
Interior Design BA(Hons) (Online)
Become a resilient commercial interior designer.
Course overview
This course is new for entry year 2022
Taught by practising academic staff, with the opportunity to collaborate with our industry partners and work on real-world scenarios, this online course gives you the freedom to craft your interior design future and test the bounds of what's possible to achieve in interior spaces. You’ll be designing for positive impact, creating sustainable interior solutions while working on current challenges and delivering forward-thinking projects, such as experiential brandscapes and pop-ups, as well as localised and personalised spaces.
You will:
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Learn from industry-savvy professional tutors how to create spaces suitable for a wide range of commercial applications
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Understand and employ large-scale planning strategies and the small-scale fine detail required to deliver design projects
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Negotiate and collaborate effectively to deliver projects within multi-skilled teams
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Pursue disruptive approaches to real-world problems
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Master industry-recognised computer-aided design and presentation software
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Develop a professional identity that sets you up for employment within an interior design practice or developing your own start-up
Course details
From day one you'll be challenged to respond to real-world design scenarios and reimagine current societal challenges. Our society is in need of a new model of sustainable living in thriving and connected communities. Interior designers have a role to play, now more than ever to resolve some of these challenges. We will work with you to develop the skills to tackle these global issues and revive struggling economies.
You will be challenged to respond to real world design scenarios, and consider the role of commercial space, client and user-centric requirements with a focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors. You will be introduced to core skills and theories within the Interior Design discipline.
Online workshops in 2D and 3D hand drawing and sketching, 2D CAD and presentation software will introduce you to the tools and conventions of the design industry and enable you to develop your own means of effectively communicating your ideas.
You will begin to experiment with the vast array of materials available to interior designers to create compelling colour designs, materials and finish palettes which will enhance your spatial concepts. You will also learn about sustainability and the application of sustainable approaches and ethical practices in your design work.
Modules
Interior Design Toolbox
Through a structured design project focusing on the leisure industries, you will be introduced to the language and principles of working with interior spaces from both a user and client perspective.
From Unsustainability to Sustainability
This module introduces critical thinking and communication skills in relation to the history of the Interior Design profession, with a focus on the evolution of sustainable design theory and its implications for the future of the industry.
Sustainable and Ethical Luxury
This module will explore the potential for sustainable luxury, the role of conscious consumerism and the consideration of environmental impact when designing for a future of sustainable travel. It will also investigate the significance of health and wellbeing within the context of hospitality and travel.
Materiality: Surface and Texture
This module introduces you to the built reality of a scheme by developing the ‘materiality’ of design concepts and interior specification, considering colour, materials and finishes.
Commercial design thrives on the ‘new’. Through a series of selected projects, you will be encouraged to challenge the norm through originality and being ‘disruptive’. You will consider the psychology of space and changing consumer behaviour in developing design solutions to current societal challenges, as well as extending your understanding of sustainable working methods and approaches to specification.
Detail design will be introduced, showing how a design concept moves from the idea into built reality, while also learning how building regulations impact on design proposals and how building services are integrated into a design solution. Lighting design will also be introduced. Workshops in 3D digital software will help you to refine and present your ideas in a professional manner.
Modules
Brandscape: Experiential Interiors
Understanding brand ethos and its application to the creation of an interior branded environment, this module will encourage you to take a more questioning approach to the nature of design and will reward risk-taking as part of your design practice.
Detail Design: Bespoke
In order to create innovative design solutions, you will develop your understanding of how elements within a visual concept can be designed, detailed and assembled sustainably.
Re-imaging Retail
This module explores opportunities for the redevelopment of the high street caused by the shift from traditional bricks and mortar retail to online shopping.
Collaborate
Working as part of a team, you'll work on 'Challenge Briefs' that reflect the sort of assignments you could expect to be working on in industry. Developing your 'soft skills', like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership, you'll sharpen your ability to work well as part of a group to produce outstanding work.
Pursue your preferred pathway in Interior Design and challenge yourself by asking: ‘what can interior design be?’ Liaise with industry professionals and design mentors in your final major project to create a career-launching portfolio.
You will create your own professional identity and online presence, developing your project management skills and business awareness, including cost control, fee structures and timelines. Advanced 3D CAD workshops will allow you to create immersive, interactive experiences and environments.
Modules
Future Environments: Work, Rest and Play
This module gives you the opportunity to test an independently identified and researched design or societal challenge, through the application of research methodologies to innovative design practice.
Production Information
In this module you will learn about and explore the ‘built reality’ of a project proposal through integrated detail drawings and considered interior specifications.
Career Portfolio
In preparation for your engagement with industry or post-graduate study, you will showcase your skills and design ability through the creation of an impactful portfolio.
Professional Identity
Following your own interests as a designer, you will build your professional identity reflecting your career ambitions, an understanding of professional business and project management processes, and skills relevant to the industry.
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
How you'll learn
You'll learn through online lectures, webinars, forums and design activities, which are available on our virtual learning environment. Presentations, tutorials and team meetings with your online tutor and your peers will provide support and help you to develop ideas. You'll also be encouraged to collaborate, share ideas and to establish a support network with your peers.
Throughout the course you'll be provided with a structured diversity of experiences which will enable you to develop a strong skills base and working knowledge of industry practise. You'll refine dynamic design processes, spending between 27-50 hours a week working on your craft, depending on your choice of full-time or part-time study.
On completion of the course you'll have a varied portfolio of creative work and a keen sense of enterprise. These will equip you well to identify, create and respond to the many opportunities that exist throughout the design industry.
How you'll be assessed
The BA Interior Design course employs a variety of assessment strategies over the course of the year. These include the submission of digital portfolios of work, online presentations, reports and a major practise project.
Your summative (final) assessments occur at the end of each module, usually at the end of the study block. You may also have interim formative assessments part way through a module as well. These assessments help ensure that you remain on track with your work.
You will receive continuous written and/or verbal feedback on all your work throughout the year. At the end of the module you will receive detailed feedback in written form.
You'll be able to check in with your online tutor to discuss your progress and ask any questions you have about your course.
What our students do
Read about the students and graduates from our School of Architecture, Design & Interiors community.

Student takes home sustainability award at Interior Educators 2022
02 August 2022
BA(Hons) Interior Design student Ashley Powell has seen his shortlisted project 'holm' rise to ...

Interior Educators Awards 2022: Shortlisted projects exhibited at Re-Form show
22 July 2022
Falmouth University's shortlisted Interior Educators Awards submissions were recently exhibited at t...

Fashion Design student finds a creative home in Falmouth
30 May 2022
A year into his studies, and BA(Hons) Fashion Design student Tommy Marley was struggling to realise ...

The psychology of space: How interiors shape our behaviour
20 May 2022
Discover how interior environments can impact our daily lives and influence our behaviour.
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Interior Design students create concept designs for AMATA
18 May 2022
Two second-year Interior Design BA(Hons) students have teamed up to create concept designs for an ex...
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The Falmouth Showcase is coming: 21-26 May 2022
10 May 2022
Hungry for inspiration? On the hunt for fresh talent? Discover our next generation of incredible cre...

The difference between interior design and interior architecture
28 April 2022
Understand the key differences between interior design and interior architecture.

9 Best interior design Instagram accounts to follow
08 April 2022
Ashley shares nine of his favourite interior design Instagram accounts to take your feed to new heig...

Innovative graduate creates robotically recycled footwear
09 December 2021
Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) graduate Max Ashwell has created a pair of shoes that ...

Graduates pool their skills to design positive community change
28 October 2021
A team of Interior Design graduates are helping to transform a disused pub into a community space in...

Student designs future-proofed sustainable sunglasses
16 September 2021
Sustainable Product Design student Charlie Ruck is giving plastic waste a new lease of life with the...

Student to exhibit sustainable design in Milan
27 August 2021
Sustainable Product Design graduate Herbie Hodson has been selected to exhibit his final year projec...

Student claims the Architects’ Journal Prize
26 July 2021
BA(Hons) Architecture student Louis Domville-Musters has outperformed some of the finest young archi...

Graduate returns to Falmouth to embed sustainability into design curriculum
18 June 2021
Megan Coe graduated from BA(Hons) Interior Design in 2019, and has since been working in Cornwall fo...

Graduate is creating luxury interiors and connecting people
14 May 2021
Interior Design graduate Ella is currently working for Mehrai Design, a London-based ...

Architecture MArch students collaborate with Brickfield-BUILD project
06 May 2021
Falmouth’s Architecture MArch students have partnered with Brickfield, a community brickworks base...

Graduate designing for Sybarite
18 March 2021
Interior design graduate Riko Sobukawa left Falmouth in 2016 and is currently working for architectu...

Graduate designing modular apartments in Sweden
05 February 2021
Interior Design graduate Jake is currently working for Adept Consulting as a structural designer –...

Graduate designing luxury yachts
13 January 2021
Interior Design graduate Emily is currently working as Creative Designer for Princess Yachts, a lead...

Students create collaborative 'Future Trends' Report
22 December 2020
First and second year Interior Design students and first year Photography students have completed an...
Staff
Our academic staff members are practising professionals within the design industry and have worked with the likes of Yo! Sushi, Brewdog, Eden Project, Lush and Office Shoes. With an array of specialisms between them, you'll gain current industry insights from across the interior design sector. You'll also learn from practitioners across the globe through live brief projects.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Amanda Losasso
Lecturer
Amanda is a Lecturer in Interior Design having joined the university’s interiors team in 2013.&nbs...

Fay Freeman
Course Leader, BA(Hons) Interior Design
Fay Freeman is the new Course Leader for BA(Hons) Interior Design having joined the University ...

Hannah Soulsby
Module Leader, Interior Design BA(Hons) (online)
Hannah Soulsby holds over 10 years’ experience within the industry. Featuring a rich background in...
Facilities
- 24/7 access to Falmouth's extensive online library of contextual books, journals and resources
- Accessible online audio / visual content
- Dedicated Virtual Learning Environment
- Face-to-Face events - usually run twice a year*
- Invitation to attend alumni events
- Online digital showreel for promotion to industry
- Access to online software tutorials at LinkedIn Learning
- Students' Union community
- Access to our Student Support Services and a Student Advisor to support you throughout your studies.
*Please bear in mind that the Covid-19 pandemic may impact these events. You can view the latest information here

Careers
As a graduate you could become:
- A junior designer in an Interior Design practice, progressing to designer or senior designer with experience
- A freelance designer or design consultant
- A specialist in FF+E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment specification)
- An exhibition or event designer
- An architectural technician
- A visualiser, designer, or project manager in retail, hospitality, residential or workplace design
- An entrepreneur creating your own interior design business
How to apply
Need further information or support?
If you'd like to talk to an Advisor about this course, or your application, get in touch by using the simple form below. We'll get right back to you to answer any questions and support your application journey.
Apply now
Ready to join us? You can study part-time in 2022 or you can study part-time or full-time in 2023.
To apply for part-time in 2022 click the button and apply directly below.
To apply for 2023, you can apply for the full-time route through UCAS Apply and Track using the University code: F33 and course code: W2OB. The part-time route for 2023 will open shortly.

Application advice & interview information
Go to ToolkitWe consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an online interview to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
Course route | Entry requirements |
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BA/BSc(Hons) degree | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
For starting your studies in 2022
The enrolment deadline for online undergraduate courses is 30 September 2022. You may enrol up until 14 October 2022 with special permission.
Applications for these courses remain open whilst there are spaces available. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
For starting your studies in 2023
The enrolment deadline for online undergraduate courses is TBC. You may enrol up until TBC with special permission.
Applications for these courses remain open whilst there are spaces available. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
Annual tuition fee | Student |
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£10,400 per year | 2 years accelerated full-time |
£6,935 per year | 3 years part-time |
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£10,400 per year | 2 years accelerated full-time |
£6,935 per year | 3 years part-time |
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Typical course costs
You will need to have access to a laptop or desktop computer. We strongly recommend that you purchase one before the course commences. It is an essential piece of equipment that you will need right from the start of the course.
When considering the specs of your equipment, the most important things to look out for are the CPU/RAM/Graphics Card, as we use software that needs a large amount of power, especially Revit. We recommend one with as fast a processor as you can afford, 16GB of RAM minimum. and a reasonably sized screen (15” is minimum), plus the following absolute bare minimum computer specifications:
Windows:
- Windows 10
- At least an i7 processor
- No less than 16GB Ram - more is better!
- Graphics Card (Nvidia 1050 minimum - not Intel Iris or XE integrated graphics) with at least 2GB - the bigger the memory the better!
- 512GB hard drive space minimum - bigger = better!
- 1920 x 1080 display resolution or higher. Ideally 4K.
- Mouse with a scroll wheel and two buttons
You will be required to use Windows only software on the course, so an Apple computer will not be suitable for all of your studies. Chromebooks and iPads will not run the software you require for your studies. An iPad however, is a useful secondary machine for digital notetaking and sketching.
Other digital equipment/software:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Sketchup - approx. £55
- 16 -32 GB memory stick - approx. £10-20. You will need to be able to back up and save work regularly.
- Wireless or Bluetooth mouse - approx. £15
- Access to either an A3 printer/copier/scanner or photocopying services (Approx £20 printing costs for A3 photocopies)
Recurring annual costs
Process, Drawing and Modelmaking - Materials and Equipment - £150
Adobe Creative Cloud
You may be eligible for discounted licenses through Adobe's education pricing, however there is currently no discount for Adobe Creative Cloud available from Falmouth University. If any discounts do become available, we will communicate this to you.
For more information please visit Adobe Creative Cloud.
Face-to-face events (optional)
As an online student you will be given the opportunity to attend up to two events per academic year to meet your classmates and tutors in person. Dates and location of the events will vary.
Costs of the events themselves are covered, however you will need to cover your own costs for travel, accommodation, food and drink. More information about these events will be given to you when you start your course, but you should expect them to cost approximately £500-800.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our student funding pages.
Ask a student
What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.
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