BA (hons) Interior Design (Optional Foundation Year)

The BA (Hons) Interior Design with Foundation Year at Solent University is an exciting creative degree that supports you from your first steps in design right through to professional practice. It’s perfect for anyone who loves blending artistic flair with technical skills to shape inspiring indoor environments — from homes and workplaces to retail, hospitality and more.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

Your foundation year is all about building confidence and core creative skills so you’re ready for degree-level study. You’ll explore Group Design Projects to learn how different creative disciplines connect, practise Design Visualisation with basic two- and three-dimensional techniques, and develop communication skills through Industry Awareness and Industry Skills. By the end of the year you’ll have a solid understanding of visual communication, creative thinking and design fundamentals that support your transition into interior design modules.

Year 1

In your first degree year, you’ll start applying design thinking to real interior spaces. Through modules like Architectural Design Development, Design Communications and Materials and Finishes, you’ll learn how to think spatially, select appropriate materials and communicate design ideas both by hand and using digital tools. You’ll also explore the History of Design to understand how past movements influence modern interior design and begin to develop your own creative instincts.

Year 2

Your second year builds on this foundation with a sharper focus on how interiors work in the real world. In Commercial Interior Design you’ll tackle spaces used by people every day, while Interior Detailing and Ergonomics teach you how to design with comfort, practicality and technical precision in mind. Modern and Contemporary Studies will expand your awareness of current trends and design thinking, and digital visualisation modules help you present ideas through advanced software and modelling techniques.

Final Year

In your final year, you bring your skills together in meaningful, professional-level work. Sustainability and Interior Design modules allow you to embed environmental thinking into your projects, while Professional Practice prepares you for working in industry with knowledge of project management, business models and client communication. Your Final Major Project gives you the chance to research, conceive and realise a complete design portfolio that reflects your personal style and professional direction.

Focus Areas

Interior space planning, design communications, materials and finishes, ergonomics, commercial and residential interiors, digital visualisation, sustainability, professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to generate original design ideas, communicate concepts clearly through sketches and digital models, understand materiality and human needs, and manage design projects from concept to completion with confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is recognised for meeting professional interior design standards and aligns with industry expectations, helping you step confidently into careers in interior design, architectural interiors, visualisation, workplace or retail design and consultancy.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Solent’s interior design programme is known for strong industry links and real-world learning. Students work on live briefs and are encouraged to participate in exhibitions and events that help build portfolios and professional networks — giving you an advantage when applying for design roles after graduation.