Interior design is a creative and practical discipline within the arts. It brings together interior space planning, lighting, color, materials, geometry, furniture design, and architectural features. Designers study and apply these elements to create functional and engaging environments.
For students who want to channel their creativity into this evolving field, we have compiled a selection of European schools offering undergraduate programs in interior design or interior architecture.
Top Interior Design Schools in Europe
1. Kingston University
Kingston University offers an Interior Design BA (Hons) through Kingston School of Art. The studio-based course introduces students to light and color, materials, space, and volume. Projects range from temporary events to the long-term reuse of buildings.
In The Guardian University Guide 2026 interior design league table, Kingston University is ranked 14th with a Guardian score of 82.8. Kingston’s official course page also states that The Complete University Guide 2026 ranks the university in the UK’s Top 10 for Art & Design, a category that includes interior design alongside several other art and design subjects.
Students join a creative community with access to workshops and labs that are open to multiple disciplines. The course also develops professional skills through studio-based projects, digital fabrication, sustainable design, and collaboration with industry.
2. Marbella Design Academy
Marbella Design Academy was founded in 1995. The academy is located in Monda, in Spain’s Málaga province, and is state-recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Its degree programs are validated by the University of Bedfordshire in the UK.
The academy states that it limits student numbers and provides more tutor attention than many universities. Students are encouraged to collaborate and experiment with their designs in small groups or individually. The academy also states that accommodation in Monda is cheaper than accommodation on the coast and that many students live within walking distance of the school.
The Interior Architecture & Design program is a three-year BA (Hons) validated program developed, delivered, and assessed by Marbella Design Academy. Graduates receive a BA (Hons) degree in Interior Architecture & Design awarded by the University of Bedfordshire. The program is taught in English and comprises 360 UK credits, equivalent to 180 ECTS points. The academy currently lists a total annual fee of €15,000, consisting of a €12,000 tuition fee and a €3,000 administration fee.
Marbella Design Academy reports that 89.22% of its graduates from the 2021–2024 cohorts are either employed or pursuing advanced education, such as a master’s degree or a similar qualification.
3. Plymouth College of Art
Arts University Plymouth, formerly known as Plymouth College of Art, received university title in 2022. The institution has a long history of creative education and offers undergraduate programs across art, design, craft, and digital disciplines.
Its BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling course can be completed in three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Students explore residential and commercial spaces, the public realm, and transport. The course emphasizes areas such as color, texture, surface, ambience, materiality, and sustainability.
Students develop the practical and creative skills needed to transform a range of environments. They also gain experience in areas such as styling, visual communication, and the use of materials in interior spaces.
4. University of the Arts London
Chelsea College of Arts, part of University of the Arts London, offers courses in fine art, design, and curating. The college approaches art and design within social, cultural, and political contexts and has a particular interest in the effects of globalization. Its London location gives students opportunities to build networks and test their ideas both on and off campus.
The three-year BA (Hons) Interior Design course aims to define user experiences and interactions with objects and spaces through contemporary scenarios. The program works in partnership with organizations, practices, and key individuals from the design industry. Students undertake multidisciplinary design projects, including furniture, product design, and large-scale proposals for public and private interiors.
The course is professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers, giving it global recognition and connecting graduates with professional standards and ethical expectations in the creative industries.
FAQs about Studying Interior Design
What is the Highest Degree in Interior Design?
A doctorate, such as a PhD or DPhil, is generally the highest academic qualification. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, doctoral qualifications are classified as Level 8. Students interested in advanced research related to interior design may also find doctoral opportunities in design, architecture, the built environment, or related fields. Program titles, research areas, and completion times vary by university and study mode. Feel free to check out our Open Courses Page to learn more about Available Design Courses if you’re looking to study in Europe.
We hope this article on interior design schools in Europe was informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
