Create inspiring solutions for commercial and residential interiors. Learning in professional design studios, you’ll gain unique insights into the connection between interior and exterior space. This programme offers unique collaborative and creative disruption opportunities with local and international partners.
The course is for anyone who is inspired and moved by interiors and inquisitive enough to find out how to realise these technically. Studying interior design at Derby will help you develop your design skills to create functional and unique spaces with strong spatial identities. You’ll learn how to best use specific spatial qualities, i.e. forms, texture and materials, lighting, colour, architectural components, objects and placement of these, enabling you to make your ideas become a reality. You’ll be inspired to work in a way that is environmentally responsible, memorable and experiential.
Preparing you for a career in interior design
The roles and responsibilities of an Interior Designer will see you become involved from the initial brief to the final build of a project which could be an existing building, an urban interior or a self-standing entity such as an exhibition or set-stage. The course is dynamic and co-creative, in that it welcomes students’ own voices/cultures and values risk-taking and experimentation. It further aims to equip students with all the relevant skills and knowledge ready for the ‘real’ world upon graduation.
You will gain exposure to the wide field that is interior design exploring various spatial typologies such as residential interiors, commercial interiors i.e. retail, corporate, set-stage and exhibition design and hospitality, as well as exploring adaptive reuse/regenerative design to name but a few, with a focus on employment opportunities open to an interior design graduate. You will also learn how to collaborate nationally/internationally, and design bespoke artefacts and furniture to compliment your interiors and generate the appropriate visual documentation required for each stage of the design. You will also get to understand how people relate to space and objects, by being exposed to ergonomics, and learn to design spaces that are functional and in accordance to building regulations and health and safety legislation.
Networking and collaboration opportunities
This course sets itself apart from other interior design courses by offering unique collaborating opportunities with other disciplines in national/international partners. Collaboration with design disciplines may include working with other programmes in the university such as Textile Design through the design and manufacturing of interior artefacts or Product Design in the creation of bespoke interior products. International collaboration will be through international vertical studio projects (joint projects between Level 4 to Level 6 cohorts). We are also affiliated with Interior Educators and BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) to ensure we stay up to date on current events taking place in the country.
"My experience studying Interior Design has both been challenging and rewarding. The course has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of various elements involving design. It focuses on how space can be used within an environment whilst remaining functional. The course gives you the freedom to be creative and pull in inspirations - whether it be from the experience / emotion you want to evoke or the colour / style you pictured. The support the course offers really helps with trying to get your vision across. Overall, It has been a positive experience and the advice I've been getting from my tutors only gives me more confidence as I progress through the course." - Prince Rosales
"I chose the Interior Design course because I wanted to better understand the interior and exterior space and be able to communicate my design projects; so far I am not disappointed with my decision. At this point in the course, we are analysing the elements of interior space as well as learning the vital skills to represent them through our 2D and 3D sketches and projects." - Iga Mackowiak
What you will study
You are taught about design journeys through a variety of mixed mediums which may include workshops, outings, formal and informal lectures as well as guest lectures. Lecture content comprises a global to local perspective of interior design to ensure you understand what it means to be an interior designer of the 21st century. Technical aspects are introduced at a basic level in your first year and are built upon each year to ensure you have the proper foundation, skills and knowledge to develop your career once you have graduated.
This marks the beginning of your journey into the world of Interior Design. Part of your induction is acquiring the language and codes consistent with the interior designer’s way of being. The studio will come to represent the forum for exploring and communicating interiors and spatial narratives. You will learn what constitutes spatial narratives in interior design and how to go about creating these using form, colours, light, texture and movement. You'll gain an insight into various materials and drawing techniques by which to communicate your design proposals using 2D and 3D communication techniques. This level encourages a culture of risk-taking and experimentation.
You'll study modules such as:
Critical Context: Exploring Global Context and Spatial Typologies
Visual and Professional Practice: Imagination to Visualisation
Designing Spatial Narratives: Introduction and Exploration
This stage continues to develop experimentation and deals with spatial narratives in public or commercial environments. Various spatial typologies are investigated and explored to offer you wider exposure to the field of interior design. The modules hone in to the practical solutions of interior spaces from initial conceptualisation to planning and zoning, 3D design development and the integrated technical and construction knowledge of all proposals. You are required to demonstrate an understanding of branding/corporate identity and develop functional, aesthetic and hazard-free interior spaces. In this year your projects may include retail, hospitality, exhibition stands and/or furniture design, as well as the repurposing of existing spaces to new functions.
This level further develops your personal voice. You may engage in collaborative and competition projects along with international partnering institutions. The design module comprises of two projects, one focused towards sustainable design and the other your own self-negotiated brief. For your final project you willhave the opportunity to select an historically significant building in a setting of your choice. An emphasis on Research Methodology requires you to submit a research document framing your selected building in terms of the macro and micro environmental contexts and develop a justifiable argument regarding the need for readaptation as well as to conceptualise the function needed to ensure financial viability. As a result, the level of performance at this level requires conceptual and technical relevance. You are encouraged to demonstrate social, sustainable and economical relevance by demonstrating the design implications in terms of the feasibility of the proposed design concept and its functioning.
You'll study modules such as:
Critical Context: Probing and Interrogating Multi-Contexts
Visual and Professional Practice: Networking Strategies
Designing Spatial Narratives: Reimagining Existing Space
Toolkit: Sustainable Strategies and Innovation
Real world learning
In addition to your lectures and seminars, you will take part in live projects which build upon your ‘real’ world learning and will contribute to your credibility as an interior designer. Live projects to date include: Repurposing of an old barn to a contemporary wedding venue for Victoria Brown; design of Bohn’s restaurant interior now located in Nottingham; design of 1st Crack coffee shop and the design of S.H.E.D. a mobile transforming shed that is travelling the country for the next two years. You will also be able to obtain Building Information Modelling (BIM) training by your second year and construct an online portfolio in readiness for DPP and/or final year and graduation.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Find out more about Interior Design
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
You’ll learn in well-resourced, professional design studios. Resources include ISKN tables, Macbook Pros, large format scanners, drawing boards, as well as the arts and design library.
You will also be able to make full use of the traditional 3D workshop facilities (wood and metal) at Markeaton Street and the latest 3D computer software. You’ll have access to specialist textiles equipment and machinery such as the laser cutter and digital fabric print facilities in the textiles department.
We also showcase at Free Range in London along with 50 other Interior Design institutions giving you the opportunity to display your work at one of the largest graduate shows in Europe. This valuable experience will help you to prepare for a career in interior design.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is 100% coursework based including practical production and oral presentation work, along with written assignments. In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a subject of your choice and work on self-negotiated and independent creative projects.
Degree Show
Every year students from the School of Arts celebrate their time at University by showcasing their work at an end of year Degree Show at Markeaton Street and across the City of Derby. The Show usually runs throughout June and is a fantastic opportunity for potential employers, friends, family, industry and members of the public to see exciting creations by the next generation of artists, designers, creators and makers from Derby. The Show takes the form of:
Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Fees and funding
2020/21 Fees
Full-time
Part-time
UK/EU
£9,250 per year*
N/A
International
£14,045 per year
N/A
* The fees stated above are for the 2019/20 academic year; fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. We will update this information as soon as it is available.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
A key aim of this programme is to prepare you as a graduate for the professional world of interior designers and we would anticipate that a number of you will seek to pursue your career through either freelance or consultancy practice drawing on the opportunities presented through the curriculum to collaborate with other design-related disciplines.
This course will provide you with an opportunity to examine different sectors within the commercial and residential interior design, enabling you to gain an understanding and appreciation of the many facets and opportunities that are open to an interior design graduate.
After graduation you’ll be prepared for a career in interior design with endless opportunities to choose from such as:
Styling and window/retail display
Cinematic interior styling along with TV sets
Set-stage design and exhibition design
Retail design, e.g. fashion, gifts, jewellery stores, computer and gaming stores, etc.
Corporate design, e.g. offices
Hospitality design, e.g. bars, restaurants, coffee shops
Health and leisure design, e.g. hotels, spas, sport facilities, etc.
Interior consultant and sourcing
Bespoke furniture designer
Kitchen design
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Use of workshop resources, 3D imaging software and site visits. Materials kit, paper, card, basic modelling materials are provided
Additional access to wider University Arts’ facilities including equipment loan store and other facilities, such as digital print workshops traditional 3d making workshop, laser cutter, CNC and basic RP facilities
Compulsory study visits to local and Regional Construction/ conversion opportunity buildings
Participation in design competitions and live projects
Participation in University Degree Show and the London Graduate Show
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Interior design materials for making (card, vinyl, acrylic), presentation materials (marker pens, inks, etc.), show printing of student work, production of prototype and final models, production of RP models. Approx. costs - Year 1= £150, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300 (Costs determined by student)
Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, USBs/hard drives etc.) approx. costs - Year 1= £150, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300
Printing of design work Year 1= £100, Year 2 = £200, Year 3 = £300
Drawing equipment general 'toolbox' (marker pens, pencils, scalpels, layout pads etc.) £50-£75 in each year. A toolkit list will be sent out to you at the start of the year with all equipment requirments
Student promotion materials, approx. £75
Optional costs not included in your fees
Specialist software/hardware - approx. £1500 (laptop with software licences)
Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary dependant on location)
International trips approximately £350 per year
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
