Interior Design

Diploma

Become an interior designer: build professional skills across ten practical assignments - from concept to presentation - with expert guidance and in-depth feedback.

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Why this course?

Launch your career as an interior designer. This comprehensive, beginner-friendly programme equips you to create, present, and deliver complete design projects - ideal for enthusiasts, career-changers, or anyone formalising their skills. No prior qualifications required.

Structured around ten practical assignments, you'll progress from fundamentals to more advanced practice: researching and developing concepts, interpreting client briefs, space planning and circulation, colour theory and materials, lighting principles, technical drawing and visual communication, and presenting resolved room schemes for residential and commercial contexts. Each assignment builds your confidence and industry awareness while developing a professional workflow.

You'll learn with expert-created materials - video tutorials, written guides, and project briefs - and receive timely tutor support with detailed feedback on every submission. By the end, you'll have a polished portfolio and the practical know-how to plan, communicate, and deliver interior design solutions.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 6-12 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 10 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Diploma courses

START DATE:: ANYTIME

HOME STUDY

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£875 Payment plans available

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START DATE:: FEBRUARY 14TH
09:30 - 16:30

LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available

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START DATE:: FEBRUARY 19TH
18:30 - 21:00

LIVE ONLINE

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Thursdays

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,095 Payment plans available

Enrol now

START DATE:: FEBRUARY 14TH
09:30 - 16:30

CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

8 full days, Saturdays

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£2,195 Payment plans available

Enrol now

START DATE:: FEBRUARY 19TH
18:30 - 21:00

CLASSROOM BASED

SCHEDULE

16 evenings, Thursdays

View schedule

LOCATIONS

London
Manchester
Edinburgh
Birmingham
Belfast
Cardiff
Bristol

£2,195 Payment plans available

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Entry requirements: To enrol on this course, you must be over 18 years of age.

BAC

Accreditation

The National Academy of Creative Arts is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC), a leading authority in quality assurance for independent education in the UK. Recognised globally by students, agents and government bodies, the BAC mark represents the highest standards in teaching, student welfare and institutional management.

STUDY MODES

Explore Our Flexible Learning Paths

Select from home-study, live-online, or classroom-based courses to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts allow you to learn at your own pace.
As a Home Study student you will receive access to our Online Learning Centre with in-depth course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments. You will also have a dedicated tutor to support you on your learning journey.

Classroom-based courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts are the best option for those who prefer studying with others in a physical classroom environment.
As a Classroom-based student you will join other aspiring Interior Designers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff or Bristol for exciting part-time evening or Saturday classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre.

Live Online courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts provide all the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative benefits of the classroom.
As a Live Online student you will join a small group of students for online classes taught by an industry professional. You will also have access to our Online Learning Centre with course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments.

MAP

Class Locations

The National Academy of Creative Arts runs in-person classes in the following locations. Live-online and home-study courses are also available and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

London
Manchester
Edinburgh
Birmingham
Belfast
Cardiff
Bristol

ADDRESS

Hallam Conference Centre
44 Hallam Street
London
W1W 6JJ

ADDRESS

Peel Building
The University of Salford
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester
M5 4WT

ADDRESS

Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue
16 St Mary's St.
Edinburgh
EH1 1SU

ADDRESS

The Studio
7 Cannon Street
Birmingham
B2 5EP

ADDRESS

Stranmillis University College
Stranmillis Road
Belfast
Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT9 5DY

ADDRESS

Central Cardiff
Location to be confirmed

ADDRESS

University of the West of England (UWE) - E Block
Frenchay Campus,
Bristol,
BS16 1QY

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OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Style your own interior spaces with confidence

Learn key design principles and techniques to create spaces that reflect your personal taste.

Choose colors, furnishings, and materials creatively

Understand how to select and combine colors, finishes, and décor for a harmonious look.

Plan simple room layouts

Gain the skills to arrange your own living spaces for comfort, flow, and function.

Develop a mood board for inspiration

Create a mood board that helps you visualize and refine your ideas for personal projects.

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Welcome to a transformative journey into the world of interior design! This module serves as your gateway to mastering the art of creating stunning spaces that reflect beauty and functionality. Unearth the fascinating history of interior design and learn how foundational principles like balance, rhythm, and harmony can elevate your projects. Get acquainted with essential colour theory, discover the secrets to spatial layouts, and stay ahead with the latest trends shaping this vibrant industry. Let your creativity flourish as you gain the skills to craft spaces that captivate and inspire.

Key learnings:

History of Interior Design
Basic Design Principles: Balance, Rhythm, Harmony
Introduction to Colour Theory
Understanding Spaces and Layouts
Trends in Interior Design

Unlock the potential of your interior design projects with our comprehensive module designed to equip you with the tools and techniques that define the success of every designer. Dive into the art of sketching and drawing essentials, explore cutting-edge design software, and make informed choices with materials and finishes that will transform your ideas into stunning realities. Elevate your creativity with mood boards, and discover the secrets of effective lighting design to bring your masterpiece to life.

Key learnings:

Sketching and Drawing Basics
Introduction to Design Software
Material and Finish Selections
Basics of Lighting Design
Creating Mood Boards

Discover how to transform every room in your home into a functional and stylish haven with our expertly crafted module. Learn to design the most important spaces, like living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, with clever techniques that marry practicality with aesthetics. Even small spaces can become cozy retreats with our smart solutions, making your home both welcoming and efficient.

Key learnings:

Designing a Living Room: Functionality and Aesthetics
Kitchen Design Principles
Bathroom Design Considerations
Bedroom Design for Comfort and Style
Space-Saving Solutions for Small Spaces

Discover a world of design possibilities with our comprehensive module, perfect for transforming your space into a masterpiece. Dive into the nuances of traditional, contemporary, minimalist, and eclectic styles while embracing sustainable practices. Learn to identify and seamlessly apply these design principles, empowering you to curate a space that reflects your unique personality and preferences.

Key learnings:

Exploring Traditional Design Styles
Contemporary Design: Characteristics and Principles
Minimalist Design: Maximizing Simplicity
Eclectic Design: Creatively Combining Elements
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

Elevate your interior design projects with essential project management skills tailored specifically for the industry. Discover how to effectively plan and organize your projects, manage budgets, and build strong collaborations with suppliers and vendors. Learn the ins and outs of contract management and master the art of project documentation and client communication to ensure your design concepts are flawlessly executed from start to finish.

Key learnings:

Planning and Organising a Design Project
Budgeting for Interior Design Projects
Working with Suppliers and Vendors
Basics of Contract Management
Project Documentation and Client Communication

Transform your design projects with our comprehensive module on colour mastery! Discover how the psychology of colour can help you create the perfect ambience and elevate your spaces. Dive into advanced colour schemes and palettes, uncover the powerful effect of lighting on colour, and stay ahead with the latest colour trends and forecasts. This knowledge will empower you to expertly apply colour across diverse spaces, ensuring your designs captivate and inspire.

Key learnings:

Psychology of Colour
Advanced Colour Schemes and Palettes
Lighting and Colour Impact
Colour Trends and Forecasting
Applying Colour in Various Spaces

Unlock the secrets to creating captivating and efficient spaces with our comprehensive module designed for interior design enthusiasts and professionals alike. Dive into advanced techniques for space planning and discover strategic furniture placement methods that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Learn how to integrate ergonomic principles for comfort and efficiency, master zoning in open-plan areas, and optimize flow and circulation to make every environment a masterpiece.

Key learnings:

Advanced Space Planning Techniques
Strategic Furniture Placement
Ergonomics in Interior Design
Zoning in Open-Plan Spaces
Optimizing Flow and Circulation

Discover an extensive range of materials and finishes that will elevate your design projects to new heights. Dive into the world of textiles, woods, and metals, including cutting-edge and eco-friendly options. This module will empower you to seamlessly navigate the selection process, ensuring your designs reflect the latest in material technology. Perfectly tailored to complement your design vision, you'll learn to select finishes for walls, floors, and ceilings with confidence and flair.

Key learnings:

Exploring Materials: Textiles, Metals, Woods
Innovative and Sustainable Materials
Finishes for Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
Technological Advances in Materials
Material Selection Process for Projects

Transform your spaces with expert lighting design knowledge that brings your visions to life! Dive into this module to discover the perfect lighting fixtures for every setting, maximize the use of natural light, and master the art of creating the perfect ambiance. Plus, explore the exciting world of smart lighting and automation to elevate the functionality and mood of any environment.

Key learnings:

Principles of Lighting Design
Types of Lighting Fixtures and Their Uses
Incorporating Natural Light
Creating Atmosphere with Lighting
Smart Lighting and Automation

Transform your interiors into captivating spaces with our comprehensive module that focuses on the art of styling and accessorizing. Elevate your design projects by mastering the placement and use of art, choosing the perfect textiles and soft furnishings, and crafting themed spaces that reflect distinctive styles and character. Unlock the secrets to telling compelling interior design stories through these essential finishing touches.

Key learnings: