The UK is one of the most appropriate countries to study interior design. Thirty of the UK’s institutes have been ranked among the world’s best 230 Art & design universities as mentioned by the QS World University Ranking 2022. The country offers both short courses and degree courses in the field of interior design. The country also welcomes a lot of international students every year because it is able to provide academically enriching studies and experiences to all its students. all students are required to be fluent in the English language. The country has multiple arts and design schools which provides rigorous training and helps develop a student to their best.
The main idea of the internal designing course is to improve ideas on spatial awareness in many areas like residential, hotels, hospitals, stores, commercial areas, and other places. This course helps professionals to be more creative, imaginative, and artistic so that they can manage and successfully execute the designing of complex projects.
Some of the top universities of interior design in the UK are:
Getting admission to these universities is comparatively tougher than other renowned universities. Most of the admissions take place based on academic excellence and other important English proficiency test scores like the TOEFL and the IELTS.
The most popular internal design courses in the UK are:
MDes Interior Design – this is the Master in Design degree which is a postgraduate level degree
MA Interior Design – this is a post-graduate level degree that is provided for the course of interior designing.
BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design – It covers a range of disciplines like art architecture, furniture, interior, and spatial practices. It is a three years course that is provided by the most renowned universities in the UK.
BA (Hons) Design – it is also a three years course that aims to cover strategic design thinking and the hands-on development of ideas.
Undergraduate Students – the diploma courses provided in this course are usually for two years. Some universities also provide online courses which are usually 8 to 10 months.
Graduate Students – the bachelor’s programme in interior designing is three years long.
Postgraduate Students – the master in interior design course is of the time period of one to three years. The duration varies depending upon the disciplines that are present in the course of different students.
Undergraduate Students - No fixed amount is mentioned for the diploma courses in interior design. It varies from university and the cost of studying abroad varies on various factors like the mode of a course (online or in class), and the time span of the course. However, the cost of diploma courses is less than that of graduation or post-graduation.
Graduate Students - Tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in interior design in the UK cost about 14,000 to 24,000 GBP which is about 14 to 24 lakhs per year. The variation of the cost depends on how renowned the university is and what is its place in the rank of universities all around the world.
Post-graduate Students - Depending on the university, the tuition fee for a master in interior design in the UK costs about 16,500 to 19,000 GBP which is about 16.39 lakhs to 18.87 lakhs in INR. On average, the masters degree in the UK costs 8740 pounds.
The cost of living in the UK is quite high. Especially students pursuing an MS in Interior Design can look to spend approximately 12,000 to 15,000 GBP every year. It can change depending on location, lifestyle choices, and individual preferences. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the major cost categories and approximate estimates.
Housing expenses form a significant part of the total living cost. Students can choose either on-campus or off-campus accommodations. On-campus hostels are usually more expensive. So, try for off-campus flats nearby to the university.
For example, within London, a single on-campus room might cost you £200 to £3000 per week. In other cities, it could be somewhat cheaper. The prices in places like Birmingham or Coventry can be between £150 to £250 per week. On average, on-campus accommodations cost you £1,080-£1909 per month. Most premium top colleges have on-campus accommodation. So, check with them before making a decision.
The monthly grocery expenses for a student can range from £100 to £200. This amount varies depending on your eating habits and location. Eating out or ordering takeout can significantly increase this expense.
The cost of transportation depends on your location. It also depends on how frequently you travel. In London, the most affordable option for a student is to issue a travel card. Issuing a monthly travel card for public transport can cost around £156. This card can be extremely useful if you avail a lot of public transport like trains or buses. Cities apart from London are much less expensive.
The cost of books can vary. Usually, it ranges between £300 to £500 per year. However, depending on your requirements, it can both go up or down.
If you are an international student, health insurance is a must. The cost of healthcare in the UK is quite high. The total healthcare expenses in the UK were £280.7 billion in 2021. So, without insurance, students may need to spend approximately 4000 GBP each year. So, getting health insurance from a reliable company should be mandatory for students. You may get a policy at different price points. Typically, student’s health insurance plans range between £150 to £300 per year.
You must include leisure activities, clothing, and miscellaneous expenses too. For example, you may subscribe to Netflix or similar OTT platforms. The basic Netflix subscription in the UK currently starts from 6.99 GBP per month.
Students can even go out for movies or dining. Typically, the personal expenses of a student can range from £100 to £300 per month. However, depending on your choices, this cost can be a little higher than this.
If you're an international student from outside the EU/EEA, you will need a Tier 4 student visa, which comes with associated fees. The visa application fee costs around £363.
Finally, don't forget to budget for unexpected expenses. So, always keep approximately 200 GBP handy for miscellaneous expenses.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Funding |
E Fellows Scholarship Programme |
Applicable only to those who are members of e-fellows.net |
Academic fees |
Post Graduate Scholarship at Manchester Metropolitan University |
Post Graduate |
10,000 pounds |
John Henry Brookes Scholarship |
Masters |
Partial Funding of about 1000-2000 GBP |
Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship |
Undergraduate and postgraduate |
17,200 pounds |
Liverpool John Moores Scholarship |
PhD |
Annually 500 pounds |
Nottingham Trent University International Undergraduate Scholarships |
Undergraduate and postgraduate |
50% or 25% waive of tuition fees based on academic excellence |
INTO UEA Foundation Scholarship |
undergraduate |
Tuition fees, a value ranging from 1500 to 5000 pounds |
London South Bank University International Merit Scholarship |
Undergraduate and postgraduate |
Fee reduction of 3000 pounds on each academic year |
Government of Ireland Scholarships |
Postgraduate |
10,000 euros per year, a full waiver of all tuition fees. |
Solent University International Academic Merit Scholarships |
undergraduate |
250 to 500 pounds |
Getting a scholarship is important for international students mainly those from India. As mentioned, studying in the UK is costly and many students of high academic excellence may not be able to afford the amount. Thus, all students who wish to study in the UK must try to look for scholarships that best suits them based on their abilities and use them. The country has also taken various steps to welcome foreign students to their universities. Many master top courses also provide placement just after completion of the course. Apart from that, the young generation also gets various part-time well-paid jobs in the country which ensures they can continue with their education. In this manner, they can earn money to pay their rent and manage their living along with continuing their education.
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As individuals place a high priority on creating aesthetically pleasing and useful rooms, interior design is still in demand in the UK. The demand for qualified interior designers is sustained by the increasing emphasis on aesthetics and practicality in both the residential and commercial sectors.
With its renowned universities, proximity to major centres for the design industry, and rich cultural diversity, the UK has excellent opportunities for a Masters in Interior Design. It's a good option for anybody looking for a good education and exposure to current design trends.
The University of the Arts London, the Royal College of Art, and the University of Edinburgh are just a few of the best universities in the UK that provide outstanding Master in Interior Design programs. These universities provide extensive academic offerings and links to the business.
The price of a Masters in Interior Design degree varies between universities and programs in the UK. For overseas students, tuition costs typically range from between £10,000 to £25,000 per year. Other costs, such as lodging and living expenses, should be taken into account.
Depending on the university and the particular course structure, a Masters in Interior Design program in the UK normally lasts between one and two years. The availability of part-time or flexible study options may increase the length of some programs. For specific information, it's crucial to evaluate each university program individually.
A suitable undergraduate degree, frequently in design or a closely related discipline, is typically required for admission to a Masters in Interior Design program in the UK. IELTS or TOEFL scores for English language competence, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and creative work samples are included in a portfolio.
Scholarships are available in the UK for interior design master's programs. On the basis of academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of these elements, numerous universities and other organizations provide scholarships and funding choices to overseas students.
It can be difficult to receive a full scholarship for a Masters in Interior Design in the UK. These scholarships are extremely uncommon and competitive. Maintain a strong academic record, put together a persuasive portfolio, and actively look for scholarship possibilities provided by institutions, governmental agencies, and private organizations to improve your prospects.
For Masters in Interior Design programs in the UK, certain colleges may offer online or hybrid learning options. For working professionals or others who are unable to attend classes in person, these programs offer flexibility. It's crucial to study the program requirements because some practical interior design components could necessitate on-campus participation.
Yes, you can normally apply for the post-study work visa, formerly known as the Tier 2 (Post-Study Work) visa, after earning a Master’s in Interior Design in the UK. This visa permitted graduates to work or look for work in the UK for up to 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral graduates, after they finished their studies as of my most recent update in September 2021. For the most up-to-date information, always check the most recent immigration laws.
GMAT is not often required for UK Masters in Interior Design programs. When considering applicants, universities prioritize portfolios, academic records, and other pertinent documents.
Universities frequently offer tools and suggestions for finding student housing for Masters in Interior Design in the UK. You can search for suitable solutions utilizing online resources, including social media groups, student housing portals, and university websites.
Universities in the UK have active, diverse campus life. They provide a variety of social, cultural, and intellectual activities. A well-rounded experience can be fostered by participating in organizations, societies, sports, and events and using a variety of resources, including libraries and study areas.
Obtaining a Master's in Interior Design can lead to employment as an interior designer, a design consultant, a project manager, a space planner, or a design educator, among other job options. Graduates have a variety of employment options, including freelance work, real estate, retail, and hospitality.
For admittance to a master's program in interior design in the UK, prior work experience is not usually a required requirement. However, some programs may view relevant work experience as a useful addition to your application, demonstrating your devotion to the field and practical understanding.
Depending on the university and program, there are many Masters in Interior Design research possibilities in the UK. You may have the opportunity to delve deeply into particular interior design topics as part of some programs' research or dissertation projects, helping to develop the industry. You can find potential study areas by interacting with professors and research facilities.