BA in Interior Design
Course Overview
Take your first steps to becoming a professional, creative, and competent designer with our comprehensive Diploma course
If you have a desire to enter Interior Design but haven’t had exposure to or enjoyed a related background, then this is the course for you.
Why study Interior Design at Griffith College?
Students in any of our Interior Design courses are immediately engaged with the principles of design; they pursue various communication techniques allowing them to present their work in a clear and confident manner. Created to meet current best practice in industry, modules in branding and visual merchandising complement those of building regulations, health and safety, and furniture and lighting design. Graduates will have the skills to produce creative and technically proficient interior designs, which may be explained digitally, by hand or in three dimensions. Those who complete the two-year diploma are prepared to continue on in their studies or to seek employment in the interior design industry with a view to setting up their own business.
- You will learn to engage with the principles of design; pursuing different communication techniques allowing you to present your work in a clear and confident manner.
- You will develop skills to produce creative and technically proficient interior designs, which may be explained digitally, by hand, or in 3 dimensions.
- You have the option of furthering your studies with direct progression onto Year 3 of our Level 7 Interior Design course.
- The calibre of work produced by the Design Faculty has been recognised numerous times through industry awards and exhibitions.
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
Questions? Have a look at our FAQ section.
Graduate Showcase
Griffith Creative Show 2022
If you would like to attend the 2022 Graduate Showcase, it will be launching on June 9th - more info is available here.
Intake Dates
The next intake for this course will be:
- September*
*subject to sufficient numbers
Are you applying through the CAO?
Read our CAO Guide for everything you need to know about applying through the CAO!
What our students say
"Studying the Diploma in Interior Design at Griffith College gave me the confidence to take my talents as a designer, and translate them into a successful business."
Diploma in Interior Design, Winner of the Dublin City Female Entrepreneur Award 2011
“I always had great interest in design but didn’t know where to start. After a lot of research, I chose the Interior Architecture course at Griffith. The course covered a huge amount of topics and prepared us well for what to expect in the industry. The faculty also provided great support and encouraged us to submit projects for recognised awards which helped in advancing my career. After completing the 3 years, I secured a full-time job as an interior architect. Looking back I'm really glad I did this course and would highly recommend it.”
BA Interior Design & Architecture, 2017 IDI Ove Arup Award Winner
Course Details
Year One
Learners assemble relevant information and research to assist in idea generation in order to develop and create original images and to observe, record and respond, exploring a wide range of art and design practices. Learners learn to apply visual methods, communicate ideas via freehand drawing, technical drawing and graphics arts and identify primary and secondary visual research methodologies.
Learners observe, record and analyse the physical environment, visually explaining concepts, ideas and three-dimensional space through sketching and applying sketching as a tool in the design process.
Learners use computers to create and manage files and system commands, storing and retrieving files, activating programs, using system utilities. Learners use image manipulation to enhance their design skills using vector-based graphics applications and composite layered image-making.
Learners use specific design terminology in relation to design principles and their application, using conceptual themes in the creation and use of shapes and volumes. Learners use academic referencing to support and communicate their research work.
Learners get to understand the importance of contextual references, to solve problems by applying knowledge and experience, to be able to initiate research and independently select media and to present a final major project and portfolio of work.
Learners draw/trace and colour optical illusions, simple sketches using grid paper, render sketches with pencils and/or felt markers as a means of enhancing sketches, to use one, two and three-point perspective to sketch room interiors adding colour, draw/trace orthographic views of simple models on grid paper, complete orthographic views from 3D sketches and trace/redraw isometric views on grid paper by interpreting 2D drawings.
Learners use image manipulation to enhance their design skills using vector-based graphics applications and composite layered image-making. The module also integrates the graphic image with page layout and designing visual documents for web and print.
The aim of the module is to enable learners to compare and contrast different historical periods and styles in art and design and understand their evolution through time. This subject area will also develop the learner’s skills in visual analysis that will be required in other modules in the programme. The objectives are to introduce learners to key historical styles and periods in European art and design from Neoclassicism (c.1790) up to early Modernism (c.1914). Time will also be dedicated to academic referencing and essay research.
Year Two
This module enables learners to apply their learning to Interior Spatial Projects. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip them with creative design solution skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in two (2) projects.
This module advances the learners’ skills in Bitmap and Vector Graphics applications such as Adobe Illustrator. The learners are also taught how to combine work in 2D, 3D and Photoshop to illustrate designs on graphic layouts.
This module presents two-dimensional drawings using pencil and ink, architectural drawings, axonometric drawing, written script by hand and an appreciation of graphic layout that supports the correct intent of relevant documentation.
This module enables the learners to identify and evaluate the key stylistic periods of interior design from ancient to modern times and decoration periods on contemporary practice.
This module covers the role and application of ergonomics in the design of interiors and basic knowledge of the different elements of a building acting as an interrelated system.
This module enables learners to apply their learning to Interior Spatial Projects. Learners will develop and design two projects, which will equip learners with creative design solutions skills by formulating a problem-solving approach and presentation skills to successfully represent their vision. The module content is implemented in two (2) projects.
This module teaches the learner to creatively apply the architectural 2D drawing tool, AutoCAD. They will learn how to set up projects, drawings sheets and draw plans, sections, elevations and detailing.
This module addresses the requirements of the Technical Guidance Documents Part B, K and M in the design of interiors, the basic legal responsibilities of a designer of interiors and Designer Risk Assessments when completing Interior Design projects.
This module covers traditional and modern elements of building construction, provides detailed knowledge of materials and finishes used in designing Interiors, furniture and fittings and ethical, social and community implications in sustainable, responsible and inclusive design in construction.
This module provides a common core of design culture and theory taken by all learners on the design undergraduate programmes. While the learning outcomes are the same no matter which of the programmes you are following, your output from this module will reflect the media and approaches of your chosen programme. This module brings together students from all undergraduate programmes to give you the opportunity to engage in analysis of your own and others’ ideas in a challenging and creative environment. Learners will be introduced to the ways in which the contemporary design context and theory inform design practice. It will introduce them to ways in which designers engage with ideas, encourage the learner to explore your own work through critical reflection on the debates and practices of design and see the applicability of these to your own discipline. You will explore the significance of context in relation to the movements after Modernism and appraise different contributions to modern architecture and design. The module prepares learners critically and theoretically for the thesis in the final year of their honour degree.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
There is NO portfolio requirement for this course.
English language
Applicants from countries where English is not the first language will also be required to provide evidence of sufficient English language abilities.
In response to the worldwide closure of English Language Test Centres arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. This is a temporary measure for our intakes up to and including September 2022. Please see here for further details.
For more information on any of the above, please contact [email protected].
How to Apply
CAO Applicants / Applicants under 23 years of age:
Applicants under 23 years old on the 1st January the year the course begins must submit a copy of their Leaving Certificate results. Candidates will need to have obtained a minimum of two subjects at grade H5 and four subjects at grade O6/H7. These results must include a language (English or Irish) and either Maths or Art.
Candidates with equivalent grades from FETAC colleges and those holding awards including BTEC qualifications will also be considered.
Applicants under 23 years of age on 1st January the year the course begins must apply through the CAO system. Please consult the CAO website for details on key dates for applications.
CAO course code: GC490
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
Applicants who are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January the year the course begins are considered mature learners and will be asked to submit a copy of their ID (passport or driving license) only.
Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passports.
Advanced Entry
Applicants with a Level 6 qualification in a related discipline may be eligible for advanced entry onto this course. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant transcripts and a portfolio of work in support of their application. Pending the strength of the portfolio, candidates may be eligible for entry onto year 2 or year 3 of this programme.
All candidates with a Level 6 qualification, regardless of age, will need to apply directly here.
*Please note, advanced entry applications are assessed on a case by case basis and offers are made at the discretion of the faculty.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Tuition Fees
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
EUR 6,450.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin
EUR 3,750.00
General Fee Information
A Registration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
General Fee Information
A Registration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
Progression
Academic Progression
This Diploma is validated by Griffith College Dublin and is recognised by the Institute of Designers in Ireland (the IDI). After successfully completing the diploma, you may apply for Associate Membership. All individual modules on the programme are also individually certified by QQI.
Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College. We offer a number of options including:
Progress onto Year 3 of our BA in Interior Design or Year 2 of the BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture
You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.
Career Progression
Our graduates 'think outside the box', pursuing careers in a wide variety of design fields such as TV programmes on interior design, display design, design management, textiles, set design, interior styling, domestic design, draughtsperson, and interior decorating.
Through the Diploma in Interior Design, you will have gained valuable design experience, built a strong foundation of creativity, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Interior Decorator
- Interior Stylist assistant
- Residential Interior Consultant
- House Showroom Consultant
- Retail Store Consultant
- Film and Set Consultant
- Display Consultant
- Draughtsperson
