and concept development through technical detailing, visualisation, model making, and final presentation to create an industry-ready portfolio.
Learn from architects, interior designers, creative directors, and design consultants through guest lectures, workshops, portfolio reviews, networking events, and employer presentations.
Participate in site visits to architecture, museums, galleries, material libraries, design exhibitions, and creative districts across London, using the city as a living laboratory for research and inspiration.
Access dedicated design studios, Mac and PC laboratories, workshop spaces, digital fabrication facilities, presentation spaces, photography studios, and the Regent's University Library, which provides specialist interior design books, journals, material references, and digital resources supporting studio practice.
Receive personalised support from Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services, including career coaching, CV and portfolio reviews, employer networking, internship support, and access to the Handshake careers platform for placements, graduate roles, and creative industry opportunities.
Showcase your work through Regent's ShowLab and graduate exhibitions, presenting your portfolio and final projects to employers, design professionals, and potential clients while building your professional profile.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation combine creative design thinking with technical expertise, preparing them for careers across residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, workplace, and exhibition design. The Foundation Year builds essential academic, visual communication, and creative skills before students progress to specialist interior design study, enabling graduates to pursue roles such as Interior Designer, Interior Architect, Spatial Designer, and Exhibition Designer while developing an industry-ready professional portfolio.

Dedicated Careers, Enterprise and Industry Services: Students receive personalised career coaching, CV and portfolio reviews, interview preparation, employer networking events, internship support, and lifetime careers guidance. They also gain access to the Handshake careers platform, connecting students with 650,000+ global employers for internships, placements, freelance projects, and graduate opportunities.
Employment outcomes: While Regent's does not publish programme-specific salary figures, graduates are prepared for careers in interior design, interior architecture, workplace design, hospitality design, retail design, exhibition design, furniture design, set design, adaptive reuse, and design consultancy. Alumni have established independent design practices and secured positions with organisations including FutureBrand, AIS Workplace, MoreySmith, Household, Squire & Partners, Michaelis Boyd, PURPUR, Dalziel & Pow, and Tekuto.
University–industry partnerships: Students complete live client briefs with organisations including Zoological Society London (ZSL), Camden Council, MICA Architects, and Marylebone Parish, while also participating in exhibitions, industry showcases, guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with practising architects, interior designers, and creative professionals.
Long-term professional value: Graduates leave with a comprehensive professional portfolio featuring studio projects, live client work, technical drawings, physical models, sustainable design proposals, and digital visualisations created using AutoCAD, SketchUp, Vectorworks, and Adobe Creative Cloud. These industry-standard skills provide strong preparation for long-term careers across the global design industry.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates build careers with leading architecture and interior design practices, creative consultancies, retail and hospitality brands, exhibition companies, and cultural organisations, while many also establish independent design studios or freelance businesses. They also become part of Regent's international alumni network of 34,000+ graduates across 170+ countries, providing valuable global professional connections.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this programme, graduates can continue to postgraduate study in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Spatial Design, Sustainable Design, Architecture, Exhibition Design, Furniture Design, or Design Management. The professional portfolio, live project experience, and creative problem-solving skills developed throughout the programme also provide an excellent foundation for specialist design research, entrepreneurial ventures, professional accreditation pathways, or advanced creative practice within the international design industry.