HE Diploma in Applied Interior Design - Part Time

Interior Design

Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design - Part Time

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Award: Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design
Duration: 2 academic years, part time (September 2025)
School: KLC School of Design
Campus: London
Scholarships and bursaries: See available funding

Our part-time Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design is a unique and specialised vocational higher education qualification designed to make its students highly employable industry-ready Interior Designers.

This highly intensive two-year, part-time course is packed with extensive practical study time, constant direction from tutors, and input from industry experts while offering flexible study alongside work or family commitments.

Favoured by career changers, this rigorous programme, covering residential, commercial and hospitality design, equips students with the array of creative, professional and technical skills to gain employment in the interior design industry with leading practices.

Why study Interior Design at West Dean

  • Professionally recognised course (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education QAA)
  • Explore residential, commercial and hospitality design through live projects with unprecedented access to design companies and professionals throughout the year
  • Get involved in projects involving charities, local communities and commercial organisations. Previous collaborations have included Tom Faulkner, Chesneys and the Royal Hospital of Neuro-disability, Neuro Kinetix, Imperial NHS Trust, and many more
  • Access to career advice and graduate job board

Course structure

Course features

The course is structured around the development of knowledge and skills across the different domains that inform interior design practice. These include:

Design

The development and awareness of the design process, evaluation of design precedents and developing design solutions related to a brief

Technical Studies

The ability to apply technical/construction solutions to design problems, using industry standards in the production of design & construction information

Professional Practice

The awareness of the professional, legal and ethical issues associated with the subject. The ability to interpret and produce professional documentation related to a project and preparing for employment

Communication Practice

The development of the skills associated with different forms of communication, including visual, technical and professional communications, using industry standard software and techniques. The ability to moderate forms of communication to appropriate audiences.

Contextual Studies

An awareness of the historical, social and political issues that inform design solutions. The ability to undertake research and form critical positions based on research and analysis.

 

The curriculum combines group and individual tutorials to support the development of knowledge and skill in the different domains, along with seminars, practical workshops, peer reviews and presentations.

Throughout the year, projects become more complex, challenging students toward more and more integration of knowledge and skill across the domains.

During and after the course, students will have opportunities for industry mentoring and placements to further give context to the relationship between study and the realities of the industry.

Throughout the course, students are supported by our teaching team, visiting tutors, and industry representatives.

Upon completion of the Diploma of Higher Education, students are eligible to be considered for progression to the final year of the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme.

Course units

Design

  • Design Process
  • Concept Development
  • Design Analysis
  • Taking the Brief
  • Sourcing
  • Planning & Ergonomics
  • Accessories
  • Colour
  • Residential Design
  • Introduction to Lighting Design
  • Spatial Planning
  • Lighting Design
  • Furniture & Joinery
  • Surfaces, Textiles and Patterns

Contextual Studies

  • History of Interior Design
  • Evolution of Styles
  • Contextual Influences
  • Theories of Architecture and Interiors
  • Research Methods
  • Critical Thinking
  • Introduction to Academic Writing & Critical Writing

Technical Studies

  • Structural Principles
  • Construction Processes & Principles
  • Construction Information
  • Materials & Processes
  • Building Services
  • Technical Design
  • Sustainability & Supply Chains
  • Textiles & Upholstery

Communication Practice

  • Technical Drawing
  • Sketching & Observational Drawing
  • Concept Boards & Mood Boards
  • CAD, 3D Modelling & Visualisation
  • Perspective Drawing
  • Rendering | Modelmaking
  • Verbal Presentation Techniques
  • Client Communications
  • Contractor Communications
  • Project Management Documentation

Professional Practice

  • Estimating Process & Software
  • Specifications & Schedules
  • Budgeting & Costings
  • Time Management
  • Project Management
  • Building & Planning Regulations
  • Roles & Responsibilities in Practice
  • Tender Process & Documentation
  • Specifications & Schedules of Work
  • Personal Professional Development & Career Planning

Teaching & Learning

Two days per week of directed study. Additionally, a minimum of 12 hours of study outside of directed study times.

Assessment

Design

Portfolio

40 credits

Contextual Studies

Essay

20 credits

Technical Studies

Report

20 credits

Communications Practice

Portfolio

20 credits

Professional Practice

Report

20 credits

 

Course Specification

Course Specification

Student gallery

    •

    Live and breathe interior design with our Diploma HE qualification course. Validated by the University of Sussex and entirely career-focused, this inspirational and engaging course will open your eyes to the amazing possibilities of design

    Live and breathe interior design with our Diploma HE qualification course. Validated by the University of Sussex and entirely career-focused, this inspirational and engaging course will open your eyes to the amazing possibilities of design

    Live and breathe interior design with our Diploma HE qualification course. Validated by the University of Sussex and entirely career-focused, this inspirational and engaging course will open your eyes to the amazing possibilities of design

    Facilities

    Diploma Interior Design students have access to professional studio space with plenty of natural light, state of the art IT suite with digital editing software including Sketch-Up, Library, Refreshment area and food shop, collaborative work spaces and common rooms

    IT Suite at West Dean London Campus

    IT Suite

    West Dean London Campus

    London campus

    KLC School of Design at West Dean

    KLC School of Design

    Our KLC School of Design offers industry-leading interior design degrees and garden design courses with unrivalled teaching, flexible learning and ongoing career support

    KLC School of Design

    Work placements & careers

    Our extensive links with designers, suppliers, manufacturers, specialists and professionals within the interior design and garden design industries allow us to offer our students unmatched opportunities to work on live design projects, placements and employment opportunities.

    As part of our commitment to offering industry-ready qualifications, our students are offered guidance on CV preparation, portfolio presentation, professional practice and upon graduation; our careers service also helps graduates find internships, job placements, and freelance appointments through out Alumni Careers Newsletter. 

    Read more

    Stories & news

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    Interior Design students outside West Dean house
    Interior Design 10th March 2025

    Interior Design students experience the heritage of West Dean’s Sussex Campus

    Over the course of two inspiring days, Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design - Part Time students from our London campus had the opportunity to explore the West Dean Estate at our Sussex campus, gaining valuable insight into the spaces they’ll be designing for their final projects. The commercial project focuses on the Old Biomass Building, transforming it into a craft shop and visitor ce...

    Find out more
    Interior Design 25th November 2024

    Life after graduation: Interior Design with Rebecca Leivars

    - By Diploma HE Applied Interior Design graduate, Rebecca Leivars

     

    I am the Founder and Creative Director of LEIVARS Interiors Studio, I started the studio in 2007 following my one year Diploma in Interior Design course at KLC School of Design in 2006/2007. Prior to this I was in HR Management, a role that I left as I wanted to do something that I was passionate a...

    Find out more
    Commercial design
    Interior Design 18th November 2024

    Interior Design: work placement experience

    - By diploma interior design student, Mira Kjöller

     

    My name is Mira, and last year, I decided to finally pursue my dream of becoming an interior designer. After completing my BA in International Communication Management and working in marketing for several years, I realized that interior design was my true passion.

    I first heard about KLC Schoo...

    Find out more
    Interior Design 28th July 2022

    Afrocentric Interior Design

    by Bolanle Akindayomi

    I live in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, and I get a lot of clients that request an African/contemporary fusion that fits their lifestyles; this is right up my alley because I am directly influenced by my environment.

    It is advisable to begin with a clear vision of where each piece would be represented, and this is where a mood board can be useful. You d...

    Find out more
    Interior Design 26th July 2022

    Scholarship Graduate Experience

    KLC's recent United in Design Scholarship graduate shares her thoughts, experiences and advice from studying on KLC's Certificate Residential Interior Design.

    Find out more

    Entry requirements

    The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

    Previous degree (in any subject)

    • No previous art and design experience is required
    • We can also accept applications from mature students who do not hold the above qualifications but have achieved sufficient prior learning experience. In this instance, the School will review any short courses, internships or work experience undertaken

    English Language Requirements

    • Good command of written and spoken English is required for all applicants
    • If you reside in the UK, but English is not your first language, you may be asked to undertake an approved English language test
    • Applicants applying from outside the UK requiring a student visa must complete a UKVI approved English test, also known as Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read more about the test requirements on the Gov.uk website.

    Fees & funding

    2025/26 Course Fees - UK & International Students

    • £23,400

    We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.

    Funding
    You may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan to cover course fees and/or maintenance; more information can be found on the Government Student Finance website.
    Scholarships and Bursaries are also available based on individual need.

    Scholarships & Bursaries

    How to apply

    Entry onto this course is by interview only. Applications for this course can be made by submitting a completed application form and emailing it to: [email protected].

    All accredited courses require a portfolio or ‘creative project exercise’ if shortlisted for interview. 
    Computer-aided design is a vital part of this course; therefore, applicants must be computer literate and able to confidently use their personal laptop.

    How to create a portfolio

    Do you need help creating a portfolio to apply for one of our Interior Design courses? Read our portfolio advice to learn about the general requirements, what we look for in a good portfolio, and what it should reflect.

    Apply Now

    Related courses

    Our full-time Diploma of Higher Education in Applied Interior Design is a specialised vocational qualification designed to make its students highly employable and industry-ready interior designers in just one year.

    Diploma HE in Applied Interior Design - Full Time

    Ask a question

    Need more information? Have a question? Speak to our course advisors

    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: +44 01243 818 300 and select option 1 

    Send an Enquiry
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    Tutors

    Ruth Casserly

    Course Leader - Diploma HE Applied Interior Design

    Ruth is a former Diploma graduate of KLC School Design herself, with good knowledge and experience in the Interior Design Industry along with a strong track record of success in multiple industry sectors. Ruth serves on the Equality Diversity and Inclusivity Working Group and is passionate about working supportively with students and staff.

     

    Carly McGlynn BA (Hons)

    Course Manager - Diploma HE Applied Interior Design

    Carly studied Photography (BA Hons) at the Manchester School of Art. Upon graduating she freelanced at several photography studios. After moving to London in 2014, she worked for a Health and Fitness website, before joining West Dean in 2018.

    Gerard Puxhe DipHE

    Gerard Puxhe is an international award-winning Spanish British multi-disciplinary designer. He's also a researcher, lecturer and senior subject tutor at the KLC School of Design.

    Nikoleta Ostreva BA (Hons)

    Nikoleta is a qualified interior designer with experience working on residential and commercial projects. She holds a degree from Kingston University, London, and has received an award for sustainable design given by a leading architectural practice – Morrison Design Partnership.

    Francesco Savini BA (Hons) MA

    Italian designer and architect Francesco Savini come from the School of Architecture of I-U-A-V in Venice. The influences of classicism and from arts reflects in all the work produced in his career.