Interior designer

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• interior design
• art and design
• interior architecture
• spatial design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could complete a college course, which may help you afterwards with applications for design assistant jobs or university courses. Examples include:

• interior design
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Furniture Design Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which may lead into an interior design assistant role.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an interior design assistant with a company. With further training and qualifications you could become an interior designer.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the British Institute of Interior Design for professional development and to make contacts in the industry.

Further Information

You can get more details about careers and training in interior design from the British Institute of Interior Design and The Society of British and International Interior Design .

As an interior designer, you could:

• work with clients to understand their ideas and what they want
• advise on use of space, colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture
• prepare detailed 2D and 3D plans using design software
• provide estimates for materials, work and timescales for different design options
• find suppliers of fittings, furniture, fabrics, and wall and floor coverings
• draw up instructions for contractors, or act as a project manager from start to finish

You could work in an office, from home, in a creative studio or at a client's business.