BA (Hons) Interior Design

The BA (Hons) Interior Design at the University of Plymouth is a creative and industry-informed degree that prepares students to design spatial environments with purpose and innovation. It emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and real-world application, blending conceptual exploration with technical and professional design skills.

Students work across a variety of interior contexts—from residential and commercial to exhibition, public, and experiential spaces—using both traditional and digital tools. The program is housed within the School of Art, Design and Architecture and benefits from close links to industry and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Focus Areas:

• Human-Centred and Inclusive Design

• Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse

• Technical Skills: 2D and 3D CAD, materiality, lighting, and construction details

• Creative Thinking and Storytelling

• Professional Practice: Live projects, industry briefs, portfolio development

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

• Core design principles, drawing and visual communication

• Introduction to interior design processes and user-centred approaches

• Studio-based design projects exploring space, material, and function

• Design history and theory modules

Year 2: Intermediate

• Spatial strategy, advanced detailing, and sustainable design

• Client-focused projects across hospitality, retail, and exhibition sectors

• Development of digital and physical modelling skills

• Continued theoretical and contextual studies

Year 3: Advanced

• Self-initiated final major project with industry relevance

• Emphasis on identity, place, and contemporary spatial issues

• Final portfolio, professional practice preparation, and career planning

• Degree Show exhibition

Learning and Assessment Methods

• Studio-Based Learning: Central to the course, supported by specialist workshops

• Seminars & Lectures: Critical and contextual understanding of interior design

• Technical Workshops: Digital modelling, rendering, VR, physical fabrication

• Tutorials and Group Crits: Regular feedback from staff and visiting professionals

• Field Trips: Visits to studios, exhibitions, and architecture/design landmarks

• Assessment:

  • 100% coursework: design projects, visual journals, portfolios, written reflections

Rankings

• Top 10 UK Young University – Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024

• The School of Art, Design and Architecture is known for creative innovation and sustainability in design education