MA in Interior Design

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

The MA Interior Design at the University of Brighton is perfect for creative thinkers who want to explore how interiors can shape identity, wellbeing, and culture. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or already have experience in related fields, you’ll work on real-world projects, research-led design, and studio-based experiments to develop your own unique design voice.

Curriculum Structure

Situate & Design Research Practices
You’ll begin by exploring the big ideas that shape interior design today, including sustainability, social impact, and human experience. In Design Research Practices, you’ll learn to use research as a creative tool, helping you develop informed, original, and thoughtful design solutions.
Design Strategies & Design Lab
In Design Strategies, you’ll tackle experimental briefs that push your creative thinking, while Design Lab lets you develop your ideas further in a self-directed studio environment, using iterative design and feedback to refine your work.
Option Modules & Proposal Development
Choose from optional modules such as Sustainable Design: Future(s) or Critical Readings in Spatial Design to explore advanced topics like circular design systems and social change. At the same time, you’ll start preparing your final project, bringing together everything you’ve learned so far.
Masterwork (Final Project)
In your final module, Design: Masterwork, you’ll lead a research-informed, self-directed design project. This is your opportunity to create a polished interior concept that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and professional readiness.

Focus areas: “research-led spatial design, sustainability & future thinking, identity & belonging, experimental interiors, circular systems”

Learning outcomes: “combine critical research with creative practice, develop original spatial concepts, apply sustainable and systemic design approaches, and deliver a professional, research-informed major design project”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed by practicing designers and academics, the course closely mirrors professional design practice through real-world briefs and research-led studio work.

Reputation (employability / ranking): Brighton’s Art & Design courses are ranked joint 8th in the UK and in the top 100 globally by QS World University Rankings® 2023.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Brighton, MA Interior Design isn’t just about theory — it’s about doing. You’ll spend your time in professional studio spaces, exploring physical materials, digital tools, and immersive technologies to bring your ideas to life. From model-making to VR visualisations, the course gives you the chance to experiment, reflect, and push the boundaries of interior design in a hands-on, real-world context.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Professional Studio Spaces: Work on collaborative and self-directed projects in studios designed to mimic real-world design environments.
Model-Making & Workshops: Access workshops for wood, metal, textiles, and other materials to create detailed prototypes and scale models.
Photography & Digital Tools: Use photographic studios, darkrooms, and computer labs with software for CAD, VR, image manipulation, and publishing.
Digital Fabrication: Make use of 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and rapid-prototyping machines to turn digital designs into physical realities.
Immersive Technology: Experiment with VR labs, a digitisation suite, and the Igloo Immersive Display to visualise and test your spatial concepts.
Large-Format Printing & AV Tools: Produce high-quality presentations, portfolios, and immersive media using in-house printing and audiovisual equipment.
Showcase Opportunities: Present your work at the Architecture & Design Summer Show, sharing your designs with peers, staff, and industry professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Brighton’s MA Interior Design leave ready to make a real impact in the creative world. Whether you dream of becoming an Interior or Spatial Designer, a Creative Consultant, a Set and Production Designer, or a Design Researcher, this course equips you with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed. Because the program blends studio practice, research, and innovative thinking, you’ll graduate with a portfolio and professional experience that employers value.

Here’s how Brighton helps you take that next step in your career:

Dedicated Careers Support: The university’s Careers & Employability Service offers personalised guidance, portfolio reviews, interview preparation, and networking opportunities to help you connect with the industry.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 9 out of 10 Brighton graduates are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course.
Industry-Relevant Roles: Alumni go on to work in diverse areas such as residential, commercial, hospitality, exhibition, and set design — as well as research and consultancy roles.
Professional Insight: The course is taught by practising designers and visiting industry specialists, giving you exposure to real-world practices and expectations.
Long-Term Career Value: By engaging with sustainable design, research methods, and creative problem-solving, you’ll graduate ready to innovate, lead projects, or even start your own design business.
Lifelong Support: Brighton continues to support alumni with mentoring, career fairs, and access to professional networks after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired to continue your studies, this MA is an excellent stepping stone for PhD or MPhil research in design, spatial studies, or creative practice. The major project and research skills you develop during your degree provide a strong foundation for advanced academic work or specialised professional paths.