BA (hons) Interior Design (sandwich year)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Wales

Program Overview

The BA (hons) Interior Design (sandwich year) at USW is a dynamic, professionally-oriented course that focuses on creating thoughtful, sustainable, and innovative interior environments. It blends creative design exploration with real-world application, preparing students for diverse roles in the interior design industry.

Key focus areas include:

Creative Practice: Encouraging originality through sketching, model-making, and digital experimentation.
Human-Centered Design: Emphasis on designing for usability, comfort, and human experience.
Sustainability: Integration of sustainable design thinking and responsible material use.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD, visualisation, construction detailing, and lighting.
Professional Development: Strong links to industry through live briefs, external collaborations, and employability support.

Year-wise Breakdown of Core Modules

Year 1: Foundations

Principles of interior design and spatial awareness.
2D/3D visual communication (manual and digital).
Design thinking, creative exploration, and visual narrative development.
Introduction to materials, lighting, and human interaction with space.

Year 2: Intermediate

Projects focused on residential, commercial, and public interiors.
Advanced CAD, 3D modelling, and sustainable materials application.
Engagement with live briefs, client communication, and project management.
Introduction to contextual research and critical reflection.

Year 3: Advanced

Major self-directed interior design project demonstrating conceptual and technical resolution.
Professional practice and portfolio development.
Research dissertation or critical report on a chosen interior design topic.
Participation in degree show to showcase work to public and industry professionals.

Learning and Assessment Methods

Studio-Based Learning: Central to the curriculum; collaborative and hands-on.
Workshops & Seminars: Skill-based and theoretical sessions including materials, lighting, and sustainability.
Guest Lectures: Delivered by practicing designers and industry experts.
Field Trips: Visits to showrooms, exhibitions, and real-world sites.
Assessments: 100% coursework – includes design portfolios, sketchbooks, models, presentations, and written reflection.

Rankings

University of South Wales is not ranked in the QS or THE global subject rankings for Interior Design specifically.
Known regionally for strong links with industry, career-focused courses, and supportive teaching environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of South Wales, Interior Design is all about learning through experience. From your first year, you will spend a lot of time in studio environments, developing ideas, experimenting with materials, and learning how interior spaces actually work in practice. The course is very hands-on, helping you build practical design skills alongside digital and technical expertise, so you graduate with confidence and a strong professional portfolio.

This practical learning is supported through:

Dedicated interior design studios: You will work in specialist studio spaces where most of your learning happens through projects, workshops, and tutor-led studio sessions.
Industry-standard design software: You will develop professional digital skills using tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS Max, and Adobe Creative Cloud to produce drawings, visuals, and presentations.
Making and fabrication facilities: Access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and workshops allows you to test ideas physically and bring your designs to life.
Live briefs and real projects: You will work on industry-informed projects that reflect real interior design challenges, helping you understand client needs and professional expectations.
Placement opportunities: There is the option to complete a sandwich year placement, giving you valuable real-world experience and helping you build industry connections before graduating.
Site visits and study trips: Visits to real buildings and spaces help you understand how interiors function in everyday use and how design decisions impact people.
Library and study support: You will have access to modern libraries and collaborative learning spaces to support research, concept development, and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Interior Design from the University of South Wales prepares you for a creative career where your ideas can shape real spaces and experiences. Graduates leave with a strong design portfolio, practical skills, and industry awareness, moving into roles such as interior designer, 3D visualiser, exhibition or event designer, and interior project roles. With its hands-on approach and strong industry links, this course gives you the confidence to step straight into the design world or continue your studies.

How the University of South Wales supports your career journey:

Careers and employability support: You will be supported by the Careers and Employability Service with one-to-one guidance, CV and portfolio support, interview preparation, and access to job opportunities.
Real industry experience: Through live briefs, industry-led projects, and optional sandwich year placements, you gain practical experience and build valuable professional connections.
Strong industry connections: The course works closely with design-led organisations such as Orangebox, Austin-Smith: Lord, and Rio Architects, giving you exposure to current professional practice.
Positive graduate outcomes: Many design graduates move into employment or further study soon after graduating, with earnings growing as experience and specialism develop.
Professional recognition: Accreditation by the Society of British & International Interior Design adds long-term value to your degree and strengthens your professional credibility.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your degree, you can continue to build your expertise:
Graduates often progress to postgraduate study in Interior Design, Design Innovation, or related creative disciplines. These routes allow you to specialise further, refine your design identity, and move into senior creative roles, consultancy, or teaching in the future.