For those aspiring to become interior designers, not only is formal academic training essential, but also experiencing the distinctive designs from cultures around the world to draw inspiration. The UK is renowned for its interior design programmes, home to many top-tier art schools, with many famous interior designers being alumni of British universities. For students wishing to join the interior design industry, which UK interior design bachelor's and master's programmes should they consider? Below, Cyclopes introduces you to interior design programmes at two UK universities.
Source: Freepik
Why Study Interior Design in the UK?
The UK has experienced crucial periods such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque era, each birthing unique design styles and laying a solid foundation for British interior design. Having been a British colony, Hong Kong's political system, culture, architecture, and interior design carry British influences, often instilling a European design interest in local students, perhaps unknowingly.
Over time, as aesthetics evolved and people's standards of beauty rose, the UK also innovated within traditional European interior design to create unique styles like the British flair, understated luxury, and the practical industrial style, making British interior design programmes highly popular worldwide. Below are two top-tier UK universities offering bachelor's and master's programmes in interior design:
Royal College of Art (RCA)
The Royal College of Art has a storied history and international repute in art and design, established in 1837 and nearing two centuries of excellence. Consistently ranking first in international design and art categories according to QS World University Rankings, RCA comprises four schools: School of Arts & Humanities, School of Communication, School of Architecture, and School of Design, with the interior design program under the School of Architecture, not Design.
As a traditional institution focused on arts and design, RCA allocates significant resources to teaching, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience. Professional studios and resources are available for architecture students, along with various events to keep students abreast of industry developments and guest speakers to discuss future design trends, preparing students for their careers in interior design.
Annual student exhibitions showcase a range of interior design works, offering insights into material usage, spatial planning, and how to create ambiance with lighting.
For those delving deeper into interior design, RCA offers various postgraduate programmes, including Graduate Diplomas, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Research (MRes), and Doctorates (PhD), integrating STEAM subjects to broaden the curriculum and enrich students' learning experiences.
Source: RCA
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Students interested in interior design might already be familiar with UAL, recognized for its prestigious interior design programmes. Ranking second in art and design by QS World University Rankings in 2021, UAL is Europe's largest arts and design institution, offering a spectrum of creative disciplines, including interior design, photography, graphic design, fashion design, performance, and aesthetics, with each specialty managed by one of its six colleges.
Camberwell College of Arts focuses on visual arts like sculpture and painting, which includes interior design; Central St Martins offers a range of disciplines, with a focus on industrial and product design; London College of Fashion excels in practical and popular fashion design, complemented by brand management and marketing; Chelsea College of Arts teaches fine art; London College of Communication specializes in media and film creation; and Wimbledon College of Arts is known for performance techniques and stage and costume design.
UAL's application process for its bachelor's and master's programmes in interior design requires not only excellent academic results but also a personal portfolio containing six key elements: Experimentation, Cultural Diversity, Relevant Work, First Page & Strong Ending, Clear Imagery & Edit Work, and Show Passion & Creativity, allowing the institution to assess if the applicant meets UAL's standards.
Source: iStock
Cyclopes Explores UK University Interior Design Courses With You
https://www.cyclopeseducation.com/blog/115/university-of-glasgow-rankings-and-safety-in-glasgow-area