How Will You Study Online?

Studying with NDA

Established for over 35 years, NDA are the pioneers of delivering online interior design qualifications. We are passionate about providing education that is flexible enough to fit the needs of today’s world. Allowing people to gain a qualification without having to disrupt their current work or lifestyle commitments.

Established for over 35 years, NDA are the pioneers of delivering online interior design qualifications. 

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How Will You Study Online?

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Responsive Learning, Designed For You.

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

Offering a fully responsive learning experience our course content can be opened, studied and enjoyed on any device, from anywhere in the world.

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Virtual Learning Studio

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

How do you learn online, you ask? It’s simple: introducing our Virtual Learning Studio, or VLS for short. The VLS is our exclusive, online resource which replaces the normal lectures given in Colleges and Universities. 

Students can rewind and re-watch until they are sure they have understood. No frantic note taking and no missing an important lecture! Study when and where it suits you!

Studying with Us

Personal Tutors

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

Every National Design Academy student has a Personal Tutor to guide them through their qualification.

You have unlimited access to your tutor and can contact them by email, telephone, Zoom, Skype or in-person as often as you wish.

Meet Our Tutors

Student Support Team

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

We also have a dedicated Student Support and Administration Team to help deal with any other queries such as payments, student loans advice and anything else you may need a helping hand with.

Our Student Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17:00 (UK Time).

Contact Support

Group Tutorials

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

All delivered online via zoom, join NDA tutors and like-minded peers to discuss interior design topics, course content and gain valuable live feedback.

As a Diploma level student, you will be invited to course introduction sessions and also receive advice on how to progress once you complete your course.

As a Degree level student, you are offered a group tutorial for each module of your course.

Open design discussion groups are also arranged and posted regularly on the VLS.

Online Forums

Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

Once you enrol, you will also have the opportunity to join our dedicated NDA Facebook discussion group. Student cohorts will often set up their own Whatsapp chat groups to communicate also.

Students enjoy discussing their design projects, encouraging others and offering advice, as well as sharing work and offering top tips for approaching units.

Interior Design Taught Online?

Interior Design is in essence a very practical subject, however our ten step plan makes studying online easy!

01 - Login To Your VLS
Once you have completed your enrolment, you will be contacted by our student services team and provided with unique logins for your VLS home page. Your personal tutor will also contact you to introduce themselves closer to your chosen course start date.
Before you can begin your studies, you will be asked to read and fully understand the ‘Student Handbook’ and view the two videos available; an introduction to your chosen course and also a virtual tour of the VLS itself and how you will use it.
Once you have confirmed your induction, the first module of the online course content will then be released and available for you to view on your VLS home page.
You can now view your personal submission deadline and how many days you have to complete your current module. You can also track your progress throughout your study.
Students can read through the online course content at their own pace, using any device, from anywhere. There is also a recommended reading list and links to any relevant VLS resources for each course module.
Each module may include formative tasks and assignments to complete, alongside handy knowledge checkers, to help develop the requisite skills and knowledge needed before you can progress.
The resources section on the VLS provides a wealth of additional content to supplement your learning on new skills, terminology and helpful tips and tricks. If you would like to request a tutorial with your tutor, please email your assigned tutor to arrange. This is expected at BA and MA level and is sometimes arranged for Diploma level courses.
This is a feature that Bachelor’s and Master’s students can make use of. Uploading at the halfway mark gives you the opportunity to gain informal feedback from your tutor to ensure you are on the right track.
Once all module sections have been viewed and all assignment tasks are complete, the student will then be prompted to upload their work. All students have a due date to upload by per module or unit.
Each submission will be reviewed by your tutor and they will supply detailed written feedback against the learning outcomes, highlighting your strengths and areas for development.

Please Note:You will not have to take an exam! Your personal tutor will assess your assignments as you submit them throughout the course and your portfolio may be moderated by an external examiner.

Study Alongside Your Peers

We understand that for many students, studying alongside likeminded design enthusiasts is an essential part of the learning experience. At NDA we provide both in-studio and zoom Diploma study options. Three of our four online short courses are also delivered online via zoom. 

Online
Short Courses

Our Software (CAD), Exterior Design and AI for Interior Design courses are delivered via Zoom. Study in conjunction with your Diploma to enhance your skills and expand the design services you offer.
Find Out More

In-Studio
Diplomas

Diploma students can accelerate their learning by opting for in-studio sessions alongside their home study. Attend our design studios in Nottingham, UK or Knowledge Park, Dubai.
Find Out More

Online Fast-Track
Diplomas

For Diploma students who want all the benefits of online learning, but are looking for more structure and live interaction with tutors and peers, the ‘Online Fast-Track’ course offers an ideal mix.
Find Out More

Get Equipped

To complete your NDA course, you’ll need access to the right tools – and we’ve got you covered!

Be sure to read our full Equipment & Resources page before you apply. All essential and recommended equipment is availabe to buy from the NDA Art Shop at exclusive student prices!

Equipment & Resources
Shop Now
Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

University Degree Student Entitlements

Thanks to our partnership with De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), even though you will be studying online, all of our degree students are also entitled to benefits such as NUS Cards, free access to AutoCAD software and also use of the DMU library services and any other library under the SCONUL access scheme, either by post or online.

Our Partners
Fully Accredited | Interior Design Diploma | Online and In-Studio | National Design Academy

Student Success Stories

Hear what our amazing students have to say about how they have succeeded within the industry once completing their online interior design courses with the National Design Academy.

I chose the National Design Academy because it offered the perfect blend of professional flexibility and academic depth.
I completed my course in early October and I'm now expanding my professional network as I grow Fabian Interiors — a brand dedicated to creating timeless, nature-inspired interiors.
Samantha Fabian
Samantha Fabian
Founded her own business creating nature-inspired interiors

View Full Student Spotlight
Post degree things have been quite crazy for me in terms of work, both residential and commercial...
In terms of the future for me, I feel incredibly excited, I feel empowered by the course and in a position where I can take on most design jobs an imprint on the world!
Jake Henry
Jake Henry
From professional rugby player to professional interior designer

View Full Student Spotlight
With the course being online, it was really convenient, as I could fit the course around my children and family life.....
Since completing my Diploma last year, I set up my own online furniture shop and this year I have started an interior design service in and around Norfolk.
Student
Laura Ruddy
Set up her own interior design & online furniture business

View Full Student Spotlight
I applied to the NDA to make me a better all-round designer and to enable me to broaden my professional capabilities in the world of interior design.
Since finishing my degree, I have moved to an incredible design company, who offer both interior design and commercial kitchen design. At ABDA, I get to combine my 11 years of commercial kitchen design with my new interior design skillset.
Kate Nuttall
Kate Nuttall
From Apprentice to Master

View Full Student Spotlight
I’m going to be using the NDA progression scholarship to progress onto the MA interior design master's degree and the professional garden design diploma – at the same time!
I’m also going to start looking for a job where I can work on real projects for real clients.
Rand Jasim
Rand Jasim
Progressed from Diploma to Bachelor's and now to Master's Degree

View Full Student Spotlight
I enjoyed the course and it was ideal for my needs of working during the day and studying in the evenings and on the weekends.
I have slowly incorporated my new skillset into my decorating business. I now have a client that is ready for a new dining room design. I cannot wait to start this journey into an industry I’m very passionate about!
Ashley Dawkins
Ashley Dawkins
Added an interior design service to his existing business offering

View Full Student Spotlight
Since finishing my course, I’ve started a design studio called ‘Luxurious Designs’, based in Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, I will focus more on contemporary and luxury design.
I would actually like to develop a new design type, like a modern Islamic and Contemporary Arabian style, also we have a plan to expand to Dubai.
Ibrahim Mohamad Aljasem
Ibrahim Mohamad Aljasem
Started his own design studio in Saudi Arabia

View Full Student Spotlight
I was looking at universities from all over the world and actually, the National Design Academy seemed to be the most professional one.
Studying with the NDA definitely enabled me to work in this particular area. I think it is a unique challenge for a retail designer to create an environment that really expresses a brand, the core of a brand.
Online BA (Hons) Retail Design Bachelor's Degree - National Design Academy
Barbara Seidelmann
Managing Director of 5 Star Plus Retail Design

View Full Student Spotlight
Following the completion of my bachelor's degree, I started to take full design projects working with contractors, from the initial stages of the project, working in every detail until the final stage. My aspiration is to step out of my comfort zone and start taking on bigger commercial and retail projects.
Azza Refaat
Azza Refaat
Now has a thriving interior design practice

View Full Student Spotlight
Now that I’ve finished my course, I’m focusing on integrating interior design into Cooper8 Ltd to offer a full and comprehensive hospitality package. My goal is to design not only efficient space layouts and commercial kitchens, but also beautiful interiors that enhance the overall experience.
Giorgia Lacey-Colley
Giorgia Lacey-Colley
Added an interior design provision to her existing business

View Full Student Spotlight
The reason why I decided to study interior design with the National Design Academy was to learn the professional skills so I could take up projects for clients, not just friends and family.
After I finished my course I started hiring to help me grow my existing business, Kad Design Studio. I now have a team of an Architect, Interior Designer and a Site Engineer.
Kadambari Uppal
Kadambari Uppal
Learned the professional skills to grow her existing interior design business

View Full Student Spotlight
I found the course to be very good if you want to kick-start your career in interior design. The VLS is easy to use and navigate around, which is helpful when studying fully remote.
I’m continuing my studies with the National Design Academy onto the online BA (Hons) Interior Design Degree, so I can shape my future for a better one.
Daniel Stasac
Daniel Stasac
Progressing onto an online bachelor's degree with the NDA

View Full Student Spotlight
I chose the National Design Academy because it offered the perfect blend of professional flexibility and academic depth.
I completed my course in early October and I'm now expanding my professional network as I grow Fabian Interiors — a brand dedicated to creating timeless, nature-inspired interiors.
Samantha Fabian
Samantha Fabian
Founded her own business creating nature-inspired interiors

View Full Student Spotlight
Post degree things have been quite crazy for me in terms of work, both residential and commercial...
In terms of the future for me, I feel incredibly excited, I feel empowered by the course and in a position where I can take on most design jobs an imprint on the world!
Jake Henry
Jake Henry
From professional rugby player to professional interior designer

View Full Student Spotlight
With the course being online, it was really convenient, as I could fit the course around my children and family life.....
Since completing my Diploma last year, I set up my own online furniture shop and this year I have started an interior design service in and around Norfolk.
Student
Laura Ruddy
Set up her own interior design & online furniture business

View Full Student Spotlight
I applied to the NDA to make me a better all-round designer and to enable me to broaden my professional capabilities in the world of interior design.
Since finishing my degree, I have moved to an incredible design company, who offer both interior design and commercial kitchen design. At ABDA, I get to combine my 11 years of commercial kitchen design with my new interior design skillset.
Kate Nuttall
Kate Nuttall
From Apprentice to Master

View Full Student Spotlight
I’m going to be using the NDA progression scholarship to progress onto the MA interior design master's degree and the professional garden design diploma – at the same time!
I’m also going to start looking for a job where I can work on real projects for real clients.
Rand Jasim
Rand Jasim
Progressed from Diploma to Bachelor's and now to Master's Degree

View Full Student Spotlight
I enjoyed the course and it was ideal for my needs of working during the day and studying in the evenings and on the weekends.
I have slowly incorporated my new skillset into my decorating business. I now have a client that is ready for a new dining room design. I cannot wait to start this journey into an industry I’m very passionate about!
Ashley Dawkins
Ashley Dawkins
Added an interior design service to his existing business offering

View Full Student Spotlight
Since finishing my course, I’ve started a design studio called ‘Luxurious Designs’, based in Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, I will focus more on contemporary and luxury design.
I would actually like to develop a new design type, like a modern Islamic and Contemporary Arabian style, also we have a plan to expand to Dubai.
Ibrahim Mohamad Aljasem
Ibrahim Mohamad Aljasem
Started his own design studio in Saudi Arabia

View Full Student Spotlight
I was looking at universities from all over the world and actually, the National Design Academy seemed to be the most professional one.
Studying with the NDA definitely enabled me to work in this particular area. I think it is a unique challenge for a retail designer to create an environment that really expresses a brand, the core of a brand.
Online BA (Hons) Retail Design Bachelor's Degree - National Design Academy
Barbara Seidelmann
Managing Director of 5 Star Plus Retail Design

View Full Student Spotlight
Following the completion of my bachelor's degree, I started to take full design projects working with contractors, from the initial stages of the project, working in every detail until the final stage. My aspiration is to step out of my comfort zone and start taking on bigger commercial and retail projects.
Azza Refaat
Azza Refaat
Now has a thriving interior design practice

View Full Student Spotlight
Now that I’ve finished my course, I’m focusing on integrating interior design into Cooper8 Ltd to offer a full and comprehensive hospitality package. My goal is to design not only efficient space layouts and commercial kitchens, but also beautiful interiors that enhance the overall experience.
Giorgia Lacey-Colley
Giorgia Lacey-Colley
Added an interior design provision to her existing business

View Full Student Spotlight
The reason why I decided to study interior design with the National Design Academy was to learn the professional skills so I could take up projects for clients, not just friends and family.
After I finished my course I started hiring to help me grow my existing business, Kad Design Studio. I now have a team of an Architect, Interior Designer and a Site Engineer.
Kadambari Uppal
Kadambari Uppal
Learned the professional skills to grow her existing interior design business

View Full Student Spotlight
I found the course to be very good if you want to kick-start your career in interior design. The VLS is easy to use and navigate around, which is helpful when studying fully remote.
I’m continuing my studies with the National Design Academy onto the online BA (Hons) Interior Design Degree, so I can shape my future for a better one.
Daniel Stasac
Daniel Stasac
Progressing onto an online bachelor's degree with the NDA

View Full Student Spotlight

What is UK Government Funding?

UK students pay approximately 50% of the full course fee – the balance is funded by the UK Government’s Adult education budget (AEB).

The National Design Academy is the only design school to be able to offer this funding as our Diplomas are all fully accredited by AIM Qualifications.