Top Online Interior Design Courses in the UK (2026 Guide)
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 8
Interior design is more than just selecting beautiful finishes. It’s a blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and real-world problem-solving. As the industry evolves, so do the ways designers learn, train, and build their careers.
Online interior design courses have gained popularity in the UK. They offer flexibility, professional development, and access to respected institutions without the need to attend campus. Whether you’re exploring interior design for the first time, considering a career change, or looking to enhance your skills, high-quality online options are now available to suit a variety of goals.
In this blog, I’ve curated a thoughtful selection of the top online interior design courses available in the UK. I’ll highlight who each course is best for and what you can realistically expect. This will help you choose a learning path that aligns with your ambitions, lifestyle, and design aspirations.
Why Choose an Online Interior Design Course?
Online learning allows you to:
Study at your own pace and around work or family life.
Learn from recognised UK institutions without relocating.
Build skills gradually while developing your own design voice.
Start creating a portfolio before committing to a full-time career shift.
Many of my clients and collaborators at Cinnamon Space began their design journeys this way, combining online study with real-world projects.
Professional & Accredited Online Interior Design Courses (UK)
National Design Academy
Best for: Career-focused learners seeking recognised qualifications.
The National Design Academy is one of the UK’s most well-known providers of online interior design education. Their courses range from short professional diplomas to degree-level study, all delivered flexibly online. This route is ideal if you’re looking for structured learning, recognised qualifications, and industry-ready skills.
Falmouth University – Online BA (Hons) Interior Design
Best for: Those seeking a degree-level qualification.
Falmouth University offers a fully online Interior Design degree. It combines creative exploration with technical and professional practice. Expect a strong focus on design thinking, spatial planning, and portfolio development. This option suits students who want academic depth alongside practical skills without attending campus.
The Open College of the Arts
Best for: Creative learners who value flexibility.
The OCA specialises in distance learning and offers foundation and degree pathways in interior design. Courses encourage experimentation, conceptual thinking, and personal style development. This is a good choice if you prefer a creative, reflective learning process rather than rigid frameworks.
Learndirect – Level 3 Diploma
Best for: Quick entry into professional interiors.
This Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma is designed to give you a solid grounding in interior design principles. You’ll learn about colour theory, space planning, client briefs, and professional practice. It’s ideal if you want a recognised qualification in a shorter timeframe.
KLC School of Design – Online Certificate
Best for: Residential interior design and professional practice.
KLC is well-respected in the UK interiors industry. They offer an online certificate focusing on residential design. The course includes practical briefs, CAD introduction, and professional workflows. It’s a strong option for those looking to transition into interior design professionally.
Flexible & Beginner-Friendly Online Courses
The Interior Design Institute
Best for: Flexible, self-paced learning.
This global online diploma programme is popular with beginners and career-changers. It covers the fundamentals of interior design and helps students begin building a portfolio. It’s best suited for conceptual and decorative design learning, rather than technical construction knowledge.
Oxford Home Study Centre
Best for: Exploring interior design before committing.
Oxford Home Study Centre offers free introductory interior design courses, with optional paid certificates. These courses are great for testing the waters and understanding the basics of the discipline.
University of the Arts London – Short Online Courses
Best for: Styling, creativity, and confidence building.
UAL’s short courses focus on styling, visual storytelling, and creative direction. They’re ideal as a supplement to technical courses or for those leaning towards styling rather than full interior architecture.
How to Choose the Right Interior Design Course
Before enrolling, ask yourself:
Do I want a professional qualification or creative enrichment?
Do I need portfolio development as part of the course?
Am I interested in technical design, styling, or both?
How much time can I realistically commit each week?
Interior design is a layered profession. No single course teaches everything. Many designers combine education with hands-on experience over time.
A Final Thought from Cinnamon Space Interiors
Online learning can be an excellent starting point. However, real confidence comes from applying design knowledge to real spaces and real people. If you’re exploring interior design as a career or want professional guidance alongside your studies, our E-Design and mentoring-style consultations can help you bridge the gap between learning and doing.
Design is not just about knowledge — it’s about judgement, empathy, and experience.✨
Canva-Editable Interior Design Portfolio Template for Designers
We are offering a clean, minimal interior design portfolio template created for designers who want to present their work with clarity, confidence, and quiet sophistication.
Designed in Canva and fully editable, this 2026-updated template helps you showcase your projects professionally. Thoughtful layouts, generous white space, and a calm structure ensure your designs remain the focus. This guides clients, tutors, or collaborators effortlessly through your work.
Ideal for interior designers, stylists, and E-Design studios, this template works beautifully for client presentations, portfolio submissions, and digital downloads.
Simple. Timeless. Confident.*Studio Edit: Clean Interior Design Portfolio Template (2026)
Designer on Demand — Cinnamon Space Interiors
Need a second opinion, a fresh perspective, or quick interior advice? Our Designer on Demand service gives you direct access to a professional interior designer for an informal chat, focused guidance, or design problem-solving — without committing to a full project.
Book a chat. Ask a question. Move forward with confidence.
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