There are no set qualifications to become an interior designer, but most have completed an art or design-based higher education course. There are degrees, HNDs and foundation degrees in interior design. Other useful subjects include art and design, fine art, 3-D design and architecture.

Visit the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) website (in Further Information below) for a list of relevant courses. You can also search for colleges and universities offering HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees on Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Entry requirements for courses vary, so you should check with colleges and universities.

For all courses, and jobs, you will need a portfolio of work. You could be accepted on the strength of your portfolio rather than your qualifications.

Unpaid work experience will give you the chance to develop your portfolio, make contacts and impress potential employers. Visit the BIDA website (in Further Information below) for details of some designers offering work placements (mostly around London). You can also find contact details for design companies and agencies from the members’ lists of design organisations such as the Chartered Society of Designers, or from industry directories.

You can develop practical skills by doing qualifications such as the following:

* City and Guilds Certificate Level 1 (77220) and Level 2 (7822) in Design and Craft

* City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate (7922) and Diploma (7923) in Design and Craft

* BTEC National Certificate and Diploma courses in Art and Design

* ABC (Awarding Body Consortium) Diploma in Interior Design.

You can also do short courses in various aspects of interior design, such as upholstery, decorating techniques and Feng Shui, at many colleges. The ABC Level 3 Award in CAD Skills for Interior Design is available at some colleges.

Training

When you are in employment, further training can give you the opportunity to develop your skills and progress in your career. You may be able to do relevant short courses at colleges or with private providers. You could also do postgraduate degrees and diplomas in specialised areas of interior design and related subjects.

It will be useful to join professional bodies such as the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) and the Chartered Society of Designers, as this will give you access to advice, opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD), and industry contacts. See Further Information below for contact details.

Further information

Design Council

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk

Creative and Cultural Skills

11 Southwark Street

London

SE1 1RQ

Helpline: 0800 093 0444

http://www.ccskills.org.uk

Chartered Society of Designers

http://www.csd.org.uk

British Interior Design Association (BIDA)

http://www.bida.org

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