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Interior Design

Professional Diploma

Start and run your interior design business - master advanced design and project management across 15 practical assignments, from concept to delivery.

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Why this course?

Turn your passion into a practice. This advanced programme prepares you to start and run a professional interior design business, developing the creative, technical, and commercial skills to deliver real-world projects from brief to handover.

Structured around 15 practical assignments, you'll progress from solid fundamentals to confident, professional workflow: interpreting client briefs, research and concept development, space planning, lighting and materials, technical drawings and specifications, visual communication, and presenting resolved schemes. Alongside design practice, you'll learn the business essentials - pricing and proposals, scope and contracts, sourcing and supplier management, scheduling, procurement, installation and snagging, and clear client communication—so you can plan and manage projects end-to-end.

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 a practical roadmap for launching your interior design business.

Work placement - Graduates of this course are eligible for a one month work placement with an interior design company. All placements are made in the greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh areas.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 9-18 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 15 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Professional Diploma courses

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Learning

£1,425 Payment plans available
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Date START DATE:
JUNE 13TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
LIVE ONLINE - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

12 full days, Saturdays

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,725 Payment plans available
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Date START DATE:
JUNE 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
LIVE ONLINE - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

24 evenings, Wednesdays

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£2,725 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 13TH
clock 09:30 - 16:30
CLASSROOM BASED - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

12 full days, Saturdays

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LOCATIONS

£2,865 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
JUNE 17TH
clock 18:30 - 21:00
CLASSROOM BASED - FLEXIBLE

SCHEDULE

24 evenings, Wednesdays

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LOCATIONS

£2,865 Payment plans available
Enrol now
Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
clock -
FULL-TIME - STRUCTURED

SCHEDULE

evenings, s

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LOCATION

Virtual Classes

£5,999 Payment plans available
Enrol now
info

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

BAC

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

Choose from Home Study, Classroom Based, Live Online or Full-Time to fit your schedule and learning style.

Home Study courses allow you to learn entirely at your own pace.

You will study through the Online Learning Centre, which provides access to instructional videos, written lessons, and course assignments, working through course materials and assignments independently while receiving feedback and guidance from your designated tutor.

There are no scheduled classes or assessment submission dates, giving you maximum flexibility to study around work, family, or other commitments.

Best for: Students who want complete flexibility and prefer to study independently.

Home Study - Flexible

Classroom courses combine flexible online learning with in-person practical classes.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on hands-on skills, demonstrations, and practical techniques, rather than assessment delivery.

Students attend 12 monthly classes held on Saturdays, or 24 weekly sessions, held in the evening.

Classes are available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, and Bristol.

Best for: Students who enjoy learning practical skills in a classroom environment alongside other creatives.

Classroom Based - Flexible

Live Online courses offer the same structure as our classroom courses, but with live teaching delivered online.

You will complete your course materials and assignments through the Online Learning Centre, guided by a designated tutor while also attending practical classes taught online by an industry professional.

These sessions focus on demonstrations, practical skills, and discussion, helping you apply what you are learning in your course.

Students typically attend 12 monthly classes or 24 weekly sessions in a small group environment.

Best for: Students who want live teaching and interaction with other students while studying from home.

Live Online - Flexible

Our Full-Time Programme is designed for students who want a structured and immersive learning experience.

Students access all course materials through the Online Learning Centre, but rather than studying entirely at their own pace, learning is organised around a weekly study schedule.

Each week includes:

  • Weekly tutor-led Q&A sessions to guide learning and answer questions
  • A structured assessment timetable with defined submission dates
  • Regular feedback to support steady progress through the course
To further develop practical skills, Full-Time students also attend the same practical teaching sessions available to Classroom or Live Online students.

These sessions include 12 monthly in-person classes or 24 weekly live online sessions, led by industry professionals.

Best for: Students who want a structured timetable, regular tutor interaction, and a faster route to completing their qualification.

Full-Time - Structured

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.

View Upcoming classes

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

Embark on a transformative journey into the enchanting world of interior design. Discover the secrets behind creating stunning spaces with an introduction to colour theory, spatial layouts, and the latest industry trends. This module is designed to inspire creativity while providing practical strategies to master the art of space transformation.

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 your potential as an interior designer by mastering essential tools and techniques that will transform your design projects. Start with sketching and drawing, the foundation of your creative process. Dive into the world of design software to streamline your ideas and bring them to life. Elevate your projects with expert skills in selecting the perfect materials and finishes that make your designs stand out. Harness the power of mood boards to visualize and execute your design visions with confidence. This module is your gateway to becoming a top-notch interior designer.

Key learnings:

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

Unlock the secrets to creating beautifully designed rooms that work hard for you! Our module is packed with tips on blending practicality with stunning aesthetics across living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Plus, learn smart ways to maximize small spaces, ensuring functionality and style go hand-in-hand to transform your home into a delightful haven.

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

Unlock the secrets to creating stunning spaces with our comprehensive module on interior design styles. Discover how traditional, contemporary, minimalist, and eclectic designs can transform any environment, while also embracing the growing trend of sustainability. This module empowers you to not only understand and implement diverse design principles but also refine your personal style preferences.

Key learnings:

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

Unlock the secrets to flawless project management specifically crafted for the interior design industry. Elevate your skills in planning and organizing design projects, mastering budget strategies, and forging strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. Dive into contract management essentials and learn how to flawlessly document projects while ensuring effective client communication. Empower your design concepts with seamless execution 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

Unlock the power of color to transform your spaces and captivate your audience. Dive into the fascinating world of color psychology and discover how the perfect color schemes and palettes can create the ambiance you desire. Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the dynamic interplay between light and color, and learn from the latest trends in color forecasting. With these skills, you'll be ready to apply color in innovative ways that elevate your design projects and captivate your clients.

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 visually stunning and highly functional spaces with our expert guidance on space planning. Learn how to master furniture placement for maximum comfort and efficiency, understand the principles of ergonomics to enhance every room, and discover the art of zoning in open-plan areas for optimal flow and circulation. Elevate your interior design skills to craft spaces that impress and delight.

Key learnings:

  • Advanced Space Planning Techniques
  • Furniture Placement Strategies
  • Ergonomics in Interior Design
  • Zoning in Open-Plan Spaces
  • Flow and Circulation within Spaces

Unlock the potential of your designs with our comprehensive guide to materials and finishes. Dive into a diverse selection including textiles, woods, and metals, with cutting-edge and eco-friendly options tailored for your project needs. Discover how to seamlessly select and integrate the perfect finishes to enhance your vision for walls, floors, and ceilings, backed by the latest technological advancements in materials.

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

Enhance your design projects with a profound understanding of lighting design principles. This module empowers you to transform spaces by mastering various lighting fixtures and harnessing the strategic use of natural light. Discover how lighting can craft the perfect ambiance and atmosphere, and get introduced to smart lighting and automation that modernize and elevate the mood and functionality of any space.

Key learnings:

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

Unlock the secrets to perfecting your interior design with expert styling and accessorizing techniques. Elevate your spaces with the artful arrangement of shelves and surfaces, strategic placement and usage of art, and the careful selection of textiles and soft furnishings. Transform your home into a storytelling masterpiece with themed spaces that boast unique styles and captivating character.

Key learnings:

  • Art and Accessories in Interior Design
  • Styling Shelves and Surfaces
  • Selecting and Hanging Wall Art
  • Textiles and Soft Furnishings
  • Creating Themed and Styled Spaces

Unlock the potential of your commercial spaces by mastering design strategies tailored for retail, offices, hospitality, healthcare, and educational environments. This module empowers you to create spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance productivity, promote wellbeing, and captivate customers. Transform your projects into functional masterpieces that inspire and engage.

Key learnings:

  • Designing for Retail Spaces
  • Office Design for Productivity and Wellbeing
  • Hospitality Design: Hotels and Restaurants
  • Healthcare Design Principles
  • Educational Space Design

Transform your spaces with sustainable interior design solutions that not only enhance beauty but also promote environmental responsibility. Discover how energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials can revolutionize your designs, while mastering water conservation techniques. Dive into sustainable certifications and standards that set you apart as a green designer. Explore biophilic design principles to create spaces that nurture a connection with nature. Empower your projects with these forward-thinking strategies to deliver designs that are both stunning and sustainable.

Key learnings:

  • Principles of Sustainable Interior Design
  • Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Materials
  • Water Conservation Techniques in Design
  • Sustainable Certifications and Standards
  • Biophilic Design: Connecting with Nature

Unlock the secrets to preserving the timeless beauty of historic buildings while enhancing their functionality for today's lifestyle. This module provides you with the skills to expertly assess and restore historic interiors, choose the perfect materials, and navigate cultural heritage regulations with ease. You'll learn how to maintain the unique charm of these architectural masterpieces while transforming them for modern use.

Key learnings:

  • Conservation vs. Restoration Techniques
  • Assessing and Documenting Historic Interiors
  • Choosing Materials and Techniques for Restoration
  • Transforming Heritage Buildings for Modern Living
  • Inspiring Case Studies of Iconic Restorations and Adaptive Reuse

Transform your interior design business with cutting-edge skills in client consultation, branding, marketing, financial management, and legal knowledge. This module is crafted to empower you with the tools and confidence needed to elevate your professional practice and manage your design projects efficiently.

Key learnings:

  • Advanced Client Consultation Techniques
  • Branding for Interior Designers
  • Marketing Strategies for Design Professionals
  • Financial Management for Design Projects
  • Legal Aspects of Interior Design

Unlock the potential of your interior design expertise by diving into the latest trends, cutting-edge research techniques, and innovative design solutions. This module offers you the chance to examine case studies of award-winning designs and develop your own unique design philosophy, empowering you to shape the future of interior design with creativity and critical thinking.

Key learnings:

  • Current Trends and Future Directions
  • Research Methods in Interior Design
  • Innovative Design Solutions
  • Case Studies of Award-Winning Designs
  • Developing a Personal Design Philosophy
Academic Catalog

TUTORS

Meet Our Interior Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

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