What can you do with an interior design degree?

Fri, 15 Aug 20251min read

Interior design is more than just choosing colours or arranging furniture. From beautiful homes to inspiring workspaces and sustainable environments, interior design is about creating spaces that improve people’s lives. But what can you do with an interior design degree after you graduate? Keep reading this blog to find out how you can begin your interior design journey at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre.

What is interior design?

Interior design is the process of designing and decorating interior spaces to make them functional, safe and visually appealing. Whether it’s a home, office, hotel, or shop, interior designers work to transform spaces to meet client needs, often balancing beauty with practicality.

What do interior designers do?

Working in interior design usually means you will be using skills in maths, science and art to create environments that are perfectly lit, create a required aesthetic and fit to the needs of your client.

The responsibilities of an interior designer include:

Understanding a client's needs
Planning and coordinating projects
Concept development
Budgeting and timeline management
Collaborating with other professionals, such as contractors and architects.

Why study interior design?

With a growing focus on creating sustainable, comfortable and stylish spaces, demand for interior designers is increasing. According to the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), new growth areas include co-working spaces, built-to-rent housing and premium residential design.

An interior design degree opens doors to varied career paths. From working in homes and hotels to designing furniture or managing large-scale commercial projects, you’ll develop both creative and technical skills – preparing you for a career that’s as practical as it is creative.

Benefits of studying interior design

Many people find interior design to be a personally rewarding career, as you get to see your ideas brought to life and make a positive difference to people’s lives through the spaces you create. Here are some of the top benefits of studying interior design:

1. Develop problem-solving skills

Studying interior design will build your problem-solving skills to an exceptional level. As you will be working to understand the wants and needs of your clients, you will need to be able to come up with innovative solutions to any issues they may have. Whether this be a change in concept or a budgeting problem, you will have the skills to solve issues quickly, efficiently and often creatively.

2. Gain experience in a variety of industries

You will gain experience working across multiple industries, as interior designers are needed not only in architecture firms but also in areas like retail, furniture design and exhibition spaces.

3. High job security and earning potential

A career in interior design offers good job security and earning potential. The average base salary for an interior designer in the UK is approximately £44,000 per year (Indeed 2025), and this can increase as you gain more experience.

Any company or organisation that creates working, living, shopping or entertainment spaces has a need for interior designers. This high demand for professional interior designers means the industry can offer high job security with the option of working for an agency or self-employment through freelance work.

4. Work internationally

Interior design is a global industry, offering opportunities to work with international clients and companies. You could design luxury hotels, retail spaces, or residential developments in cities around the world.

Working internationally allows you to explore different design styles and cultural influences while building a diverse portfolio. Whether you relocate or work remotely, interior design can lead to exciting global projects and experiences.

What can you do with an interior design degree?

So, what can you do with an interior design degree once you graduate? Here are just some of the exciting options available when you pursue a career in interior design:

Residential Interior Designer: Design beautiful homes and personal spaces for clients, creating interiors that reflect their personalities and preferences.
Commercial Interior Designer: Work on larger projects like offices, hotels, restaurants and retail spaces. You’ll focus on both aesthetics and functionality, creating spaces that look great and work well.
Sustainability Consultant/Green Design Specialist: Help create eco-friendly interiors by using sustainable materials, designing energy-efficient spaces and promoting healthy environments.
Furniture Designer or Product Designer: Design unique furniture pieces or home accessories, blending creativity with practicality to create products people love to use.
Exhibition Designer: Create engaging spaces for museums, galleries, trade shows, and exhibitions, helping to tell stories and showcase products.
Set Designer: Work in TV, film, or theatre, designing sets that bring stories to life on stage and screen.
Interior Design Educator: Share your knowledge by teaching the next generation of interior designers in universities or colleges.
Design Consultant or Project Manager: Oversee entire design projects, managing client relationships, budgets and teams of creative professionals.

Study interior design at the University of Huddersfield

At the University of Huddersfield, you can start your career in interior design with high-quality teaching and industry-focused facilities. The University of Huddersfield is ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK for interior design (Guardian University Guide 2025). You will learn in the modern Barbara Hepworth Building, where you can access specialist facilities such as 3D printers, laser cutters, dedicated studios and industry-standard software.

During your studies, you will be encouraged to take part in workshops, live briefs and international design competitions. You will also have the option to complete a work placement in a professional design practice, helping you gain real-world experience and build your professional portfolio. Recent graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Adam & Eve in London, Google in the US and Studio Tilt in the Netherlands. *

International students can begin their studies at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre. Here you will find the International Foundation Year in Art, Media & Architecture, a preparatory pathway programme designed to prepare you for the first year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Huddersfield. The programme offers excellent academic skills and English language development to prepare you to succeed at the University of Huddersfield. Successfully completing the programme, with the required grades, and submitting your portfolio, allows you to progress to the first year of an interior design degree at the University of Huddersfield.

Find out more about the entry requirements, fees and visa information for the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre.

_{* Source: *}_GEMS

FAQs

Is interior designing a good career?

Yes, interior designing is a brilliant career for creative individuals, offering opportunities in residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors with growing demand worldwide.

What is the importance and scope of interior design?

Interior design improves functionality and aesthetics, creating harmonious spaces, with vast scope in areas such as real estate, retail and luxury living.

Is interior design in high demand in the UK?

Yes, interior design is highly sought-after in the UK, driven by the thriving property market and a growing preference for bespoke, stylish interiors.