---

A Degree Course Overview

If you’ve ever wondered what interior designers learn in school, you’re in for a treat! I’m excited to share some of my student work on the blog, offering a roadmap for those interested in self-study or for students thinking about or currently studying design.

---

Toward the end of this article, you’ll find a table detailing the major subjects and topics I studied during my three-year professional interior design course at a UK school.

If you want to jump straight to that, click here.

---

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (and Mortals, too)

Studying interior design in-depth is an incredible journey. Our professors emphasized from day one that design is a lifelong pursuit. To become great designers, we must commit to continuous learning.

For those who, like me, pursue their qualifications online, staying motivated can be challenging. Having resources and advice from fellow students who are further along in the journey can make all the difference. I know that without the help I received from others, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and now I want to pay that forward.

---

If Knowledge is Power, What Will You Do With Yours?

---

It wasn’t until the latter part of my studies that I began to truly appreciate the wealth of knowledge we were taught. Our program was a comprehensive, rigorous three-year course conducted online.

Our professors set high expectations, and the student body was determined to meet them. The coursework was challenging, and some portions were notoriously tough. But, we had a strong support group, with experienced students providing guidance and answering common questions.

---

Our Virtual Design Student Community

---

We came from different backgrounds and countries, but we were united by a common goal: to earn our professional interior design qualifications. I did extensive research before enrolling and knew from the outset that I had chosen the right course.

Our school, established when interior design was just emerging as a profession in the sixties, specialized in this field. They had a long history with distance learning, starting with postal courses and transitioning online well before it became the norm.

The community was welcoming and helpful throughout my studies, and our international Facebook group was always open for questions, any time of day or night. If you’re considering online study, it’s crucial to vet your course thoroughly and understand what you’re committing to. The right school and support network can make or break your experience.

---

If you plan to go the online study route you be sure to vet your course properly, and thoroughly understand what you are getting yourself into before you start.

The right school and support network (or lack thereof) can really make or break the experience for you.

---

Finding My Bearings After Graduation

---

At the end of my studies, I finally had time to breathe and consolidate my gains. I organized my course materials, digital work, and sketchbooks. It was a nostalgic period, as I had nearly not graduated due to time constraints while working a full time job. Looking back, however, I was grateful for the experience and the quality education I received.

I realized that not everyone has the financial means or opportunity to enroll in a course like mine. This led me to think about those who are passionate about interior design but may find traditional courses inaccessible.

---

Each One, Teach One

I decided to start this blog to share what I learned during my studies, offering my personal journey as a resource for beginners and students. I hope it helps to know what studying is like from someone who’s been there, especially if your circumstances differ from those attending in-person universities.

I’ll be publishing my “student diaries” over time, covering the major subjects, coursework, and key projects, with examples of my work. Your feedback is invaluable—let me know which topics you’re interested in and what’s helpful for beginners to reference.

---

---

Student Diary Organization and Progression

---

I’ll start with the first three units: Materials, History, and Drafting. I’ll post on each subject in alternation until I’ve covered most of what we learned. Then, I’ll continue with Design, Color Theory, Space Planning, Furniture, Fittings, and Construction. Toward the end, I’ll share my preliminary and final projects, as well as tips on creating a portfolio.

The topics in the Introduction and General Approach sections will be covered in regular blog posts.

Here’s a summary of the three-year course structure.

---

Summary Of Three Year Interior Design Course

Subject	1	2	3	4	5
Introduction	Course Summary and Objectives	Definition of Interior Designer	Metric Tables	References	Resources
General Approach	Elements and Principles of Design	Sample Boards	Sketchbooks	Research	Essay Writing
Materials	Natural Materials – Stone, Wood, Environmental and Sustainability Concerns	Synthetic and Processed Materials – Bricks, Tiles, Concrete, Plywood. Metals, Glass and Plastics	Applied Finishes – Wall Treatments, Paints, Plasters and Solvents	Soft Furnishings – Textiles, Curtains, Blinds, Upholstery, Carpets	Survey – Measuring Interiors and Estimating Material Quantities
History of Interior Design	Ancient Greece to The Middle Ages	The Renaissance to European Baroque	Rococo and Contemporary Styles	Neoclassical Empire, Regency, Romantic Period and Historicism	Art Nouveau to the Modern Age
Drafting	Materials, Line Drawing, Drawing Practice, Ink Drawing	Scale Drawing, Orthographic Projection, Axonometric Projection, Isometric Projection, Oblique Projection	Lettering, Drawing for Reproduction	Construction Drawings, Presentation Drawings, One Point Perspectives	Drawing Details and Two-Point Perspectives Computer Aided Design
Design	Creativity and the Design Process	Spatial Relationships and Natural Form	Construction and Proportion	Light and Optical Illusion	The Bauhaus and The Scheme
Color	Nature of Color Mechanics of Color Primaries including: Additive, Subtractive and Medial Primaries Secondaries and Tertiaries The Natural Order of Color Discordant Color	Chromatic and Achromatic Colors, Color Notation, The Munsell System, Tints and Shades, Pastel Tints and Pastel Shades	Color Contrasts – Hue, Tone, Temperature, Complementary, Simultaneous, Saturation and Extension, Advancing and Receding Color	Color Harmony, The Effect of Illuminants on Color The Psychological Effects of Color	Basic Color Schemes, Introduction to Period Color, Color and Industry Safety, Color for Non-Residential Application, Full Development of Color Scheme, including: Pattern, Texture, Form, Balance, Scale, Repetition and Emphasis,  Room by Room Color Schemes
Space Planning	Planning Interiors	Presenting Space Planning Ideas	Space in the Interior, Heating	Universal Design for Special Needs	Kitchens and Bathrooms
Furniture	Furniture Materials, Metal, Timber, Woodworking Equipment and Processes	Furniture Materials, Plastics, Upholstery	Anthropometrics and Ergonomics	Designing Process – Spontaneous Design	Furniture Procurement, Schedules and Arrangement
Fittings	Accessories and Equipment	Lighting and Lighting Design	Window Treatments
Construction	Foundations and External Walls, Roofs, Floors and Ceilings	Windows and External Doors, Partitions and Stairs	Environmental Services, Structural Materials, Surfaces	Building Surveys and Measured Drawings	Full Set of Construction Documents
Professional Practice	Interior Design Professional Scope	First Requirements	Setting Up Your Own Business	Managing Projects	Exhibitions and Trade Accounts

---

Conclusion

---

And there you have it! I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what interior designers learn in an undergraduate or higher education course. If you’re a designer, I’d love to hear how this compares to your own education. If you’re considering a design education, this information might help you compare courses.

Would you consider studying online? What topics are you curious about? Let me know in the comments!

If you haven’t already, read my first interior design student post: 4 Lessons for Your First Assignment in Interior Design School.

Happy design learning!